The $250 BioVYZR suit is being marketed as a "breakthrough" personal protective equipment (PPE) that promises medical-grade air purification. The suit will finally give people the confidence that they can cocoon themselves in their own environment, protect against any virus, and fly safely around the world.
Al-Qaysi, co-founder of VYZR Technology, is confident that the BioVYZR is a successful design that will be a hit in the "new normal" created by the epidemic. He's not the only one, as the company has raised more than $544,000 in investment to bring the prototype to life. More than 50,000 eager shoppers have reportedly pre-ordered the futuristic device.
Al-Qaysi claims the BioVYZR is much more practical than it first appears. Its all-weather design with built-in peripheral windows for added visibility and lightweight design make it easy to wear. Built-in reversible gloves even allow the wearer to adjust their glasses or scratch an itch if needed, without the risk of contaminating themselves.
Equipped with a rechargeable battery, BioVYZR's silent fan filters air through a hospital-grade N95 quality filter for up to 12 hours of continuous use. According to the company, BioVYZR is "self-isolating without social distance" -- perfect for crowded places, especially airplane cabins.
It remains to be seen, however, whether the devices are on airplanes. No airline will let passengers travel with these devices, no matter how safe they feel.
There are no regulations preventing people from wearing such extreme personal protective equipment on airplanes - after all, it's a unique new entrant to the market that regulators haven't had time to consider. But airlines have other safety concerns to consider beyond the risk of viruses spreading in the air.
First and foremost, the issue of rapid in-flight decompression, while unlikely, will undoubtedly keep this gear from being used on commercial aircraft. Remember, the BioVYZR filters outside air, it does not provide oxygen. Every second counts during decompression - and the short time it takes to remove the BioVYZR may be too long.
There are also rarer emergency evacuation situations. Most BioVYZRs slow down evacuation, so what happens if the wearer is asked to evacuate through a small upper wing exit? Would it fit? And even if it did, would it slow down the evacuation?
There are also more practical day-to-day issues. How long would you be willing to survive in your protected environment without food and water? A full 12 hours? And if you choose to take it out for food, where are you going to store it for the entire flight?
Obviously, many people see the obvious benefits of this extreme form of PPE. But the aviation industry may need a more compelling point.