Coronavirus Technology Solutions
November 2, 2020

People are Starting to Understand the Huge Differences Between Masks

Grin Brands of India Sells Stylish Masks that Save Your Life

ANALAN® Masks Provides Reusable Masks  but Also Now Offers Disposables

Banale of Italy has Unique Strapping Arrangement for a Tight Fit

Xiaomi of China has Several Filter Designs Including One Which is Powered

_____________________________________________________________________________

People are Starting to Understand the Huge Differences Between Masks

An article in the Independent is constructive in making the case that there is a big difference between masks in terms of efficiency but it ignores the importance of a tight fit.

the Independent stated “new research has identified a major difference in the effectiveness of different types of face coverings, with some allowing 93 per cent of harmful virus particles to escape.”

Consumer watchdog Which? carried out studies on 15 masks that can be purchased online and on the high street and tested them on filtration efficiency, breathability, ease of use, and instructions.

Face coverings made from just one layer were found to be the least effective, with the lowest-ranking ones identified as a Termini8 face covering sold by Lloyds Pharmacy at £2, one from Asda priced at £3, and an Etiquette-branded mask available at Superdrug for £3.

While all of these face coverings were lightweight and easy to breathe through, Which? reported that they were not effective at filtering harmful particles.

In light of their findings, Which? has advised consumers not to buy any of these masks, claiming that the Etiquette mask filters just seven per cent of harmful particles.

Meanwhile, several masks were highly rated by the consumer watchdogs.

In first place was the NEQI reusable face mask sold at Boots and Ocado in packs of three for £15. It was found to filter 80 per cent of particles but was also very easy to breathe through.

In second place were the face coverings made by Bags of Ethics Great British Designer, available at ASOS and John Lewis for £15 in packs of three. It was rated as the most breathable mask but also rated highly in terms of filtration.

The study also looked at how effective masks were at preventing glasses from steaming up, something that is common for those wearing face coverings that aren’t completely breathable.

Which? found that just two masks were suitable for those wearing glasses: a £12 mask from ASOS and the £10 AB Mask.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said there is a "huge difference" in quality between reusable masks sold in stores around the country and online.

"We would urge manufacturers to use our findings to up their game and improve their products - until then it is worth taking time to research the best option for yourself and your loved ones," she said.

Asda commented that its face coverings "comply with British Retail Consortium guidance and the Office for Product Safety and Standards".

The company added: "The covering that featured in this review was produced before the CWA17533 guidelines were published and is no longer on sale."

Superdrug said its Etiquette mask had been tested against official guidelines, adding: "This product was clearly retailed as a fabric face covering and not a surgical mask - designed to help the wearer reduce the spread of a cold or virus, as per government guidelines."

Additionally, Lloyds Pharmacy said its Termin8 mask is "compliant with all necessary requirements as set out by the Department for Health & Social Care and the British Retail Consortium, for use as a face covering in numerous public settings as required by UK law".

The research comes after a study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge and Northwestern University, found most of the fabrics commonly used for non-clinical face masks are effective at filtering ultrafine particles that may contain viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes Covid-19.

For the study, researchers tested everything from t-shirts and socks to jeans and vacuum bags to uncover which type of mask material was most effective at filtering the particles at high speeds, which reflected how they’d work if someone coughed or breathed heavily into the mask.

They also examined the effectiveness of N95 and surgical masks, which are more commonly worn by healthcare professionals.

Grin Brands of India Sells Stylish Masks that Save Your Life

Grin Brands is company in a variety of niche and exclusive products in health, wellness and fitness category home based in Delhi India.. At Grin Brands, Masks are promoted as “stylish while saving your life”

AIR Q N99 Eco-Friendly Mask Reusable Washable Durable mask is Rs. 4,990.00Rs. 2,990.00 or $39

HyperHEPA media filtration technology, is designed for protection against airborne particles, ultrafine pollutants down to 0.003 microns.

The mask uses a specialized sealant material that gently and firmly conforms comfortably to  face shape, claiming to fully prevent any polluted air from leaking in. This sealing configuration is also designed for maximum comfort all day long – it prevents unsightly pressure marks.

 EasyStrap is  adjustable head wear specially designed to comfortably fit your face.

The adjustable head harness assembly promotes a comfortable fit with multi size adjustable head cradle, long lasting straps.  A resilient silicone face seal provides comfort, durability, and stability and  keeps its shape in all environments. The sizes available are medium, large and extra-large.  There are a range of other masks with ratings of N95 and N99.  Prices range from 800 to 3000 Rs. The company also sells air purifiers. They sell on line but also through retailers.

ANALAN® Masks Provides Reusable Masks  but Also Now Offers Disposables 

ANALAN® was founded by Andy and Jay Zhang in May 2017. The company is committed to the development and production of washable and reusable air mask and dust masks. The company sells on line but also through affiliates who receive $1 for each mask sold through a successful referral.  It also sells through Amazon.

The company has  now designed a new washable mask, and the breathing valve has also been completely redesigned. Filters have achieved FDA certification, and co-production plants have achieved Newest N95 certification. The company will provide free replacement service for 180 days (It will pay the return shipping cost).  
It began selling a new style of washable mask in mid-May. Second, it will meet the needs of everyone and start selling disposable masks and KN95 masks.

The company currently uses China Southern Airlines' transportation service to transport the goods to the United States and then delivery to FedEx. FedEx will ship it to a home. The shipping cost is about $8-12 per package. But the shipping time only takes 7-15 days.

$14.95 for 10 pieces.

There are positive comments on Amazon but here is one negative one: “Pain at the back or my ears. Mask is big but filter is way too small so it is not blocking any dust at all.”   (This is a subject that needs further discussion. Does a  mask with an insertable filter have a disadvantage because the filter area is smaller than a mask that uses the entire surface for filtration?

$17.95 for 10 pieces.

N 99 Mask - 28 pieces for $25.                           

Banale of Italy has Unique Strapping Arrangement for a Tight Fit

Banale is located in Milan Italy and has expanded from a small startup company in 2015.

BANALE is an Italian word that means common, ordinary, not original. the founders choose this word as brand name in 2015 because it represented the opposite of the products that they wanted to design which is Unique and useful accessories that help make it through the daily commuting and the long travelling more easily and more safely.

It launched a dozen of 100% original accessories, aimed to empower urban life daily experiences and the frequent travel routine.

The Pollution mask has an interchangeable filter compliant with the FFP2 European standard (N95). The design of Banale MASK provides comfort and full protection against PM 2.5, PM 10, pollen and bacteria.

MASK pack contains 1 mask and 1 anti-smog filter.

€24.90

The mask has a unique design to provide the tight fit. The wearer pulls the laces until the mask automatically adapts to his  face, leaving no holes where particles can creep in. It will also fit with all different kinds of sunglasses and helmets.

The FFP2 standard filter is made by combining seven filtering layers. It will ensure that you have 95% protection from PM2.5, PM10, pollen and bacteria.

Filters are easily replaced as shown above.

Xiaomi of China has Several Filter Designs Including One Which is Powered

The Purely anti-pollution air mask is a KN95 standard 4-layer filter mask designed to be KN95 resistant to dust, bacteria and viruses. 

The product is made from a main material of non-woven fabric with water resistance. The Xiaomi Purely mask is also equipped with a metal rod so that the user can adjust the fit of the mask, giving the best effect. Besides, the 3D design will prevent the mask from touching the nose and mouth to avoid affecting the lipstick and makeup.

Along with the easy-to-open folding design so that users can easily store masks in backpacks , bags, jackets, it helps to keep the masks hygienic and for longer time of use.

The product is shipped from the Chinese warehouse of Gearbest, by  priority direct mail in order to have international tax free shipping.

A Xiaomi Purely KN95 masks is priced at $36.