Face Masks With The Best Filters, Features And Technology For Your Pandemic Safety – Forbes

As wearing masks remains the new normal, why not have the best technology and filtration available, ... [+] even if it is not obvious, as in the versatile Buff Filter Tube.

Face masks, along with hand washing and social distancing, are the best safety protection you have against the coronavirus and risk of contracting COVID-19 in the current pandemic. Wearing a mask also protects the rest of society. The World Health Organization (WHO) puts it bluntly: People wearing masks are protected from getting infected. Masks also prevent onward transmission when worn by a person who is infected, whether they have symptoms or not.

Masks work, the science has shown it, anecdotal evidence is overwhelming, and countries and regions that have higher level of mask usage have had lower infection rates across the board (and vice versa). Just about every documented super spreader event has revolved around failure to wear masks, while potentially disastrous situations like the Missouri hair salon turned out fine because of masks. Consider flying: everyone on planes has to be masked, and infections linked to air travel have remained impressively low after millions of passengers traveled.

The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) just released new guidance on public transportation, stations and airports and its conclusion is a strong recommendation for wearing of masks by passengers. Comments by the CDC include Appropriately worn masks reduce the spread of COVID-19 and Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings, and Broad and routine utilization of masks on our transportation systems will protect Americans. The WHO also stresses masks above most other measures in its latest COVID-19 advice for the public (October 13): Masks are a key measure to suppress the spread of COVID-19 and save lives, and Make wearing a mask a normal part of being around other people, and simply Wear a mask.

Some people have heard the rumor that wearing masks can lead to CO2 intoxication but according to the WHO thats just fake science, FACT: The prolonged use of medical masks when properly worn, DOES NOT cause CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency. You can dislike wearing masks, I think most people do, or you can mistake it for a political issue, but it simply makes no sense to argue with the beneficial results.

In any case, like it or not, it looks like masks are here to stay for the foreseeable future, mandated in most states for shopping and other indoor gatherings, mandated by many municipalities, companies and retailers, as well as on planes. But not all masks are equally effective, and since you are likely going to be wearing one somewhat regularly for the immediate future, you might as well have one that works well.

Back in August I took a look at the masks being produced by the top specialty companies in the outdoor gear and fitness fields, based on the simple premise that their expertise with higher tech performance fabrics, precision fit and manufacturing, and features like comfort and breathability lent their skill set to mask making. Ive continued to use every one of the masks I featured in that piece, and all are still on the market and great choices, with several, including the two models from Kitsbow and the one from Outdoor Research among my personal favorites. But now there even are more options with some added benefits.

Having done a lot of research and having worn masks for long durations during flights for work, during a variety outdoor sports from cycling to hiking, and in hospitals, stores and homes, Ive narrowed down the key differentiators that elevate some masks about others. The first is filtration. All the masks worn by medical workers, from the standard blue or green pleated rectangle to the highly fitted N95 are basically wearable filters with no fabric at all, and that is why they work well. Bandanas and DIY masks made out of t-shirts or pillowcases, or the store-bought simple cloth equivalents, are still far better than nothing, but they are not true filters. So, personally at this point I use only masks with filters, I see no reason not too, and these have become widely available.

When placed in between the layers - such as with a pocket style opening allowing for insertion and removal - you could insert a filter which will make the mask more effective and provide extra protection against allowing viral particles into the air when you talk, cough or breathe, Dr. Ruth L. Bush, associate dean of medical education and a professor at the University of Houston College of Medicine, told TODAY.com. Research has shown that some loosely-woven masks only block 10-20% of particles, but by adding one or more layers of filter material, higher percentages of particles could be blocked.

There are three basic ways you can get high quality filtration in a face mask. One is to go the disposable route like the doctors do. The problem here is a lot of cost over time, a lot of waste, and dubious manufacturing for consumer models. For example, while the KN95 masks many consumers are buying (mostly online) as an alternative to the medical grade N95 versions (which are still in short supply for front line workers) work in theory, in practice many are made in China, infamous for mislabeling and safety shortcuts in manufacturing, and recent studies have shown that the majority simply do not functional as advertised. The most recent major study showed that 60-70% of imported KN95 masks do not filter 95% of aerosol particulates as they are supposed to.

The second but least common strategy is a mask with a permanent filter layer built into it, like the Kitsbow Wake ProTech model, developed by a North Carolina based cycling apparel specialist in partnership with medical professionals at Wake Forest. In general, double or triple layer masks are more effective than a single layer, but this model has four-layer construction, including two internal permanent filtering layers. This no fuss, no muss model is washable, comfortable, comes in several sizes with great coverage and easily adjustable around the head straps, and it is made domestically.

But the most common solution is a fabric mask with a pocket for a disposable paper style filter, some of which are single use and others reusable a certain number of times. Either way, the drawback is that you have to buy and keep extra filters on hand, but these tend to be the most comfortable and breathable solutions, and the disposable filters are highly effective, with many rated at around 99%. These also give you the flexibility to skip the filter when wearing in low risk uses such as a fitness walk around your mostly empty neighborhood to avoid burning through filters.

In addition to some sort of filter, the key elements I look at are fit and comfort, which often go hand in hand. The tailored, more volcano shaped masks that have a pointy top center designed to go around your nose tend to fit more closely and slip less than the basic rectangular models. In fact, while health authorities have made it abundantly clear that masks only work if they fully cover your nose and mouth, Ive already had several distressingly stressful encounters with cashiers or people in airports who have their mask dropping off their nose as we interact, and these have in every case been basic rectangles. Additional features that give you a closer fit (better seal) include an adjustable, bendable nosepiece, multiple sizes, and adjustable ear or head bands.

Finally, more and more better-quality masks are featuring antimicrobial coatings to keep them clean from your own hands, especially on the outside when you pull them up and down and touch them in between hand washing.

Many of the masks Ive tested recently have most or all of these features at affordable prices, combining comfort, breathability and protection. Here are my favorite new additions:

Long before the coronavirus pandemic, HALO used proprietary New Zealand based filtration technology ... [+] to protect users form air pollution and natural disasters.

HALOmask: Long before COVID, people in many parts of the world faced danger from the air they breathed, and the trademarked technology of the HALOmask was conceived in New Zealand more than four years ago, deployed on the streets of Bali when volcanoes erupted in Indonesia, and in Australia when wildfires ravaged the countryside. Maker HALOLIFE uses a proprietary nano filter material made in New Zealand - not China - that has been independently laboratory tested and shown to block harmful airborne particulates, including smoke, dust, exhaust fumes, toxins, odors, pollens, pathogens and pollutant, capturing a remarkable 99.37% at 0.1 microns, which is about as good as filters get.

But there are several other key benefits: an ultra-breathable honeycomb outer layer, durable foam nose pads to optimize fit and prevent glasses from fogging, adjustable ear loops with a toggle lock on each one, and a soft, comfortable lining of natural bamboo fabric. The sleek design provides an excellent seal on almost every face, and the ultra-thin filter combines maximum breathability and protection. The replaceable filter can be used for up to 200 hours and the HALOmask comes in sizes small through extra-large in order to fit adults and children as young as seven. It is offered in black, white, or two-tone sport mesh with grey trim ($30 with one filter).

Masks with high efficiency filters are desirable, but often cumbersome. The r mask has a better ... [+] perfectly fitted, user friendly solution

r Nanofilter Masks: Based in Prague, r takes a similar approach, using a disposable EU-made three-layer nano filter insert, which blocks up to 99.8% of particulates. In addition, the exterior is treated with Swedish made ViralOff, an antimicrobial treatment that reduces 99% of viruses on the surface within two hours. The front is also treated with Eco Aqua Zero, which makes the exterior water repellent and causes water to bead up and roll off, and while many mask buyers dont consider what it is like to wear one in the rain, you may have to at some point. The masks are light and comfortable, with a locking toggle on each ear loop for perfect fit.

Its important to note that r makes two versions, with and without an external exhalation valve. In general masks with valves have been not recommended (including by the WHO) because they allow users to expel unfiltered air which is dangerous to others, but unlike most competitors, the exhalation valve is entirely in front of the filter meaning that exhalation is still filtered but is supposed to be easier. However, while these are popular in Europe, when I flew recently on American Airlines, they had a policy of not allowing masks with valves, and the r models I have been testing are the valve-less ones.

The r mask has all the bells and whistles: filter, anti-microbial coating, high breathability and ... [+] adjustable ear loops

But my favorite thing about the r masks that sets them apart from similar high tech models is that the filter is a single fitted piece the same shape as the mask itself, attaching to the inside panel via three hook and loop strips, rather than the pocket just about everyone else uses. On many masks, inserting the filter evenly and without crumpling it up is a tedious process, but this one fits perfectly and securely every time with virtually no effort. In addition, the filter itself has an embedded aluminum strip in the nosepiece to match the perfect close fit of the mask, and the disposable filters can be used for up to two weeks. The r masks come in three sizes and seven color schemes but all are black, only the logo size and color changes ($30).

Ideal for hiking or running, the Buff Filter Tube combines the ease and comfort of a neck gaiter ... [+] with high efficiency filtration

Buff Filter Tube: This is by far the best option Ive seen for frequent on and off use, such as hiking when you pull up the mask only when you pass people the trail.

Neck gaiters as a category of masks got slammed by a widely publicized study calming the were worse than wearing nothing, which defied logic so much it should have given researchers a red flag. Since then the New York Times, Slate, Popular Since and many others have reported how the testing was flawed, but to me the bigger issue was that the researchers seemed to believe that a neck gaiter is a single consistent thing like a cotton bandana. In fact, neck gaiters cone in all thicknesses and materials, from synthetics to cotton to wool and some are literally hundreds of times thicker than others. It sounds like the one they tested was the lowest denominator, the promotional giveaway style.

On the other hand, Spanish manufacturer Buff pioneered the tubular multi-function headwear category for active outdoor use, and when the coronavirus surged throughout Europe early in the year, before it was as much of an issue here, Buffs brand teams felt the coming global impact at its headquarters in Spain. As employees were sent home for safety precautions and production paused, brainstorming ways to provide aid began. That's when the new corporate alliance with UNICEF and the new Buff Filter Mask were launched, with 2% of global revenues, including all sales from the new masks, to be donated to UNICEF next year. I covered this in my last story.

Now Buff has a newer product, the Filter Tube and while the mask is a highly fitted, strap-on mask, the filter tube is basically a classic Buff neck gaiter with a pocket that holds a disposable filter. The 3-layer filter uses melt-blown nano fiber, quickly becoming the top material choice, claiming 98% effectiveness, and the interior of the filter pocket is treated with Swiss HeiQ V-Block antimicrobial treatment. It also adds in UPF 50+ sun protection, and is wicking and quick drying. Basically, it can give you filtered mask protection while keeping the sun off you or keeping you warmer during a range of outdoor activities. Since most ski resorts are requiring masks for lifts and lift lines this season, and Buff is already a popular skier and snowboarder choice, this seems perfect for winter.

Besides myself, the only people I could find who have used and reviewed the filter tube were the truly obsessive gear junkies at running website roadtrailrun.com who wrote, We tested the Buff Filter Tube on a hike with 2400 feet of climbing in 3 miles to Lake Blanche in Utah.The trail was busy and narrow so masking was frequently required. Not only is the Buff with filter comfortable enough to remain on at all times under exertion but the ability to carefully and quickly (unlike masks) pull it up and down is very convenient when passing people on the trail. Of the masks tested it is clearly the most practical for runners while providing, when used and handled properly and instructions are included, a high level of filtration protection. Because of the four way stretch and generally comprehensive, form fitting nature, it only comes in two unisex sizes which cover pretty much everyone, and a whopping fourteen colors and patterns. Each filter tube includes five single use filters ($27-$29).

The Better Mask by Inex Gear has an integrated nano filter that does not need to be replaced.

Inex Better Mask: Los Angeles-based Inex Gear just launched The Better Mask as a stylish and high-tech protective option. It was designed in collaboration with Academy Award nominated costume designer Luis Sequeira (The Shape Of Water), and features a deep scalloped nose bridge so you can more easily see the wearers expression, and it comes in three sizes (suitable for kids 5 years and older) and four colors.

But while one of the key selling points is looking good, it is also packed with features. The chin cup makes for a tight seal, and it has an embedded nanofiber filter that spans the entire mask and is washable and reusable for daily wear - without having to remove or replace the filter. The nanofiber is sourced in Europe from a manufacturer that states it is 98% effective and the mask has been treated with Swiss HeiQ V-Block antimicrobial technology. Like the other (non-gaiter) masks here it has locking toggles on each ear loop for a highly adjustable, secure and comfortable fit ($33).

Read more from the original source:
Face Masks With The Best Filters, Features And Technology For Your Pandemic Safety - Forbes