As countries around the world grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto-based VYZR Technologies has released an innovative type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that shields the wearer’s face and filters their air.
“We’re in the grips of a fiery debate over whether COVID-19 is transmitted only by large droplets, or through airborne aerosols as well,” says Yezin Al-Qaysi, a Co-Founder at VYZR Technologies. “Until a scientific consensus crystallizes, we’ll need Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that can effectively prevent airborne transmission of COVID-19. That’s why we made the BioVYZR.”
With its space-age aesthetic, the BioVYZR 1.0 is a stark departure from other types of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR), a type of PPE traditionally reserved for industrial and healthcare settings. “The problem,” Al-Qaysi explains, “is that a PAPR can cost around $1,800. The BioVYZRs we’re making will retail for one-tenth of that. The fact that they’re effective, practical, and affordable make our BioVYZRs a game-changer in the field of PPE.”
The BioVYZR’s proprietary structure provides 360-degrees of protection to shield the wearer on all sides. It has a large face shield that offers spectacular optical clarity with an anti-fog surface. Its air purifying system employs a motor-powered fan to draw outside air through two N95 filters. It also filters exiting air to ensure no airborne pathogens get out from under the hood of the BioVYZR. Another way the BioVYZR offers protection is by blocking the wearer from inadvertently touching their face, protecting their eyes, mouth, and nose from contact with contaminated hands or fomites.
“There’s so much uncertainty in the world right now,” says Al-Qaysi “Major questions remain unanswered like how long can economies sustain these lockdowns? How much financial support can governments use to keep people indoors? What happens when, inevitably, quarantine ends?”. In order to regain a semblance of normalcy, VYZR Technologies believes that we must adapt to a new normal. “Until a vaccine is approved and widely administered, there doesn’t appear to be a clear end to this pandemic,” says Al-Qaysi.
The sooner that effective and affordable PPE is made accessible to healthcare workers, essential workers, government employees and members of the public, the earlier the wheels of the economy can start turning again. “Not only do we believe that our BioVYZRs can help protect healthcare professionals, but we also believe they can help law enforcement officials, pharmacists, dentists, store clerks – anyone who’s work entails frequent in-person interactions – they need to start feeling safe again,” claims Al-Qaysi.
“We have asked our manufacturers to shift production from our original product lines to BioVYZRs to ensure we get them to our backers as soon as possible,” explains Al-Qaysi.
VYZR Technologies is currently developing two types of BioVYZRs, one for healthcare providers and one for consumers. “We’re taken aback by the challenges facing healthcare providers around the world. That’s why it’s critical to get our BioVYZRs to those working at the frontline of the pandemic. We’ve made a ‘Double Impact’ commitment for our IndieGogo campaign,” explains Al-Qaysi, for every BioVYZR sold through their campaign, another will be donated to under-resourced and overwhelmed front-line healthcare personnel.