Press

FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING, CLEAR FACE MASKS ARE MORE THAN AN AESTHETIC CHOICE.

Marissa Goldstein of Rafi Nova, whose Smile Mask is constructed with a clear rectangular panel at the center, was compelled to launch the product after a clinical speech pathologist pointed out how traditional masks raise a barrier to lip-reading and visual cues. “We jointly designed a clear face covering to ‘unmask’ masked communication with the deaf and hard of hearing community,” Goldstein said.

WBUR

Smile Masks Help Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Communicate While Reducing COVID-19 Transmission

Even if you don’t personally know someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, Gampel says the Smile Mask can prepare you for daily encounters with people who have an extra hard time communicating when almost everyone is wearing face covering.

'Millicent Simmonds' Clear Mask Increases Accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People

In partnership with the brand Rafi Nova, Millicent helped create the “Millie Smile Mask,” a mask with a clear insert allowing you to see people's mouths. The clear plastic means deaf and hard of hearing people can lip read while everyone stays safe by keeping their masks on, making the public health necessity of mask-wearing more accessible.

Face Masks That Don't Suck and Where to Buy Them

You've probably discovered that it isn't easy finding a mask that provides proper protection, fits well, is comfortable, and is actually a design you'd wear.

'A Quiet Place' actress creates masks for hearing-impaired

Rafi Nova reached out to me to make a clear mask and I thought it was good timing. They saw a problem in the deaf and hard of hearing community and wanted to come up with a solution.