Reusable antimicrobial masks combine the best features of all types of masks which makes them ideal for protecting against COVID-19. When looking for these masks, be sure that they have been tested extensively and are in compliance with international standards such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) or AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists)
These masks can vary in the mechanism of action for the antiviral property. For example, the OURA Air Mask uses compounds such as silver oxide, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide in order to inactivate the viral particles. Together, these compounds work to prevent microbial growth.
The antimicrobial effects combined with high levels of filtration make them ideal for preventing the spread of COVID-19 since they don’t just filter germs, they work to kill them.
One important thing to look for when choosing one of these masks is for the antimicrobial compounds to be embedded within the threads of the mask rather than just coated on the surface. This embedding process permanently locks the antimicrobial feature into the mask. Conversely, any coatings on a fabric will quickly fade away after the mask is washed and make the mask ineffective at killing germs in the long run.
Also, these masks are arguably the most ideal mask to reuse with COVID-19 in mind.
Since they are antimicrobial and washable, they can be used consistently without any loss of the antiviral functionality. Since these masks have antimicrobial properties, they also don’t have to be washed as frequently as other reusable masks since they are self-sterilizing
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