Review: New Covid-19 protective face mask with 99.6% filtration efficiency created by British inventor

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Fitness & Health

Published on Monday, 15 February 2021 14:06

Last Updated on 15 February 2021

Monica Costa

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As we heading out of the latest lockdown on 8th March, I have been looking for a new more protective face mask. Compared to the common reusable fabric mask which filters 2-38% of particles, the British designed and produced K-mask promises to filter 99.6% of particles (independently tested to ASTM F2100, ASTM FT101 and EN 1486 standards.) The uptake of these masks will undoubtedly help protect the user and spread of Covid-19.

The KYMIRA K-Mask, with the integrated Nanofibre K-Filter, is designed to protect from viruses, bacteria and environmental particulates, with a 99.6% filtration efficiency is that is rated as one of the best in the world. 

Looking to help during the pandemic, KYMIRA researched and adjusted one of its existing technologies, it’s electro-spun nanofibre material, with partner Radical Fibres.  I have tried it and loved the soft fabric as well as the adjustable strap at the back.The adjustable velcro fastenings and stretchy infrared fabric ensure the fit is close to the individual wearer. The close fit offers another ideal benefit, it reduces the occurrence and severity of glasses steaming whilst both are in use. This function for me was a big issue as I can barely see anything when I enter supermarkets with my glasses full of steam.  

It’s really thick but comfortable at the same time. I have tested the medium size for my petite face. Maybe a small size would have been an even better fit. It’s important to check the size properly when buying the product online. 

The straps fit around the head, fastening on the crown of the head and at the nape of the neck, providing comfort for long use that does not put pressure on the ears. 

Using a triple sandwich layer, nanofibre combination, the K-filters have been designed as a reusable filter: 

Layer 1: Nanofibres capture viruses, bacteria and pollutants via electrostatic attraction

Layer 2: Activated carbon layer for environmental pollutants

Layer 3: Nanofibres capture viruses, bacteria and pollutants via electrostatic attraction. 

The filters have been independently tested to ASTM F2100, ASTM FT101 and EN 1486 standards, certifying the 99.6% filtration rating*. The K-Filter offer its protection for 200 hours and for particles as small as 0.03microns. The effectiveness of the filtration level is due to this microscopic level of protection offered by the electro-spun nanofibres, that ionically attract the particles before trapping them within the filter layers. To contextualise this, the Covid-19 virus has a particle micron size of 0.06 -0.5 and bacteria has a particle size of 0.3 microns. Healthcare workers on the front line have so far been using N95 rated masks that have a particulate protection size of 0.3 microns; so the wearer can feel confident in their protection when using the K-Filter. 

The nanofibres within the K-Filter are made from biocompatible hydrophobic material which are elastic and electrostatic, meaning they are highly breathable, flexible and will not become wet with water vapour from breathing, this also reduces the carbon dioxide re-breathing occurrence that is a problem among even medical grade respirators. 

This is why the KYMIRA K-Filter has proven itself to be one of the most effective air filters in the world. 

The Nanofibre K-Filters offer the wearer 200 hours of viral, bacterial and pollutant filtration protection. Once this time period is completed, the filter can be replaced with a fresh filter and the protection will continue. 

The masks and filters can also be cleaned and reused during this 200 hour period. The masks and filters can be baked in the oven at 60 degrees and this will ensure that all trapped virus and bacteria particles are killed. The mask itself is also machine washable at 30 degrees. so it can stay looking fresh and clean (the filters should not go through the washing machine, unless your goal is to collect the pollutants in the washing machine itself). 

KYMIRA was founded by British inventor Tim Brownstone during his final year (2013) at the University of Reading. The primary reason for starting KYMOGRAPH Sport was to bring to market a technology Tim had been researching and developing during his time at University. 

K-Masks with Nanofibre K-Filters are available from the KYMIRA Sport and KYMIRA Medical websites and priced at £30 RRP.