Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 2 hrs ago
JT subsidiary develops heated, sound-playing rest mask
MENTAGRAPH, a subsidiary of Japan Tobacco, developed the Relaxonic Cover as a way to take a short break during the workday.
The wide eye mask blocks light and heats the area around the eyes to about 40°C.
Speakers beside the ears play sound that includes very high frequencies people cannot hear, which the makers say can be felt through the skin.
A phone app sets rest periods and sound, and can use a camera to assess a user's refreshment score.
The product was created as smoking breaks have become less common, while finding other ways to recharge at work can be difficult.
A crowdfunding campaign raised about 4.7 million yen, well above its 500,000-yen target.
It is available on Amazon for a regular price of 27,500 yen and won the iF Design Award 2026.
MENTAGRAPH, a wholly owned consolidated subsidiary of Japan Tobacco, developed the Relaxonic Cover, a heated, sound-playing rest mask.
The device warms the area around the eyes to about 40 degrees and plays sound that includes high-frequency elements inaudible to human ears.
Users control rest sessions and choose sounds through a dedicated app, which also offers a camera-based refresh score check.
A crowdfunding campaign raised about 4.7 million yen against a 500,000-yen goal.
The product received the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026, according to ITmedia.
- Who
- MENTAGRAPH, a wholly owned consolidated subsidiary of Japan Tobacco, developed the device.
- What
- It developed the Relaxonic Cover, a rest mask with heating and sound features.
- When
- The product was crowdfunded from March 27 to May 18, 2025. ITmedia reported on it on October 25, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- The product is intended to help people refresh during short breaks.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Relaxonic Cover was crowdfunded on Makuake.
General sales on Amazon began, according to ITmedia; the article does not state the year.
The product received the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026.
- Developer
- MENTAGRAPH, a wholly owned consolidated subsidiary of Japan Tobacco
- Product
- Relaxonic Cover
- Heating
- About 40 degrees around the eyes
- Crowdfunding goal
- 500,000 yen
- Crowdfunding raised
- About 4.7 million yen
- Award
- iF DESIGN AWARD 2026