Worldwide Business with kathy ireland®
March 12, 2021
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Over the last few years, schools have explored different mask options to balance safety and communication access. One option often considered is plastic clear masks, which are designed with a transparent window or full plastic shield to make facial expressions visible. While the idea behind them is good—helping students and teachers see one another’s mouths—the reality is that plastic clear masks are not always the best choice in classroom settings.
Plastic clear masks are typically made from a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material with straps to secure the mask to the face. They are marketed as a communication-friendly alternative to traditional cloth or surgical masks, allowing lip movements to remain visible.
In theory, this concept should improve accessibility for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or rely on visual cues. However, these masks present challenges that raise questions about their effectiveness in learning environments. Let us dive deeper into the challenges with plastic clear masks.
One of the biggest problems with plastic clear masks is fogging. In a classroom where teachers need to talk for long periods, condensation often builds up on the plastic surface, quickly reducing visibility. This not only defeats the purpose of transparency but also distracts both teachers and students.
Unlike fabric or medical-grade masks, plastic clear masks often trap heat and moisture, making them uncomfortable for extended wear. Teachers and students may find plasticcmasks difficult to breathe or focus on the real tasks when wearing plastic masks for hours at a time.
Many plastic clear masks on the market do not meet medical or safety standards. They may not provide the same level of filtration or fluid resistance as ASTM-rated surgical masks or respirators. This lack of protection puts both teachers and students at higher risk of exposure in environments where illness can spread quickly.
Ironically, while the goal of plastic clear masks is to improve communication, they present challenges such as: fogging, glare, and muffled speech . In other words, they could bring on more problems than they solve.
GOOD NEWS: In many cases, high-quality transparent surgical masks or clear N95 masks provide a better balance of visibility and protection.
Instead of relying on plastic clear masks, schools should consider safer, more effective options such as:
While plastic clear masks may seem like a convenient solution for improving communication in classrooms, their drawbacks outweigh their benefits. Issues with fogging, comfort, and protection make them less suitable for long-term use in educational settings. Schools should look to better-tested alternatives that keep both safety and accessibility at the forefront. Consider quality FDA registered medical products, such as
The Communicator™ surgical mask with clear window which provides protection and is an appropriate assistive technology that can be used in the classroom, especially for those students with IEPs
