Dyson Zone: British Vacuum Cleaner Specialist Introduces Air-Purifying Headphones with ANC

Dyson is primarily known for its bagless vacuum cleaners and hair dryers, but the UK-based company has meanwhile also added air purifiers for domestic use to its range of products. Now the supplier is presenting “Dyson Zone™”, a wearable air purifier that comes in the form of over-ear headphones combined with an integrated air filter system and a visor in front of the mouth and nose. In addition to purified air, the device is said to deliver intense sound (from music or audio signals) while blocking out unwanted background noise (Active Noise Cancellation).

“Air pollution is a global problem – it affects us everywhere we go. In our homes, at school, at work and as we travel, whether on foot, on a bike or by public or private transport. The Dyson Zone™ purifies the air you breathe on the move. And unlike face masks, it delivers a plume of fresh air without touching your face, using high-performance filters and two miniaturised air pumps. After six years in development, we’re excited to deliver pure air and pure audio, anywhere”, says Jake Dyson, Chief Engineer.

Thanks to small compressors located in the ear cups of the device, outside air is drawn in and cleaned of particles and allergens by two double-layered filters. For this purpose, a carbon layer enriched with potassium is said to absorb pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide from the air. The cleaned air is then directed to the nose and mouth via the contact-free visor. While the Dyson Zone cannot be used as a replacement for an FFP2 mask as standard, a matching FFP2 face cover attachment for the visor that ensures the required filtration standard will be included. The market launch of the new product – which is the result of a six-year research and development period and 500 preceding prototypes – is scheduled for this fall. This new product is Dyson’s first wearable device. (eap)