ARTIFACT Mask & Filter Information

Masks & Filters Information

We are continuously learning more about how to best approach to mask construction, care and the various ways our country mobilizing to aid in the shortage of masks.

We are monitoring and will post any changes to the Center for Disease Control (CDC)’s position on protective covering.  Currently the CDC only recommends wearing a mask if you are sick, but that position may change.

CDC LINK

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

 

This blog post is meant to list the articles we found relevant with the hopes that you will become better informed and develop your own plan for how to protect yourself and family in this new environment.

MASKS:

The Artifact Twill Masks are NOT CDC certified or FDA approved and are NOT a substitute for N95 masks or any other hospital grade equivalent. 

Material: 100% Cotton Twill

Wearing:

 

FILTERS:

Based on the information we have today, we have found the residential MERV-14 air filters to be the best readily available alternative for increasing the efficacy of our mask. That said, ensuring you have a secure seal around your face is probably more important.

Material: 100% Poylpropylene lofted microfiber (a plastic). Contains no fiberglass.

Size: 5 1/2” x 2 1/2”

Spec Sheet for the material we are using: http://qualityfilters.com/products/quality-pak

 

 

DIY FILTER MATERIAL & CONSTRUCTION:

If you choose to construct your own filters using residential air filtration or any other products, here is what we know:

Study on filter materials by Cambridge University for Influenza – not including home air filters – has vacuum cleaner bags and tea towls as the top 2 alternatives to surgical masks:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258525804_Testing_the_Efficacy_of_Homemade_Masks_Would_They_Protect_in_an_Influenza_Pandemic

 

https://academic.oup.com/annweh/article/54/7/789/202744

 

Loose Filter formats like the one below contains less glue and adhesive vs. the filters built in boxes.

 

 

 

 

Inexpensive & Higher efficiency air filters sometimes contain a fiberglass like product. Please check before using. 

MERV Rating Scale and explanation:

https://www.lakeair.com/merv-rating-explanation/

 

 

DIY Filter Sterilization:

While we recommend single use for all filters and washing your masks after every use, here are articles on how others are approaching cleaning what they have. 

https://www.livescience.com/sanitizing-medical-masks-for-reuse-coronavirus.html