“On the Covid, we have spectacular results: we destroy it by simple contact. “Vincent Gaston, CEO of Airxôm, does not go back to four ways to praise his revolutionary product. Present at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) which takes place from January 5 to 8 in Las Vegas, and worn by Business France, the Lyon start-up is unveiling its respiratory protection mask capable of destroying all viruses, even the Covid. “I do not know how long we will keep our advantage, we are seriously monitoring, but we are the only ones who claim to offer total protection”, explains Vincent Gaston to 20 minutes, a little worried all the same in front of potential competitors …
Originally thought to protect his son
“The project for this mask began before the Covid-19”, assures Vincent Gaston. In fact, the idea for this mask was started by his son, Matthew. Suffering from cystic fibrosis, this adventurer was looking for a solution to run around the world without having to worry about his respiratory problems, even in very polluted urban environments.
After the death of Matthieu in 2016, his father Vincent decided to take over the mask project with Franck Glaizal, CEO of Airxôm. The company, which works on photo catalysis for the treatment of air and the destruction of volatile organic compounds, has joined forces with the INSA engineering school in Lyon. Goal: reduce what is called “pressure drop” and assemble filters while preserving breathability.
On arrival, the mask presented by Airxôm at CES is much more bulky than a classic protective mask as we all wear. It is also heavier: 130 grams. Its design was carried out by a person specializing in the design of masks for aeronautics.
LEDs, filters and sealing
“I cannot say much about the techno that we use, we are in the process of filing a patent,” insists Vincent Gaston. Still, the Airxôm mask is powered by an external battery. This dispenses the energy to light the LED bulb inside the mask. The bulb emits UV-A with decontaminating properties already used by hospitals. Added to this is a system of filters kept secret, but also the fact that the mask is waterproof to 99.9%. Hear that once on the muzzle, you will not have a chance to breathe air that has not been completely purified.
“We originally focused on pollution. We knew we had favorable results on viruses and bacteria, but today we can say laboratory test support that our results are final against viruses.
Laboratories to certify results
Thus, the Airxôm mask would destroy the SARS-CoV-2 viruses (those of Covid) by almost 100%. Airxôm claims to have worked with INSERM (the National Institute of Health and Medical Research), but also the VirNext laboratories (for research in infectious diseases), Conidair (air quality analysis), and to have tested his mask with the National Metrology and Testing Laboratory (LNE). Serious. All the more serious as Vincent Gaston and Franck Glaizal believe they have pushed the sliders far enough to become a benchmark. “We will probably be at the origin of an AFNOR standard”, enthuses the first.
In the meantime, production of the Airxôm mask should start in February, with first deliveries in March. “The medical staff will be our first target. And the mask will then be primarily dedicated to people who need it, those who suffer from respiratory pathologies or frequent places at risk, ”explains Vincent Gaston. Who also thinks of athletes in hyper-ventilation in an urban environment with a very degraded atmosphere.
The general public will also be entitled to it. But at 300 euros, Airxôm’s full mask will remain inaccessible to most. Unless he obtains a medical certification, as his designers hope, and that he is thus partially reimbursed.