Somnum stemmed from volunteering at a veterinary clinic. When talking to female nurses about what could be improved anaesthesia masks were their first answers.

Anaesthesia masks are designed to create a comfortable seal around an animal’s face so that anesthetic gases can be administered to them.

Current masks on the market often fail to create appropriate seals, this causes gases to leak out into the atmosphere - These are called “waste gases” or “WAGs”.

Isoflurane is one of the most commonly used anesthetic gases in New Zealand. Acute exposure to it can cause headaches, nausea, and fatigue. It has also been linked to chronic illnesses such as the development of cancers and it poses a threat to pregnant people as it can cause spontaneous abortions.

Through my field research in New Zealand, I saw the various ways clinics and zoos had attempted to address waste gas leaks. Paint buckets and old plastic packaging were used as a base for the mask while the seal itself was comprised of either clip-wrap or rubber gloves that could be stretched taught.

This not only created mass amounts of waste but also showed the shortcomings of the readily available masks that were often, if not always, modified.

Somnum is both an animal and human solution. The goal of the project was to create a comfortable seal on the patient’s face whilst also being easy to use and safe for humans. Currently, Somnum accommodates most small domesticated animals.

Somnum received a Gold pin at The Best Awards in 2022 as well as was a International Top 20 design finalist in the James Dyson Awards in 2022.