The Singer Mask: VOXCV (Voice 95)

Overview

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down our stage and regular masking protocols became a necessity, San Francisco Opera needed to find a way for singers to rehearse and perform safely. Aware of this problem, San Francisco Opera Tad and Dianne Taube General Director Matthew Shilvock reached out to University of California, San Francisco and Professor Sânziana Roman, MD, who endeavored to find a solution for this issue: a mask that is functional, comfortable, effective, and practical. A trained opera singer herself, Dr. Roman developed a design and, together with San Francisco Opera’s Costume Department, created a prototype. The mask was tested formally and independently at University of California, Davis by Professor Christopher Cappa, Ph.D. in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and showed powerful results. The VOXCV (Voice 95) mask reduces aerosols between 100–1000 times compared to wearing no mask both in singing and in talking and is 10–100 times more efficient than a surgical mask (Cappa et al. 2021, read the full study here). San Francisco Opera has made hundreds of masks in house, ensuring the ability for rehearsals and performances to continue during the pandemic.

Reference:
Christopher D. Cappa, The San Francisco Opera Costume Department, William D. Ristenpart, Santiago Barreda, Nicole M. Bouvier, Elad Levintal, Anthony S. Wexler & Sanziana A. Roman (2021): A highly efficient cloth facemask design, Aerosol Science and Technology, DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2021.1962795

Download the article here.

For more information on the creation of the mask and our partnership with UCSF, please visit our Opera Blog: Backstage with Matthew.

In The News

San Francisco Opera singers needed to rehearse together safely. This doctor figured out how
– San Francisco Chronicle

Opera Looks To A New Mask To Safely Rehearse Again – NPR

San Francisco Opera Develops New COVID-19 Singing Mask for Rehearsals – NBC Bay Area

"Masquerade", (And Yet) It Moves Podcast – UCSF Innovation Ventures

How does the design work?

The mask is made of materials easily found in a theater or opera costume department. It consists of two layers: an inner layer made of a lightweight frame that encircles the entire lower face to allow unrestricted jaw movement, with a cotton wrap that allows the mask to sit several centimeters away from the face, which reduces movement, claustrophobia, and accommodates exhaled air force and heat. A second outer layer has an overhang at the bottom which can be closed with Velcro or opened. This feature allows aeration, release of pressure buildup, and ensures users can drink without having to remove the mask. The wide arc of the frame sits far from the face to direct the air flow downward into the soft cotton bag, which absorbs the aerosols like a filter, allowing air exchange to happen. The materials are reusable, washable, and include 100% cotton, rigilene boning, pellon, reinforced metal nose bands, and elastic with adjusters. The masks can be made in different sizes for children, medium which fits most adults, and large for those with larger features and facial hair.

San Francisco Opera and UCSF are happy to provide the mask designs free of charge. By downloading these mask designs, you are agreeing to the licensing terms laid out below.

Masks are currently not for sale through San Francisco Opera. If you would like to inquire about purchasing completed masks, please contact Sioux Watson at siouxwatson@gmail.com. Please note, this manufacturer is an independent contractor and not connected with San Francisco Opera or its affiliates.

Please direct all purchase inquiries to: siouxwatson@gmail.com.

Please carefully review the license below before constructing your own mask.

License

The Regents of the University of California and San Francisco Opera (the “Licensors”) have a patent pending on this face mask. The face mask information and design are being provided by the Licensors AS-IS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. THE LICENSORS MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY THAT THE FACE MASK INFORMATION OR DESIGN, OR PATENT RIGHTS, WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY PATENT, COPYRIGHT, TRADEMARK OR OTHER RIGHTS. Recipient assumes all liability for damages which may arise from its use of the face mask information or design. LICENSORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE RECIPIENT FOR ANY LOSS, CLAIM, OR DEMAND MADE BY THE RECIPIENT, OR MADE AGAINST THE RECIPIENT BY ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, DUE TO OR ARISING FROM THE USE OF THE FACE MASK INFORMATION OR DESIGN BY RECIPIENT. IN NO EVENT WILL THE LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF USE OF THE FACE MASK INFORMATION OR DESIGN IN CONNECTION WITH HUMAN SUBJECT USE) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THE FACE MASK INFORMATION OR DESIGN, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

Licensors do not grant to the user any rights to any of their intellectual property beyond those set forth explicitly herein.

Singer Mask Instructions - Hi Res         Download (PDF)

Singer Mask Instructions - Lo Res         Download (PDF)

Singer Mask Construction Order           Download (PDF)

Singer Mask Pattern Pieces - Large      Download (PDF)

Singer Mask Pattern Pieces - Medium Download (PDF)