With the second wave of the Covid-19 in Australia, the need for face masks remains more important than ever. It has been proven that face masks play a huge role in mitigating the spread of Covid-19. They are becoming a part of our new ‘normal life’.
Lately, face masks made with copper have grown in popularity due to their antimicrobial properties. Many health experts recommend the use of this natural mineral – known as a born virus killer - as it is believed to be the best available material for virus protection. How much protection does a copper face masks really offer against coronavirus?
What is so special about copper?
The natural germ-killing properties of copper are well established. Copper has shown throughout history to be very effective thanks to its antiviral and antibacterial possessions. In Ancient times - long before microbes were known to play a role in diseases - the Egyptians used the metal in medicinal preparations to sterilise wounds.
Decades of research has shown that copper has been proven to kill pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms that cause diseases. Since 2008, copper has been recognised as a ‘antimicrobial agent, due to its potent ability to kill pathogens and slow down their transmission.
How effective is a copper filter mask ?
A copper filter mask will not only act as a barrier between you and your environment - protecting the person wearing it- but the copper nanoparticles will also shield other people as the copper filter kills microbes.
The copper filter mask has also indicated to provide a higher level of protection than that of surgical masks. On top of the antiviral protection naturally provided by the copper material, they have been shown to help limit the spread of salmonella, E.coli and influenza. They have been proven to filter more than 99.9% of harmful particles.
Unlike glass or stainless steel, copper has self-disinfecting properties. A study of the Journal of Medicine has shown that the survival rate of bacteria and viruses on copper is significantly less than on plastic or stainless steel. When a virus lands on a copper surface, the copper ions attack and kill the cells instantly.
How does copper kill viruses & bacteria?
The graphic below shows in a simple way how copper ions can kill harmful viruses and bacteria.
Copper ions need to interact with a microbe to become reactive. When a microbe comes in contact with copper, the copper ions deactivate the germ as a ‘grenade’.
They puncture through the microbe’s outer layer and affect its genetic material. This will cause it to literally ‘explode’, killing the cell.
Enveloped viruses like the coronavirus are more sensitive to copper. Copper alters the structure destroying the envelope protein of the virus, rendering them ineffective.
Studies revealed that the moment the microbial particles come in contact with the copper surface, they start to die. This process is called ‘contact killing’.
How many layers of protection does the Copper Filter Mask provide?
The Bacteria & Asthma Protective Face Mask is made out of three layers. The virus-repellent copper filter has been developed to inactivated bacteria, viruses or harmful pathogens.
The layers provide the mask with remarkable filtration efficiency, while the copper filter has been shown to inactivate bacteria, harmful pathogens and viruses, including the bovine coronavirus, with 99.99% efficiency.
Can I wash the copper filter face mask?
The great advantage of our Bacteria & Asthma Protective Face Mask by Dr. Hoffmann is that the device is sustainable, eco-friendly and cost-effective. The filter in the mask can be worn consecutively for up to 2 weeks. After that time, the filters can be washed under running water without hurting their filtration efficacy. The mask should be washed in distilled or cooled boiled water. You can use some soft washing liquid or detergent. Follow the steps below.
For the mask, we recommend washing every 3-5 days:
* Firstly, take out the filter
* Place the mask in a bowl ensuring that the elastic ear loops are kept outside the bowl
* Add cooled boiled water (or distilled water) and leave it to rest for 15 minutes. This process ensures hygiene. If you want, use some mild detergent.
* GENTLY massage
* Squeeze out excess water and lay the face mask flat to dry naturally
For the filter, we recommend cleaning every 2 weeks
* Hold the filter under running water
* Do not use detergent or washing filter
* Gently massage
* Leave the filter to dry naturally. Do not use the microwave!
Should I buy a copper filter face mask?
All signs we can find, point to the fact that the natural mineral copper is a promising new asset in the world of virus protection.
The Bacteria & Asthma protective Face Mask incorporates a patented Ding-Filter that uses copper filter technology. Our face mask has been manufactured in Germany to very high standards. The filter is made of a very fine copper mesh improving performance significantly. Thanks to its large surface, the potentially harmful particles are neutralised before entering your lungs. This face mask offers the ultimate protection against the Covid-19 risks and is very comfortable to wear.
In addition to the copper’s antimicrobial benefits, the masks are also sustainable, reusable and washable. You can use the mask over and over again, while the filters can be washed and replaced. Replacement filter sets are available with 4 filters.
The Bacteria & Asthma Facemask are the perfect choice for in public transport, shops, at work or around vulnerable individuals.
Conclusion
The antimicrobial properties of copper have received much attention recently, and rightfully so. Studies have recognised the potential of copper as the mineral attacks bacteria and virus cells and destroys the harmful pathogens.
The technology has become a viable strategy against the spread of the coronavirus as infections continue to rise. Copper is now even used in face masks to give you optimal protection. The Copper filter mask has used the microbe-resistant material in the filter to defend you against viral growth and contamination. Our comfortable Bacteria & Asthma Protective Face Mask by Dr. Hoffmann will ensure you are protected against the transmission of Covid-19.
Australia is reimposing restrictions as hundreds of people in Victoria have tested positive for the virus in the past two weeks.Infections are resurging, representing a disappointing setback for Australia.
Until two weeks ago we appeared to have successfully controlled the virus.The State and Federal authorities are enforcing tough restrictions following a steep surge in cases like lockdowns in Metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, reducing numbers in group bookings in pubs, limiting patrons in venues to 300, closing borders and prohibiting interstate travel.
The number of infections goes up and down.
Each tide cycle represents one ‘wave’ of coronavirus.One virus cycle has ended, when the virus has been brought under control and infected cases have fallen substantially.For a second cycle to start, you would need to see a sustained rise of virus infections in an attempt to avoid slowing down society to return to a normal life.
Covid-19 has proven it is still out there and it is no less infectious or deadly than at the start of the pandemic.
If we lift all our restriction measures, Australia could be back to square one.We have to find a way to maintain control, while minimising the daily disruption.
The Global Reusable Face Mask Market held 1.5 USD billion in 2020 and is to grow with a CAGR of 23% from 2020-2030.
Because of the rising use of surgical single-use plastic masks by the general population, and because they are not properly disposed of, reusable face masks can constitute a significant environmental threat.
Since it was found that disposable masks had been swept away on Hong Kong’s distant island of Soko Island towards the end of February 2020, media inquiries have flooded in.
It all started with a simple Facebook post encouraging people to become more responsible and properly dispose of masks, but now it’s spread across the globe in countries ranging from Indonesia, China, Russia, India, Japan, and Hungary.
According to an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) panel study in April 2019, Approximately 100,000 fatalities were registered.The current coronavirus epidemic has sparked a surge in demand for reusable face masks throughout the world, prompting more than 170 nations to declare national emergencies to battle the virus.
Many established organizations from many fields, as well as new businesses, have entered this market, enthused by the availability of the possibility.
