Break barriers in speech and language.

Access to the lips and face are critical for speech-language pathologists in rehabilitative and habilitative therapy. Patients such as deaf and hard of hearing patients, children, and apraxic patients need to be able to visually observe cues when working with their therapists. Traditional masks block the ability to see mouth movements and facial expressions, affecting the quality of services and treatment received.

With the ClearMask™ Transparent Surgical Mask, SLPs are able to provide full, clear access to the face, including the lips, teeth, and tongue, all of which are essential in the field. By being able to see the full face, patients are empowered and set up for success to achieve their therapeutic goals.

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Clear communication and full access to the face

clear mask medical grade

Clear, medical grade mask cleared by the FDA, CE-marked, and approved for use in Canada and the UK

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Compliant with ADA, CDC, and OSHA recommendations

““Cara Boester, director of clinical education-speech language pathology, said the clear masks provided by the department, which allow patients to see the student’s face, are working well. ‘The clear masks that we’ve received for the speech side have been amazing,’ she said. ‘They don’t fog up, and you can see really well.’” ”
— ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY

Transparent masks are specifically designed to preserve access to visual cues (by A.U. Bankaitis, PhD), offering the following benefits over solid masks:

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  • Improved speech understanding in noise for adults with normal hearing and those with varying degrees of hearing loss;

  • Minimized negative impact on delivery of services;

  • More favorable patient-perceived rapport with a healthcare provider;

  • Significantly higher patient ratings of provider’s ability to offer easy-to-understand information, display empathy, and build trust.

Are healthcare providers required to provide the ClearMask™ Transparent Surgical Masks?

For specific populations, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests transparent masks as an option. Per the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers should provide face coverings to all workers at no cost, and must consider reasonable accommodations for those who require clear coverings.

Under both Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States, entities are required to provide effective accommodations upon request, including auxiliary aids. The ClearMask™ brand is an auxiliary aid.

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For specific populations, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests transparent masks as an option.

 

We also have information available about the ClearMask™ brand, regulations, ordering, and accommodations. Get the information you need to deliver inclusive, human-centric care and services.

 
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Did you know?

100% of patients whose provider wore the ClearMask™ preferred the transparent mask, citing improved provider communication and appreciation for full face visibility. - Journal of the American Medical Association Surgery

 

See the person, not the mask.™

Clear Mask speech language pathology

Improves access to full communication

“We knew how important it would be for our patients to still get all the visual cues and all the information from our clinicians, when they’re working on their speech goals and their language goals. We know that for our older clients, it’s so important to be able to see our faces because they might have hearing deficits. It’s important that they’re watching for our visual cues.” - University of North Dakota

clear mask SLP

Allows full clarity to the face

“I am a speech pathologist, and the ClearMask™ Transparent Surgical Mask has already been so helpful when working with my apraxic patients, deaf and hard of hearing patients, and when performing oral mechanism exams. 10/10, would recommend!” - Julia, MS, CCC-SLP

Clear Mask speech therapy SLP

Strengthens patient-centered care

“Our therapists utilize the ClearMask™ Transparent Surgical Mask on a daily basis during our in-person speech therapy sessions, while also allowing our clients to clearly see the therapist's mouth in order to understand their speech and observe proper placement to produce speech sounds. Parents of our clients are assured that their child's progress in speech therapy will not be affected due to the current pandemic.” - Fluens Speech Therapy

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Increases connection with others

"I use the ClearMask™ Transparent Surgical Mask in the clinic to add comfort and communication for my patients. Many of them comment that they feel more connected and relaxed because they are able to see my face! This mask has really opened doors and has reduced many feelings of isolation." - Lauren

Is the ClearMask™ a face shield?

No, the ClearMask™ brand produces transparent surgical masks and transparent face masks, which offer distinctly different protection than transparent face shields. The CDC does not recommend using face shields or goggles as a substitute for masks. For more information about the differences between surgical masks, face masks, and face shields, please view the CDC guidelines. The ClearMask™ brand does not make transparent face shields, only transparent surgical masks and transparent face masks that cover the wearer’s mouth and nose when worn properly.