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
I vote for the biodegradable organic fiber filter or something sustainable. I have been making masks for family and friends. I have been making out of cotton fabric and lining them with silk. I got this tip from another mask maker. Fortunately, I have any vintage pieces for silk in my fabric larder. I also have many, many yards of 100% cotton fabric. For people making a quick trip to a known safe place I also make a few masks from Tee shirt type fabrics. I hope that information helps.
I have etee masks and also make my own. I use a layer of nonwoven fabric between the inner and outer cotton layers. I use Oly Fun fabric (https://www.fairfieldworld.com/using-olyfun-for-face-masks-what-you-need-to-know/). The manufacturer claims if you sew it in, it could eventually break down in the washer/dryer, but I sew mine in and have not had any problems. You can also use it as a removable filter, and it can be reused by cleaning it with Lysol or bleach between uses.
I’m fairly indifferent. I have coffee filters and can easily cut them to fit. I’m not sure anyone would need to buy coffee filters from etee. Therefore, I’d say try selling the proven filters because there will be customers who really want them. Keep working on the reusable ones if you can because they might be popular if they are at all helpful. I agree with the point that masks are going to be leaky so the decision should take account of that (meaning a high-end filter might be wasted or might offset the leakiness). Another mod I’ve made is to staple a bendy metal coffee bag clasp onto the top of the mask to create a seal above my nose to prevent my glasses from fogging up. Have to remove staples before washing though.
Definitely not vacuum Hepa filter bags. They are not safe to breathe through. I have not received my masks yet. Is there a filter pocket in them?
i actually wouldn’t buy something, especially from etee, that isn’t environmentally sensitive, sustainable, and protective. so i wouldn’t buy single use filters.
btw, thanks for the masks; and all you do!
I haven’t started wearing a mask yet because mine haven’t yet arrived in the mail. However, my choice of filter would be to wait until a biodegradable option is available.
No vacuum cleaner HEPA filters! I understand that they are not safe for humans to breathe through. I use the PM 2.5. Sustainability is great, but I’m not willing to die for it.
I am unable to find the article anymore, but there were some science studies done on breathability and percentage of microbes which cannot get through. Thick Kona quilting fabric, denim, and high threadcount cotton bedsheets rated towards the top of the list! All washbable and reusable.
I wear your masks to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19, from me to someone else and vice versa and use a paper towel filter if I will be out for longer periods. I don’t feel as great a need for medical grade as I’m not in a hospital or nursing home setting, preferring to keep distance and go out only as necessary. If I were to use more filters, I opt for the most environmentally friendly. Thank you for asking for our opinions! Stay well!
I’ve been wearing the mask sans filter and may try the vacuum cleaner filter idea but I’d rather wait for something biodegradable.