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! 

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Comments

  • I’m using double-thickness cotton masks I made myself for right now, going out so infrequently where there’s anybody else. When/if this virus thing roars back for its second (+) round of infection, and we’ve adapted to going about fairly “normal” lives but with face shields, I’ll be glad to know where to get info from your studies of less expensive but biodegradable filters.

    Kate Landishaw on

  • We used a hepa filter from our Kerby vacuum. It cuts up to easily fit the pocket in our mask and we can hand wash them. We was our cotton masks in the clothes washing machine and then use our dryer to complete our process.

    Phillip Gonzales on

  • I’m still waiting for my masks (from you) to arrive. Ask me again after I receive them please.

    Gail on

  • I’ve just read that cotton and silk works well in combination. My only complaint about your cotton masks is that they don’t have a wire in them to shape around my nose to prevent my glasses from steaming up. My vote is to keep masks as earth-friendly as possible.

    Janet on

  • It does not make much sense to create sustainable filters for others to buy without knowing whether it helps. At best, it works to filter in a sustainable manner as well as PM2.5 or at least better with no filter. At worst, it does nothing but create a false sense of security and wastes money.

    Amanda Ecret on

  • I’ve been using the coffee filter option until I could source out something better, but that’s been difficult. I’d be happy if I could get PM 2.5s from you, but also like the idea of having something like the cotton filter if it could last longer and/or be washed and reused.

    Jim on

  • PM2.5 for now. Maybe setting limits on their purchase, or setting up automatic shipment of small amounts monthly or bi-monthly. Once you establish an alternative, you can start replacing the PM2.5s with the alternative, or possibly a combination thereof.

    Meredith Macaulay on

  • I use Scott shop rags. I have been told that two layers makes a very effective filter. I cut one of the rags into three and double it over in my masks. It is breathable.

    SLM on

  • I would use the PM2.5 in the short term but prefer the cotton or something else you can make available soon that is effective and sustainable.

    Janet on

  • I used your cotton reusable on the golf course and found it comfortable, but it fogged up my glasses. I also found the hole in the back too small to insert a filter. I think a slit across the top would work better so we could slide a filter in there. I know it will work well walking, but for bicycling I just use a single layer cotton bandanna so I look like an outlaw. That is all the thickness I can take a high cardio vascular pace.

    Thomas White on
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