Exclusive Interview with Tang Xinyuan from Chengdu Third People's Hospital: A Novel Adhesive Mask with Moisture-Absorbing Component Breaks Through in the Mask Innovation Blue Ocean

In 2020, the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic made face masks one of the most scarce medical supplies worldwide. In response to this situation, a large number of upstream and downstream enterprises in China’s mask industry ramped up or switched production, while many other companies added mask production lines, causing an immediate “hurricane” in the mask industry.

It is reported that in 2019, China’s mask production volume was only 5 billion units, with an output value of RMB 10.235 billion; however, by 2020 and 2021, the country’s mask production volume climbed to 10.1 billion and 9.4 billion units, respectively, while the output value reached as high as RMB 11.547 billion and RMB 13.027 billion, respectively.

In addition, according to forecasts by the China Business Industry Research Institute, China's total mask production will reach 11.6 billion units in 2022, with an output value of RMB 14.981 billion. This shows that whether in the early stages of the epidemic or today, when epidemic prevention and control have become normalized,Mask Market Demand Remains at a High Level。

Moreover, as face masks have become a daily necessity, people’s expectations of them are not onlyHigh Demand, andHigh Requirements. From the initial “availability is sufficient” mindset during the early stages of the pandemic, to the subsequent demand for higher protective efficacy, and then to a more comfortable wearing experience, these continuously escalating requirements have further stimulatedImprovement and Upgrading of the Mask Industry。

Consequently, a large number of enterprises, universities, and hospitals began to venture into the blue ocean of mask improvement and innovation.Tang Xinyuan, Nurse Practitioner, Chengdu Third People's Hospitalis one of them. Recently, Tang Xinyuan and his team inventedAn Adhesive Mask with a Water Vapor Absorption Component to Prevent Pressure Injuries, thereby enhancing the comfort level of users while improving the protective efficacy of masks. Affected by““Sci-Tech China” 2nd Biomedical High-Value Patent Project Selection ActivityAt the invitation of VCBeat’s Orange Fruit Bureau, an interview was conducted with Tang Xinyuan to explore the technical advantages and applications of this type of mask, as well as future strategies for translating research achievements into practical outcomes.

In the process of scientific research and innovation, gaining inspiration is the first and most critical step. However, inspiration does not come out of nowhere; it often stems from life. For Tang Xinyuan, this life specifically refers to that period# Unforgettable and Arduous Life in the Fight Against the Pandemic。

When the COVID-19 outbreak erupted in 2020, Tang Xinyuan joined the third batch of medical teams from Sichuan Province and the first batch from Chengdu’s public hospitals to aid Hubei. During epidemic prevention and treatment efforts, Tang identified various issues faced by healthcare workers due to prolonged mask wearing.

The first question isFacial Pressure Injuries Caused by Excessively Tight Mask Fit. During that special period, to enhance the effectiveness of protective measures, medical personnelOften, the tightness of mask ear loops or straps is increased.。

However, this would place significant pressure on the faces and ears of healthcare workers, inProlonged DurationandHigh FrequencyUse of face masks has led to the development of facial and auricular lesions among healthcare workers.Mild cases present as pressure marks, while severe cases result in skin ulceration and other varying degrees of tissue damage., which not only severely disrupts the normal work of healthcare workers but also exacerbates their risk of infection.

The second question isExcessive Moisture Vapor Reduces Mask Protective Performance. After working for extended periods, healthcare workersExhaled air from the mouth and nose liquefies inside the mask., slowlyWet the mask, thereby reducing the protective efficacy of masks, which undoubtedly increases the risk of infection among healthcare workers.

The third question isMask Leakage Causes Fogging of Goggles. During use in combination with goggles, due toPoor Seal of Traditional N95 Masks, even when the ear loops are tightly secured, leakage of exhaled air from the mouth and nose cannot be prevented, causing fogging of protective goggles, which significantly impairs healthcare workers’ visibility and work efficiency.

To address these issues, Tang Xinyuan and his team began conceptualizing and designing improvements to masks amidst their demanding epidemic prevention and control duties. Benefiting from their prior experience with multiple technological inventions, Tang Xinyuan and his team had already developed a highly cohesive and well-coordinated approach.

They first individually summarized existing problems, clinical needs, and potential improvements, then exchanged ideas and brainstormed online. During this process, they needed to evaluate the problems or methodsWhether it is reasonable, consistent with clinical expectations, and practical, and to spark insights through discussionBetter Ideas. The final step is to consolidate and summarize the team’s ideas, and to draft and design the initial prototype for the improved mask.

Upon completion of their aid mission in Hubei, Tang Xinyuan and his team returned to Chengdu Third People’s Hospital, where they transformed these preliminary designs into finished products.

First, they broke down these issues and developed solutions and products for each one. For instance, to address facial pressure injuries, they designed an adhesive mask that conforms closely to the face; to tackle the problems of moisture saturating the mask and fogging up goggles, they created a mask equipped with ventilation channels and moisture-absorbing components.

Subsequently, by integrating these issues with the design, we ultimately developed this adhesive mask equipped with a moisture-absorbing component to prevent pressure injuries.

As a primary medical product for personal respiratory protection,MaskThe most critical function is to block harmful gases, odors, and droplets from entering or exiting the user's mouth and nose.. Therefore, when improving the design of masks,Enhancing Protective Efficacy Is the Primary Objective. Secondly,Enhance breathability and comfort without compromising protective efficacy。

Currently, although many pharmaceutical companies and scientists have made improved designs for the protective and comfort properties of masks, more research still focuses on blindly enhancing protection while paying less attention to the wearer's experience.

Tang Xinyuan and his team’s mask improvement design is different; they perfectlyAchieves a balance between protection and comfort。

So, how did they achieve this?

The answer is:Enhances the seal between the mask and the face with an adhesive facial fit design, and improves dryness inside the mask with a moisture-absorbing component design.。

First, take a look.Paste Design. No ear loops or other restraining straps are provided on the mask body, but ratherAdhere the mask to the user's face using an adhesive method.。

As a result, this has brought aboutThree Direct Benefits: 1. Adhesive DesignEnsures the absolute airtightness of the mask; second,Avoidedcaused by the ear loops or straps being too tight for the userFacial Pressure Injury, and also avoids the complications associated with pressure injuriesWound Infection and Other Issues; thirdly, compared with the restraint belt, the adhesive formEasier for healthcare professionals to wear and use。

So, how can the protective efficacy of mask adhesive designs be ensured?

At this point, Tang Xinyuan gave special consideration toAdhesive Materials、AdhesionandApplication SiteThree Dimensions.

First, inAdhesive MaterialsIn the selection of materials, to avoid allergic reactions on the user's face, the adhesive material is specially made ofHypoallergenic Medical Dressing, it is safe for the vast majority of people.

Second, inAdhesionIn terms of this aspect, to prevent the mask from suddenly falling off during use due to low adhesiveness, Tang Xinyuan designedMultiple Dressing Rings, of which two are inFace, the edge of the mask extends beyond the edge of the adhesive ring and is curled upward, which effectively improves the fit of the mask; another adhesive ring is located atInner side of the mask corresponding to the mouth, when using the mask, the sealing ring surrounds the outer area of the mouth, allowing the user to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth.

Additionally,The patch ring features a multi-layered structure., includingAdhesive Layer、Gauze LayerandAbsorbent Layer, which can ensure the protective effect while avoiding moisture accumulation.

Third, inPaste LocationIn this regard, to avoid potential skin allergies, eczema, and inflammation caused by prolonged repeated adhesion at the application site, specialDesign Different Adhesive Points on the Two Facial Patch Rings, allowing users to adhere the mask to different areas of their face based on their individual facial conditions during each use, thereby enabling intermittent aeration of the facial skin.

RevisitWater Vapor Absorption Component. After Tang Xinyuan put on the maskA sponge absorption design has been added at the position corresponding to the mouth and nose., it canDirectly adsorbs gases exhaled from the mouth and nose, thereby reducing the extent to which other areas of the mask become wetted and ensuring that the interior of the mask remains dry.

So why is the moisture absorption component designed at the area corresponding to the mouth and nose? This is actually the result of Tang Xinyuan’s careful consideration.

Observations and usage have revealed that when wearing a traditional N95 mask, a protrusion forms directly in front of the mouth and nose, creating a certain amount of space.This space is designed to prevent the moisture-absorbing component from contacting the face while ensuring immediate absorption of exhaled air from the mouth and nose.。

Therefore, through the adhesive facial design and the moisture-absorbing component design, the mask can achieve a fully sealed state while remaining dry for extended periods.It holds great promise in terms of both protective efficacy and comfort.。

Furthermore, as masks are classified as low-value consumable medical devices, their market prospects are closely tied to cost control. For this particular mask, the body material is identical to that of traditional N95 respirators, and the costs of the medical adhesive dressings and sponge absorption components used are also very low. Therefore, according to valuations by Tang Xinyuan and his team, the production cost of this improved mask is not significantly different from that of traditional N95 respirators.

Currently, this mask is undergoing internal trials at hospitals to evaluate its clinical compatibility. Regarding further testing, Tang Xinyuan stated that the next step is toExpand the scope of the trial to identify and address issues based on feedback from a broader user base., enabling this mask to better assist in clinical practice.

In addition, when discussing how to commercialize this invention in the future, Tang Xinyuan stated that the team’s efforts in translating research outcomes into practical applications are still atInitial Stage: Seeking investors; engaging with and learning from various manufacturers。

However, the process of seeking investment and negotiating partnerships has also posed a significant challenge for Tang Xinyuan and his team. On one hand,Lack of Time and Channels. As healthcare professionals, Tang Xinyuan and his team primarily focus on clinical treatment; therefore, compared with university professors and corporate R&D personnel, theyLacking both the time and energy to seek capital, as well as the channels to do so.。

On the other hand,Information Asymmetry. Due to the unique nature of their work, Tang Xinyuan and his team have relatively limited access to market information. Coupled with constrained promotional platforms and a narrow audience reach, this mask product failed to accurately target suitable investors.

So, what kind of investors does this mask require?

Tang Xinyuan stated,Seeking professional companies or manufacturers for collaboration to expedite the clinical application of this mask.! Given that the process from further trial testing of this mask to its final production for clinical use requires a significant amount of time and substantial manufacturing investment, and may also involve improvements and upgrades based on issues encountered during use, the involvement of professional investors in this process would accelerate the clinical application of this mask.

Tang Xinyuan and his team are highly confident in this mask, which may in the future be widely used in various scenarios—such as transporting confirmed cases and caring for critically ill patients—much like traditional N95 respirators. Therefore, theyEqually eager to seek investmentBy participating in this event, they also hope to leverage the platform to showcase the technical advantages and application scenarios of the mask project to investors, thereby facilitating the commercialization and practical implementation of this technology.