Pandemic-related equipment was one of the biggest trends at CES 2021, with exhibitors showing off everything from health gadgets to air purifiers to disinfection devices Particularly striking was a digital exhibit of high-tech, smart face masks

Face masks have become an essential accessory recommended by health authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19 It was only a matter of time before companies found a way to layer high-tech solutions onto face masks These are not the simple cloth masks you see on the street or the N95s worn by health care workers These models are equipped with sensors and microphones that allow them to make phone calls and monitor their surroundings

Here are the best masks at CES 2021, what they offer, and when you can get your hands (and face) on them

AirPop's new smart mask, billed as the first "air wearable," is the culmination of five years of research and development by founder Chris Hosmer and team The AirPop Active+ has a built-in Halo sensor that connects to an Android or iOS app that The app monitors respiration by connecting to an Android or iOS app The app also captures local air quality data, so you can see how much pollution you are inhaling

The mask has a special aerodrome design and a "performance pore" washable knit outer shell that promotes maximum breathability The replaceable inner filter has a silicone edge that adheres to the face The app notifies you when the filter needs to be replaced AirPop claims that Active+ is even more effective than N95 masks, blocking more than 99% of particulates

The AirPop Active+ will be available on AirPop's website and Amazon in February for $14999

Winner of the Tom's Guide CES 2021 Awards in the Health Tech category

Here's the thing about wearing masks: they are well designed, comfortable, and protective, but they still muffle sound during conversation MaskFone combines a mask with Bluetooth earphones and a microphone The mask itself has adjustable ear loops, a nose bridge, and a pocket for disposable N95 filters, while the earphones have background noise isolation, an IPX5 waterproof rating, and a 12-hour battery life Muffled calls will be a thing of the past; the MaskFone is currently available on Maskfone's website for $4999 and will be available at Amazon and Target by the end of January

Also exciting is the upcoming MegaFone When you speak inside the mask, a small attachment emits audio to the outside

LG premiered a new mask at IFA in late August, and PuriCare Wearable was in the spotlight at CES 2021 (and the winner of the Innovation Award) PuriCare is essentially a separate air purifier worn on the face The mask contains two HEPA filters, which LG says are better than N95 at capturing 9997% of particles as small as 03 microns The wearable air purifier is rechargeable for up to eight hours of use and comes with a case that uses UV light to sanitize the mask

This is discreet With it on, you'll look like Bane from The Dark Knight Rises However, LG has not set a US release date for this product, so it may be a little while before we get this option

Razer displayed a futuristic face mask concept at CES 2021, dubbed Project Hazel It is a reusable mask with a transparent plate that allows one to actually see a person's mouth The rechargeable air filter has programmable RGB highlights and looks very cool The mask also features Razer VoiceAmp technology, which allows the wearer to hear speech more clearly when they are speaking

As a concept, Project Hazel is intended to be more functional, durable, and protective than everyday cloth masks Whether this concept will actually be realized is a big question And even if it were to become a reality, the cost of a transparent, RGB mask may be too high for most people