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US company makes cloth mask which prevents virus

18 Aug '20

3 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

US medical textile products manufacturer HipSaver has designed the first cloth mask which has proven highly effective in preventing penetration by virus particles in independent tests. The virus particles tested were five times smaller than Covid-19 virus particles, meaning that the efficacy against preventing Covid-19 virus particles could be even higher.

With the increase in face covering mandates and concerns over getting and spreading Covid-19, there is a proliferation of masks and face coverings offered to the general public with little proof of their effectiveness.

Ed Goodwin, the founder and product development manager of HipSaver, who has always obtained scientific validation for all of his medical textile products, engaged Nelson Laboratories, a leading, global testing lab specialising in expert advisory and testing solutions for medical device and biologics companies, to test the DermaSaver Sci-Tex Mask construction.

The Viral Filtration Efficacy (VFE) test they conducted showed the DermaSaver Sci-Tex Mask material construction to be an average of 91.8 per cent effective in preventing aerosolised virus particles from penetrating through the mask. The virus particles tested are five times smaller than Covid-19 virus particles, implying that the efficacy against preventing Covid-19 virus particles from penetration could be even greater. Nelson Labs full report can be viewed at dermasaver.com.

"We believed our product would be effective based on the known textile science, and now these results from Nelson Labs have proven that to be true," says Goodwin. "Virus transmission experts agree that exposure duration and dose volume of virus particles are two key factors in overwhelming the immune system. This test result shows a dramatic reduction in the dose volume exposure."

Consumers who have used the DermaSaver Sci-Tex mask have raved about its light weight and comfort and now they can be assured that they are not sacrificing protection for comfort.

The mask which retails for less than $20, consists of two layers of water resistant (hydrophobic) microfiber polyester that repels airborne droplets (unlike hydrophilic cotton). The brushed inside surfaces of the layers mesh together to create an additional barrier.

In addition, the mask with all lightweight fabric construction is totally machine wash/dry, over 200 times, its nose bridge insert molds to the face - reduces eyeglass fogging, it has soft stretch ear bands - no abrasive, cutting or hard contact surfaces, ear bands are adjustable for a perfect fit and gap-free perimeter seal for maximum protection, there is no latex or chemical finishes, and it is breathable without using potentially hazardous non-filtered exhalation valves

Sizes are available in average, petite and children category, and one does not need to buy and replace filters.

Founded in 1995, HipSaver is an FDA registered small business and medical textile products manufacturer located in Norwood, Massachusetts.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SV)