ORA-Mask (Odour Recognition Assistant)
Current Stage of Innovation
Proof of Concept
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a widespread condition that affects people globally. It often results from poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, or gum infections. Beyond being a medical concern, bad breath can cause embarrassment, lower self-confidence, and negatively impact social and professional interactions. At present, detecting bad breath usually relies on the organoleptic test, where a dentist or oral health professional smells a patient’s breath and makes a judgment. However, this method is highly subjective, inconsistent, and depends on individual perception. It also requires professional involvement, making it impractical for everyday use or self-assessment. Many people worry about their breath before important events like meetings, interviews, or social gatherings, yet have no reliable way to check it themselves. As a result, they often resort to mints or mouthwash without knowing whether these solutions are effective or even necessary. There is a clear need for a personal, portable device that can quickly and privately determine whether one’s breath is fresh or unpleasant—similar to how a smartwatch monitors heart rate.
ORA-Mask (Odour Recognition Assistant) is an innovative smart mask designed to detect oral malodour and bacterial activity in real time, offering a practical and private solution to a problem often overlooked yet socially significant — bad breath. Halitosis affects millions worldwide, impacting self-confidence, social interactions, and even professional performance. Current diagnostic methods are either subjective (relying on human smell tests) or impractical for daily use (requiring laboratory equipment like gas chromatography or halimeters). ORA-Mask bridges this critical gap by integrating biosensor technology into a wearable, everyday accessory. The mask uses advanced gas sensors and enzyme-based biosensors to detect volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) and bacterial byproducts responsible for foul odour. A microcontroller processes this data and provides instant feedback via a mobile app or visual indicators, empowering users to assess their breath quality discreetly and take timely oral care actions. Beyond personal convenience, ORA-Mask has broad public health potential — promoting awareness of oral hygiene and facilitating early disease detection.
PoC Development, Market Research, Technology & Need Validation, Pilot Production, Commertial Viability
The journey of developing ORA-Mask began with a simple yet powerful idea — to create a wearable device that could help individuals detect bad breath objectively and confidently. The first challenge was translating a dental problem into an engineering solution. Bridging the gap between oral health science and sensor-based detection required extensive literature review, consultation with engineers, and evaluation of sensor types suitable for volatile sulphur compounds and bacterial byproducts. Identifying compact, low-cost, and biocompatible sensors that could be safely embedded in a mask while maintaining accuracy posed a major technical hurdle. Another significant challenge was ensuring real-time feedback without compromising comfort or usability. The team explored lightweight circuit designs, miniature microcontrollers, and low-energy Bluetooth modules to make the device functional yet discreet. Simultaneously, designing the prototype to look and feel like a regular mask while iintegrating multiple sensors demanded creative problem-solving and multiple design iterations.
The primary customers for Ora Mask are individuals concerned about their oral hygiene and social confidence, including working professionals, students, and people who frequently engage in public or interpersonal communication. It also caters to health-conscious users who want to monitor their breath as part of their daily hygiene routine. Additionally, dental clinics and oral health professionals can use Ora Mask as a screening or educational tool to help patients identify and manage halitosis effectively. Overall, it appeals to anyone seeking a convenient, private, and reliable way to check their breath freshness.
