UVMask And UVMask Lite Review: The Safest Masks Around

Who Is The UVMask For?

• The UVMask is ideal for anyone who wants to keep their breathing safe from any potential viruses or bacteria
• The UVMask is reusable, meaning you'll never have to worry about running out of disposable masks
• The UVMask Lite offers similar filtering without the UV-C light

We're almost one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, which means that companies have had time to create new products to capitalize on the "new normal." The biggest innovation seems to be with UV-C light, which has the ability to kill off bacteria and viruses with ease. Enter the UVMask, a face mask that has a built-in UV-C filter. Along with its traditional filters, the UVMask is the safest way to be around others right now.

Breathe Clearly

The UVMask is an innovative face mask that features both traditional mask filters and a UV-C light filter built in. The UV-C filter can be turned on and off, and has two different speed settings for high-powered filtration or a more conservative eco mode. The UVMask uses the UV-C filter to blast both incoming and outgoing breath with light, keeping the wearer and those around the wearer safe. The traditional filters can be filled with the provided N95-grade filter pads to keep a wearer safe even if the UV-C filter isn't running.

There is also a second version of the UVMask called the UVMask Lite. The Lite version is built identically to the standard version, but does not include the UV-C filter. The Lite version only uses the traditional filter pads.

Both the UVMask and UVMask Lite come with straps that need to be attached to the exterior of the mask, and a soft silicone liner to help the mask conform to a wearer's face with minimal issues.

With all this filtration, it may seem like it would be difficult to breathe with the UVMask, but thanks to the UV-C filter, fresh air is forced in every time the wearer inhales. Unfortunately, this fan is not included in the UVMask Lite, but it still isn't too difficult to breathe with the UVMask Lite without the UV-C filter.

The UVMask has a rechargeable battery that keeps everything up and running, and the battery life is around eight hours for one full use. The battery recharges in roughly an hour and a half, but the UVMask can also be used without the filter if it ever does end up running out of power. The UVMask Lite does not have any electronic parts, so it doesn't need to be charged.

Feel Safe

As I have mentioned in previous UV-C product reviews, I don't have access to a lab to verify for myself how well these devices actually kill viruses and bacteria. That said, UVMask company UM Systems did provide me with their own lab test results, and will provide anyone else who asks with the same results.

While I can't for certain say if the mask works as intended or not, I can say that I feel safer wearing the UVMask compared to any other mask I have tried. When walking down the street or through a crowded grocery store the UVMask makes it feel like I'm in some kind of diving suit, safely wading through the world around me. That said, the mask is a little goofy looking, so it often feels like I actually am in a diving suit with some of the looks that are thrown in my direction.

Not The Most Comfortable

All this safety does have a price, and that comes in the form of comfort. The UVMask is way heavier than any cloth or surgical mask, and has to be strapped on every time it is used. With a traditional mask, I can be ready to go in a few seconds, but the UVMask does require some time to get it to fit properly and not fog up my glasses. This time is only increased if I have a hat or headphones on.

I was also given the upgraded Velcro straps, which cost an additional $15. The standard straps that are included with the mask are made of silicone. The Velcro straps are nice in that they offer a more custom fit for the mask, but they're somewhat annoying to have to loosen and tighten every time the mask is put on or taken off. This is not the kind of mask you can casually eat or drink in.

I recognize that the whole point of masks is to keep the wearer and those around them safe, but sneezing into the UVMask is not a pleasant experience. While most of the particles from a sneeze are filtered out, there's still a little that doesn't make it. Wiping my nose was also not great, which goes back to the mask being difficult to take off, especially when trying to do so quickly.

Despite UM Systems claiming that the UVMask does not fog glasses, if the UVMask isn't fit just right it still will cause some fogging to occur. The tighter I made my straps, the less fog I had on my glasses. However, this also made the mask more uncomfortable as it was pushing so tightly against my face.

Loud And (Un)Clear

Other downsides to using the UVMask are that the mask is somewhat loud when the UV-C filter is running and that talking with the mask on is a little tough. The eco mode on the mask produces a lower-pitched, constant droning sound, while the full-powered mode has a higher-pitched whirring that is similar to a computer fan. The pitch of the fan noise changes with each inhale and exhale, and is constantly jumping around.

Talking does sound muffled when wearing the UVMask, and is made even worse if the fan is running. Of course, you'll want the most protection when interacting with others, so turning the fan off to be heard better is somewhat counterproductive. I've also made many jokes about sounding like Bane in The Dark Knight Rises while having this mask on.

Customize Your Safety

Along with the optional upgrade for straps, there are also a few other customization options with the UVMask and UVMask Lite. The outer shell of both masks comes in three colors, and more color options are available as a separate upgrade. Additionally, a hardshell case, sticker pack, and packs of additional filters are also available as add-ons.

Final Thoughts

While I have not personally tested the effectiveness of the UVMask, wearing it does make me feel safer than any other mask I have used. The UV-C filter also helps me breath with the mask on, making it less obtrusive than any cloth mask I've used. However, the UVMask is a little uncomfortable and does take much longer to put on and take off compared to other mask options, especially basic cloth masks.

Both the UVMask and UVMask Lite are only available through Indiegogo right now, and orders should be shipping out in March. The basic UVMask is $119, but this price is expected to go up soon. A UVMask and UVMask Lite combo pack is also available for $149.