An Emergency Bra that can transform into two respiratory facemasks in case of an emergency may be the ultimate resort when caught in a disaster.

Simply unsnap the bright red bra, separate the cups, and slip it over your head-one cup for you, and one for your friend.

Dr Elena Bodnar won an Ignoble Award for the invention last year, an annual tribute to scientific research that on the surface seems goofy but is often surprisingly practical.

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The bra cups are lined with air filters she said would protect the wearer from smoke, debris from explosions, dust storms, volcanic ash and radioactive or biological terrorist attacks.

"It is an always available personal protection device, but first and foremost it is a beautiful piece of lingerie," she told media persons, adding that it is not meant to replace military-issued gas masks.

And now Bodnar has brought the eBra to the public; purchase one online only at ebbra.com for $29.95 (Rs 1,345), reports Fox News.

"The goal of any emergency respiratory device is to achieve tight fixation and full coverage. Luckily, the wonderful design of the bra is already in the shape of a face mask and so with the addition of a few design features, the Emergency Bra enhances the efficiency of minimizing contaminated bypass air flow," explains the eBra website.

According to a report on tech news site CNET, there are plans for a "counterpart device for men" in the works, though the precise shape it will take has yet to be revealed.

The "Original Red" bra will soon be joined by more styles and colours, including "Classy Black" and yet-to-be-named white and nude beige options, the Boston Herald reported.