Apple develops special face masks for employees

The mask has a unique look with wide coverings at the top and bottom for the wearer's nose and chin.

The ClearMask is the first FDA-approved surgical mask that is completely transparent, Apple employees told
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Apple Inc. has developed masks that the company is starting to distribute to corporate and retail employees to limit the spread of Covid-19.

The Apple Face Mask is the first mask created in-house by the tech giant from Cupertino, California for its staff. The other, called ClearMask, was bought elsewhere. Apple had previously made a different visor for healthcare professionals and distributed millions of other masks in the healthcare industry.

Apple told staff that the face mask was developed by the engineering and industrial design teams, the same groups that work on devices like the iPhone and iPad. It is composed of three layers to filter the particles in and out. It can be washed and reused up to five times, the company told employees.

In typical Apple style, the mask has a unique look with wide linings at the top and bottom for the wearer's nose and chin. It also has adjustable strings to fit a person's ears.

The company, which confirmed the news, said it had conducted careful research and testing to find the right materials to properly filter the air without interrupting the supply of medical personal protective equipment. Apple will begin shipping the Apple Facemask to staff in the next two weeks.

The other model, the ClearMask, is the first FDA-cleared surgical mask that is completely transparent, Apple told employees. Show the entire face so that deaf or hard of hearing people can better understand what the wearer is saying.

Apple partnered with Gallaudet University in Washington, which specializes in educating deaf and hard of hearing students, to choose which transparent mask to use. The company also tested it with employees at three Apple stores. Apple is also exploring its own transparent mask options.

Before designing their own masks, Apple provided employees with standard cloth masks. It also offers basic surgical masks to customers who visit its retail stores.