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.
Comments
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.
Option one, at least for now.
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.
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.
I agree that biodegradable would be best, but I’d rather have virus protection that is effective and proven. So, I opt for the first one. Thanks for asking!
I have read the original message and some of the submissions a number of times. Each option has at least one drawback which makes a choice particularly difficult. Since I follow the scientifically appropriate suggestions, I really don’t leave my house very much. So, I would purchase the PM2.5 to be most secure when I do go out. Don’t like that it is not biodegradable and is single use, but makes the most sense until something better comes along. Having said that, if I were only going for a brief moment, the coffee filter paper is a good second choice, as long as one follows the mask/filter guidelines. Don’t touch the mask until you can get back home and throw it in the washer. Basically I’m as clueless as almost everyone else as to which will truly save my life, and high risk to boot. Think much of our personal safety is really up to each of us individually. I’m with you etee, whatever you decide!
Ive been using re-useable/washable bamboo paper towels as filters to my “no sew” bandanna masks. Am looking forward to receiving my etee masks!
I have tried coffee filters but I don’t think they actually filter anything, just deflect your breath around the edges because the coffee filter is not permeable at all to anything that’s not liquid. I’d rather use a double layer of terry cloth or a folded paper towel, both allow your breath to pass through.
I would love to get a chance to buy a mask that has only biodegradable components. Since this type of mask is mostly used to protect other people from our own microbes (as opposed to medical personnel masks), I think cotton and coffee would do the job adequately. What we mostly need are layers of fabric to catch the bigger droplets.
Hi Steve – the masks look great but I’m still waiting for mine to arrive in the mail. It’s been a few weeks now. Thanks from Pam