---
title: "These Unsettling Medical Masks Look Like Human Faces"
description: "A new startup is trying to cash in on the recent surge in face mask sales by selling masks that are printed to look like the real faces."
date: "2020-02-17"
modified: "2020-02-17"
authors:
  - name: "Victor Tangermann"
    job_title: "Senior Editor"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor"
url: "https://futurism.com/neoscope/unsettling-medical-masks-human-faces"
categories:
  - "Health & Medicine"
  - "Medical"
  - "Prosthetics and Devices"
tags:
  - "coronavirus"
  - "covid-19"
  - "the digest"
  - "virus"
---

# These Unsettling Medical Masks Look Like Human Faces

![](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/unsettling-medical-masks-human-faces2.jpg>)
*\<em\>Image: Resting Risk Face\</em\>*

A startup is trying to cash in on the [recent surge in face mask sales](<https://futurism.com/neoscope/chinese-outbreak-fears-worldwide-face-mask-shortage>) caused by the [coronavirus outbreak](<https://futurism.com/tags/virus>) — by selling [bizarre-looking masks](<https://faceidmasks.com/>) that are printed to resemble the face of the wearer underneath it.

"We make N95 respiratory masks that work with facial recognition software," promises the [nebulous website](<https://faceidmasks.com/#info>). "Be protective and be recognized. It's so easy."

The idea is to protect users from infection, while still allowing them to unlock their iPhones using FaceID — or be recognized by Big Brother facial recognition systems in public.

The masks are the work of newly-launched design firm Resting Risk Face, which advertises its wares as "trendy dystopian products."

The ploy is either brilliant social commentary or an actual product being sold — we're still not exactly sure which one it is. Or could it be both? Futurism has reached out to the company to find out.

To get your hands on your very own face-face mask, you have to upload an image of your face, then wait for it to show up in the mail.

But you'll have to wait. "If you enjoy late stage capitalism, facial recognition respirator masks will retail for $40 per mask," reads the website's FAQ. "They are still in development."

But seriously, is this actually a thing or is it a joke-slash-PR stunt?

"Yes. No. We're not sure," ponders the website. "Viruses are not a joke. Wash your hands when you can. And get vaccines when you can."

**READ MORE:** [Face ID compatible respirator masks.](<https://faceidmasks.com/#about>) \[Resting Risk Face\]

**More on face masks:** *[Chinese Outbreak Fear Spurs Worldwide Face Mask Shortage](<https://futurism.com/neoscope/chinese-outbreak-fears-worldwide-face-mask-shortage>)*

## Author
I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida.

### Author social links  
[Bluesky](<https://bsky.app/profile/vtanger.bsky.social>)