Respiration Sensing with Embroidered RFID Tags in Face Masks

Numerous studies have been conducted on sensor-equipped face masks for monitoring respiratory diseases. However, these studies have some drawbacks, including bulky solid-state components, poor comfort-ability, and difficulty in seamless integration onto the mask. In this paper, a new smart face mask is proposed that integrates embroidered radio frequency identification (RFID) tags with temperature sensing capabilities. Two antenna designs, a slotted patch and an S-shaped, were designed, studied, fabricated, and compared. The proposed S-shaped antenna design was found to be more stable under bending deformation and could be seamlessly embroidered onto the mask, creating a system that wirelessly monitors the respiration rate and temperature changes of individuals or respiratory disease patients in real-time. The proposed RFID embroidered mask can reach a reading range of 1 meter on face and over 1.8 meters in air, which has the potential to allow medical personnel to monitor the respiration conditions of patients in a ward. The stability and effectiveness of respiration monitoring have been verified in this study. This research can enhance the development of smart face masks and improve the care of patients with respiratory disease.