Photo: Footmark
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Onsen Mask helps you soak in the steam, not the germs

4 Comments
By Krista Rogers, SoraNews24

It comes as no surprise that visitors to onsen (hot springs) and other bathing facilities like public baths, spas, and saunas, have dramatically decreased during the past year of the pandemic. Even as Japan and other countries begin rolling out increased vaccine distribution in the coming months, those folks who feel comfortable enough to begin frequenting such facilities again will appreciate an added preventative measure from contracting or spreading coronavirus through use of the new Onsen Mask.

Swimsuit and nursing goods retailer Footmark developed the Onsen Mask to help prevent the spread of saliva and respiratory droplets from sneezing and coughing in public bathing spaces. It will first be limited to sales at onsen facilities, travel industry buildings, and governmental offices and subsequently for individual use on May 26. The manufacturer’s recommended retail price is 550 yen.

▼ A promotional image for the Onsen Mask

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The mask itself is made of stretchable silicone with an attached spiral cord that loops around the back of the neck to fix it securely in place (extending up to 100 centimeters in length). A gap below the mouth area ensures that bathers can breathe without an issue in a variety of steamy settings. When it’s time to wash the face, they can simply hang it from their neck for a moment.

It’s also wearable by people of all ages. The medium-sized version (28-32 centimeter circumference) is intended for children, while the large-sized version (32-38-centimeter circumference) is intended for adults. There’s even a choice of three colors: white, blue and mint.

Furthermore, the mask is easy to clean–simply hand wash it in water and soap then wipe off to dry.

While it’s not a one hundred percent foolproof method to stop the coronavirus and other germs, hopefully the Onsen Mask will help pave the way for us to get back out and visiting some of the best onsen in Japan in the coming year in the safest way possible.

Source: Footmark via IT Media

Read more stories from SoraNews24.

-- Oldest ryokan at Japanese onsen resort goes bankrupt due to coronavirus

-- The top five best multiple-hot-spring hotels in all of Japan

-- Beautiful onsen complex opens in downtown Osaka, lets you live onsen dream in heart of the city

© SoraNews24

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

4 Comments
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Looks like an idea that's not really been thought through. What's the point of a mask when you're sharing your bathwater with everybody else? How're you going to wash your face?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Good Idea. I think I am positive about this. I am a keen swimmer and, you know what - I wouldnt be as sceptical on this product guys. We need all sorts of ideas on how to protect us from Covid. Sometimes things that initially appear weird or useless turn out to be helpful. As they say "every little bit helps". Any new ideas, in combination that can help us to get back into the swimming pool are welcome?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

BTW, I know this refers to Onsen, but I am thinking more about developing such ideas to help us swimmers.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

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