This device, the PAR, surpasses most currently available SCUBA-type devices in terms of range, time-limits, portability, and etc. Using countercurrent exchange, the design with which fish and other organisms with gill-like structures absorb oxygen from their environment, the invention can produce oxygen almost indefinitely. Through electrolysis of water, and the hydrophobic properties of Teflon, the PAR is able to gain a person access to a reliable oxygen source while submerged underwater. Furthermore, the inner working of the PAR can be summarized as using the electricity from the attached power source to evaporate or split incoming water particles into a gas composed of roughly 33% hydrogen and 66% oxygen, this dilutes the oxygen gas and reduces its toxicity. The gas is then diffused through a hydrophobic Teflon filter and brought to the user, all without any complicated external pipes and heavy tanks.

Embodiments described herein relate to a self-contained breathing apparatus, and more particularly, to a self-contained breathing apparatus that uses extraction and exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between a perfluorocarbon and water in which the apparatus is immersed. Embodiments include a water-to-perfluorocarbon exchange chamber; an air-to-perfluorocarbon exchange chamber; and a circulation pump, where the circulation pump is configured to circulate perfluorocarbon between the water-to-perfluorocarbon exchange chamber and the air-to-perfluorocarbon exchange chamber, where the perfluorocarbon becomes oxygen rich in response to passing through the water-to-perfluorocarbon exchange chamber, and where the perfluorocarbon becomes oxygen depleted in response to passing through the air-to-perfluorocarbon exchange chamber.

An artificial gill garment (100) is provided for providing oxygen to a wearer in an underwater environment. The artificial gill garment comprises a membrane (110) configured to allow permeation of air through the membrane and prevent permeation of water through the membrane. The membrane is configured to provide an air reservoir. A method of manufacturing the artificial gill garment is also provided.

A water survival mask that seals to the user's face covering the nose and mouth and preventing the unwanted inhalation of water. The mask lets air in through slots located at the bottom of the mask that also allow water to drain out. Once through the slots, water is prevented from entering the mask by a water impermeable barrier that selectively allows for air and not water to be inhaled, which may be a float valve. If water penetrates through the water impermeable barrier it is caught by splash guards and funneled back out of the mask before it can enter the primary airway of the user. The water survival mask works exceptionally well at preventing inhalation of windblown water droplets or wave water when floating in rough waters, thereby preventing pulmonary aspiration and pulmonary edema. It also prevents immediate inhalation of water do to submersion in cold water.

A water survival mask that seals to the user's face covering the nose and mouth and preventing the unwanted inhalation of water. The mask lets air in through slots located at the bottom of the mask that also allow water to drain out. Once through the slots, water is prevented from entering the mask by a water impermeable barrier that selectively allows for air and not water to be inhaled, which may be a float valve. If water penetrates through the water impermeable barrier it is caught by splash guards and funneled back out of the mask before it can enter the primary airway of the user. The water survival mask works exceptionally well at preventing inhalation of windblown water droplets or wave water when floating in rough waters, thereby preventing pulmonary aspiration and pulmonary edema. It also prevents immediate inhalation of water do to submersion in cold water.

An artificial gill garment (100) is provided for providing oxygen to a wearer in an underwater environment. The artificial gill garment comprises a membrane (110) configured to allow permeation of air through the membrane and prevent permeation of water through the membrane. The membrane is configured to provide an air reservoir. A method of manufacturing the artificial gill garment is also provided.

An artificial gill for enabling a user to breathe when in an underwater environment is provided. The artificial gill comprises a membrane configured to allow permeation of gas through the membrane and prevent permeation of water through the membrane. The membrane is made from or comprises polymethyl pentene, PMP. The artificial gill comprises a gas reservoir at least partially enclosed by a first surface of the membrane for providing gas for a user to breathe. The artificial gill also comprises a water flow device configured to direct a flow of water over a second, opposite surface of the membrane.