What Mask Filters Should We Sell?

As you probably know by now etee stands for everything touches everything else.  Our goal is for all our products to come from the earth and return to the earth, meaning biodegradable, eco-certified ingredients (non-toxic) and plastic-free.

Now that we're in the middle of a Global Pandemic, we are challenged with the desire to stay true to our mission, while also providing the protection people deserve.

You see, while Our FaceMasks fit perfectly with this mission - they are made with GOTS certified organic cotton and they are reusable - it is recommended to use a filter to ensure the masks provide maximum protection.

 

So we've been looking at filter options and the quickest to get in stock, cheapest and most tested is the disposable/single-use PM2.5 multi-layer, activated charcoal filter (with layers of synthetic melt-blown fabric), BUUUUT it's single use and it won't biodegrade any time soon.

Disposable/single-use PM2.5 set of 10 for $10.99. QUICK TO MARKET, SINGLE USE & NON-BIODEGRADABLE, PROVEN EFFECTIVE AGAINST VIRUSES

At the other end of the spectrum is a cotton filter that is more expensive, will take longer to bring to market and is not as proven. 

Reusable antibacterial cotton filter - set of 4 for $12.00USD. SLOW TO MARKET, BIODEGRADABLE, EXPENSIVE and unproven.

 

Another option that has been popping up in DIY circles is the Coffee filter.  It is - as yet - unproven, but it would be biodegradable and less expensive to produce.  

Disposable paper filter (coffee filter type) - set of 20 for $5.99. REASONABLE SPEED TO MARKET, BIODEGRADABLE, UNPROVEN

Soooo, with this in mind, we're feeling that in light of the Pandemic, it makes most sense to get the PM2.5 filter to market as quickly as possible while we continue to look into the more sustainable options; both from an 'ecological footprint' perspective AND from a functionality perspective.

We always LOVE to hear your perspectives though, and we read all of your comments and take everything you say into consideration, so....

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 

← Older Post Newer Post →

Comments

  • Personally I am not planning to get any filter masks. Comments above say why – not fit to the face, doesn’t take eyes into account, etc. I go out rarely, wear a mask myself for the sake of others, if I have to touch stuff, I wear gloves, and in any case, I think I had COVID already in mid-March. Hoping to get an antibody test soon. I am 67 and fat with no other risk factors afaik (but I have yet to see any proof that obesity is a risk factor anyway) so I feel like it would be a waste of a precious mask for me to use a filter mask. I think people with clear risk factors should be wearing them, as well as avoiding places where people aren’t wearing masks at all. Can I point out that basket coffee filters fit the face much better than cone ones, as shown here? I made a makeshift mask from two basket filters and some paper tape back when even paper surgical masks were unattainable.

    Debra R on

  • A silk, flannel, or other charge causing fabric is recommended for inserting in between the cotton.

    https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-homemade-mask-material-DIY-face-mask-ppe.html

    Molina on

  • My suggestion is to just make enough N95 masks for everyone. I personally will not feel safe until I can get them. I thought .3 and .2.5 microns were to big for this virus. We see that we can’t trust people to wear masks so maybe we should all get N95 or N99 masks if we feel at risk.

    ELizabeth BEll on

  • Hi – I really appreciate that you’ve been looking into this. My one thought is: the mask itself is not 100% tight against the face and as a result, technically, any rogue droplets of the virus floating through the air can get in through the sides and the top, and as well, through the eyes. So, filter or no filter, it really doesn’t make a difference. I wouldn’t buy any filters. I’m wearing my mask so that if I were to sneeze or cough, I’m not spreading the droplets forward, just up, to the sides and down. If we all wore masks the droplets wouldn’t go as far and possibly help to keep the spread to a minimum. That’s the best we can do, I believe. The N95 masks should be reserved for our healthcare workers.

    June Rogers on

  • Option 1 – provides most protection and what I would want to go to grocery – where other individuals are likely to be. But would use option 2 when I take my dog out in my neighborhood. The coffee filters would not be my choice based upon my research. However, have you looked at non-woven interfacing used in clothing?? Unsure of its environmental impact.

    Kathryn on

  • One option that is not listed is the Filti face mask material, which claims that it filters 95% particles over .3 microns. It is available in yardage, so you can either make masks from this material, or insert a layer inside a cotton mask cut to Adult Men’s, Ladies’ or child sizes. I do not work for Filti, but have purchased some, and believe their claim. It is not cheap, but since I can make my own washable cotton masks, I don’t mind the extra cost to make them extra safe. I do not have any information as to whether they are biodegradable or washable.

    Susan Johnson on

  • One option that is not listed is the Filti face mask material, which claims that it filters 95% particles over .3 microns. It is available in yardage, so you can either make masks from this material, or insert a layer inside a cotton mask cut to Adult Men’s, Ladies’ or child sizes. I do not work for Filti, but have purchased some, and believe their claim. It is not cheap, but since I can make my own washable cotton masks, I don’t mind the extra cost to make them extra safe. I do not have any information as to whether they are biodegradable or washable.

    Susan Johnson on

  • Option one, at least for now.

    Christina on

  • I would say the PM2.5 because although it is not biodegradable, you may in the future find a way to reuse them. If you go that way, it would be best to encourage buyers to save their used ones for future recollection.

    Ever on

  • Bonjour,

    Je crois que deux épaisseurs sont assez filtrantes et trois épaisseurs sont très filtrantes.
    L’usage d’un filtre ( insertion et retrait du filtre ) augmente les risques de contamination et compliquent l’usage du masque.

    J’opterais donc pour un masque à deux ou trois épaisseurs sans filtre.

    SArah GAgne on

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

News

Platypus Are So Weird

PVA Ban in New York