Faced with the growing needs in hospitals, Décathlon has blocked sales of its Easybreath mask which, after transformation, can be connected to the artificial respirator for patients suffering from coronavirus or serve to protect hospital staff.
The fate of the Easybreath Decathlon diving mask, which has the particularity of covering the entire face and being completely airtight, is taking a different turn. Associated with a device made with a 3D printer, it is in fact used by more and more hospitals to protect the caregivers of the Covid-19.
"We observed a significant growth in sales last week," explains a spokesperson for the brand in La Voix du Nord, adding: "We preferred to stop them in order to focus the stock on giving to caregivers. "
Responding to requests from the most affected regions
The group has decided to distribute 30,000 as well as 30,000 swimming pool goggles to French hospitals that have expressed the need.
VIDEO. Coronavirus: Decathlon diving mask could help caregivers in Italy
“We are responding to requests from the most affected regions. We have also made them available to rescue services, Marseille firefighters, carers in Corsica… ”Decathlon Italy and Decathlon Spain are also distributing in their respective countries (10,000 in Italy in particular).
“It pays me” newsletter
The newsletter that improves your purchasing powerI'm registering
Your email address is collected by Le Parisien to allow you to receive our news and commercial offers. Find out more
Once again, the brand recalled that its mask was above all developed for sports. “We want to stay in our place. We especially do not want to make a buzz with this use of our mask ”, insists Arnaud Gauquelin, managing director of Decathlon France.
These masks require a transformation
Some establishments use this mask as part of respiratory assistance such as in Italy, Spain or Belgium. “Doctor Favero came to propose the idea to us. He had heard about our company from a colleague at a facility for which we are creating emergency valves for respirators with 3D printing. We analyzed his proposal and concluded that the Decathlon Easybreath mask was the one that best suited his request, ”explains the company Isinnova in Corriere della Sera.
The plans for this 3D transformation have been sent to research centers to see if the product can (or cannot) be adapted and meet health requirements.
Attention, however, no question of going to rummage in your cupboards to go immediately to do your shopping with! These masks require a transformation, with the replacement of the snorkel part by a specific valve allowing protection and regulation of the air.
