We designed our face mask based on our research of various cloth fabric’s aerosol filtering properties by a University of Chicago/Argonne National Laboratory study and others and then had it tested in the lab to find out if our design held up to scientific scrutiny. We are thrilled with the results
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (PRWEB) September 03, 2020
Q&J Face Masks announced today that the University of Colorado at Boulder’s Vance Lab (https://www.colorado.edu/lab/vance/masks), an aerosol and engineering lab, conducted tests on Q&J’s personal face mask that indicated the Q&J face mask can provide better protection against the COVID-19 virus than many other masks. Q&J face masks have both mechanical filtering and electrostatic filtering which are also in the design of N95 and surgical masks.
Lab Test Results
Two tests were conducted on the mask with and without an electrostatic charge of our fabrics. The charged mask was 2.6 times better in filtering efficiency. Our average charged filtering efficiency was from 45 to 58% in the three test categories. The Center for Infectious Disease and Research at the University of Minnesota published a review that found that cloth or homemade masks have very low filter efficiency (2% to 38%). Medical masks are made from a wide range of materials, and studies have found a wide range of filter efficiency (2% to 98%), with most exhibiting 30% to 50% efficiency. The lab test also found the Q&J mask has great breathability averaging 63% below the test inhalation resistance maximum limit. The lab report is available here.
A Different Mask Design
Q&J designed a three-layer mask and unlike medical masks that are designed for one-time use, the mask is washable and reusable. The electrostatic properties can also be easily recharged by the user. The mask also has an insert pocket so the user can insert an additional filter of their choice for additional filtering efficiency and protection such as 100 or 200 thread count cotton, flannel, or other filters.
Personal face masks were initially recommended to help prevent the user from spreading the virus but recent studies are indicating that it can help the wearer from catching the virus or reduce the viral load and allow the body’s immune system a higher probability of fighting the disease. The result may mean a milder case or even being asymptomatic. However, no mask can guarantee 100% protection, not even the N95 (95% efficient).
Comfortable to Wear
The inner lining is silk and comfortable against the face. It uses earloops and has a wire nose bridge to close the gap between the nose and cheeks to ensure a good fit.
“Two of our mask wearers have commented on the silk inner layer, one has tactile sensitivity and prefers our mask over others she has tried. The other wears the mask for long periods and said the mask has helped reduce face mask acne,” said Lowry and he added, “Face mask acne, called maskne, is a recurring problem in the healthcare industry and among personal users.”
Availability
Q&J Face Masks are now available online at https://qjfacemasks.com/. Customers can save $8 per mask with an introductory discount and free shipping to US, APO, FPO, and Canadian addresses.