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 am using standard surgical (blue) masks.

    Susan Kakesako on

  • I’d go with the cotton because they recommended three layers of cotton. I second would use the coffee filter, but I have a problem breathing in particles from the filter and the PM2.5. It’s not worth killing your lungs just to prevent coronavirus, which will not kill most of us.

    DBLR on

  • I am currently using a PM2.5, but also looking into HEPA. These seem to be the go-to until a more sustainable alternative can be found. I would rather use something that has some reasonable evidence that it is effective rather than using something that has not been proven.

    Blaise on

  • The PM 2.5 filter does not filter all air going in & out of the cotton mask because the size of the filter is not the same size as the mask area. The filter likely covers the greater area of the mask so it may be somewhat helpful. Note that it is easier for air to pass through 2 layers of cotton than those 2 layers + the filter. One site suggested the non-washable filter would last 7 days however if removed so the cotton can be washed daily who knows the effectiveness of the filter. My understanding is that the filters should only be handled by the edges to retain efficacy. It is definitely not an N95 equivalent where the entire mask is a filter and the fit is way better. So handle mask with care, wear it correctly, keep 2m distance, don’t touch your face with unclean hands & go home ASAP.

    Nora on

  • I’d have to concur with PM2.5 in the interim, hoping something effective and less impactful to environment can be an option soon.

    RJG on

  • I think using the PM2.5 is the way to go for now. Hopefully in the future you’ll find a more sustainable option.

    Sara on

  • I have read cut up HEPA vacuum cleaner filters can be used, though I haven’t tried it yet. I guess I would go with the sure thing-PM2 one until a Sustainable one can be found. Will be adding a filter since I was in a smallish grocery store that suddenly became crowded on my aisle. Unnerving.

    Nell Haughton on

  • I got some electrostatic film that I can cut up and put in my masks (if I ever get them). Of course, it probably isn’t biodegradable, so that’s a problem.

    Janet Berger on

  • Unfortunately, I would not buy any of these. A single use mask is not sustainable

    And the others are not helpful. Spend time getting it right. We will be needing masks for a long time.

    BArbara bRadshaw on

  • I agree, use the PM 2.5 until a more sustainable choice can be determined. It appears that wearing masks that can effectively filter or prevent the virus from passing the barrier is crucial for containing the spread of this coronavirus.

    Jessica Damen on
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