Facemasks have become commonplace throughout society as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. But their use in the medical community has always been extensive.

Nevertheless, the effectiveness of face coverings can vary dramatically according to how they are worn and for health workers performing active roles the protective covering can easily shift imperceptibly over the course of a day.

Researchers at Chicago's Northwestern University who have developed the FaceBit, which is a sensor the size of a coin which attaches to a face mask. The mask uses a small magnet and tracks a user's respiration rate, heart rate, how long they have been wearing the mask, and if the mask has begun to leak. Designed with the medical community in mind, it can be used by anyone to monitor their health, especially as many states and cities across the U.S. continue their mask mandates.

The team is planning to make its designs available to anyone.