First mask produced for lip-readers in Scotland complete with clear panel over wearer's mouth

While the coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact around the world, measures to combat its spread have also had some unexpected side-effects.
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While the coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact around the world, measures to combat its spread have also had some unexpected side-effects.

As many people have taken to wearing face masks, one of the groups further isolated by this precaution is the nation’s lip-reading community who rely on seeing people’s months to understand what they are saying.

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To help overcome this, newly established Edinburgh firm Breathe Easy is producing the first face masks for lip-readers in Scotland which come complete with a clear panel over the wearer’s mouth.

Breathe Easy make around 200 masks a day, with over 5000 having already been distributed for free around the Capital and beyond. Gavin (pictured right), who is funding the operation from his own pocket, took over rental of a tailoring workshop in Newington to complement his Corstorphine base and now has a staff of seven, including three full-time seamstresses.Breathe Easy make around 200 masks a day, with over 5000 having already been distributed for free around the Capital and beyond. Gavin (pictured right), who is funding the operation from his own pocket, took over rental of a tailoring workshop in Newington to complement his Corstorphine base and now has a staff of seven, including three full-time seamstresses.
Breathe Easy make around 200 masks a day, with over 5000 having already been distributed for free around the Capital and beyond. Gavin (pictured right), who is funding the operation from his own pocket, took over rental of a tailoring workshop in Newington to complement his Corstorphine base and now has a staff of seven, including three full-time seamstresses.

Set up last month by city businessman Gavin McAdam, the company has been inundated with orders for their re-usable face coverings since trialling the first prototypes in April.

Breathe Easy make around 200 masks a day, with over 5000 having already been distributed for free around the Capital and beyond. Gavin, who is funding the operation from his own pocket, took over rental of a tailoring workshop in Newington to complement his Corstorphine base and now has a staff of seven, including three full-time seamstresses.

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He has been working closely with Deaf Action Scotland, National Deaf Children’s Society (Scotland), Forth Valley Sensory Centre, NELFT foundation trust in England and has supplied each organisation with the masks that allow lip-readers to have access to protection via a plastic insert which allows sight of the movement of the mouth.

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“The initial plan was to manufacture and distribute quality fabric masks to front line workers, those at-risk, vulnerable groups and anyone concerned for friends or family,” said Gavin.

“While not medical grade, the masks are ideal for casual use and provide a barrier which brings a real source of comfort for many people worried about contracting coronavirus while out in public.

“I was keen to produce something to help the deaf community and the designs have been well received. The thicker material works well for these masks as it is more structured and is better for holding the soft, malleable plastic in place.”

Teri Devine, Director of Action on Hearing Loss Scotland said: “Many people who are deaf or have hearing loss rely heavily on visual cues for effective communication including facial expressions and lip-reading so face coverings will create communication barriers.

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“With the Scottish Government recommending the use of face coverings in an enclosed space where social distancing is difficult, we know that our community is keen for the usage of transparent face coverings to help with lip reading and welcome steps towards making this a reality without compromising the health and safety of our community.

Standard masks from Breathe Easy on 40 Corstorphine High Street or via www.breathe-easy.info.

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