Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

2020

  • Work on this object began.

2021

2025

  • You found it!

Mask Brace, Essential

This is a Mask Brace. It was designed by Sabrina Paseman and Fix the Mask. It is dated 2020. Its medium is biocompatible silicone. It is a part of the Exhibitions department.

Designed by mechanical engineer Sabrina Paseman, the Essential Mask Brace is a comfortable, sustainable, and affordable alternative to an N95 respirator. Made from soft, springy silicone rubber, the device presses a surgical mask snugly against the face. The CDC endorsed the use of mask braces in April 2021.

This object was donated by Sabrina Paseman. It is credited Courtesy of Sabrina Paseman.

Its dimensions are

H x W (Approx.): 15.2 × 20.3 cm (6 × 8 in.)

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Design and Healing: Creative Responses to Epidemics.

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-6.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318805603/ |title=Mask Brace, Essential |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=21 May 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>