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When public health officials recommended in April that people wear face masks to help stop the spread of COVID-19, most grabbed anything they could get their hands on. But with time and more research, many people think a little more about what kind of masks to buy.
Copper-infused face masks have had their moment – the theory was that the material’s antimicrobial and antiviral properties might offer better protection than “regular” masks. But now there is a mask infused with silver ions that is getting a lot of attention.
It’s called the CAXXA Silver Ion Facial Mask, and you can hang a two-pack on Amazon.com for $ 17.
Silver also has antimicrobial properties. It is known to be biologically active when in a charged state (aka ionic). Research has shown that silver ions can enter bacteria cells and disrupt bacterial pathways. It can also disrupt DNA and its replication cycle, preventing bacteria from spreading.
“Silver has known antibacterial activity,” says Dr. Richard Watkins, an infectious disease physician in Akron, Ohio, and professor of internal medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University, to Yahoo Life. In fact, he says, “a silver coating is used on some medical devices to reduce the risk of infections.”
What’s not clear, however, is whether the silver can help protect against COVID-19 when it’s in mask form. These particular masks are made with 94% polyester and 6% silver fiber, and you can actually see the silver on the outer layer.
Just like other fabric masks, they are washable and reusable. They also have adjustable earrings to help you get the perfect fit.
Whether or not the silver element helps, the masks meet the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for fabric masks. According to the recommendations, fabric masks should consist of at least three layers containing the following elements:
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An inner layer made of an absorbent material like cotton.
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An intermediate layer made of a non-woven material such as polypropylene. This is designed to act as a filter.
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An outer layer made of a non-absorbent material, such as polyester or a polyester blend.
This face mask has it all: it features an inner layer made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, a middle layer of polyethylene terephthalate and an outer layer made of 94% polyester and 6% ion fibers money.
And Amazon buyers are taking note. “These are about the only masks my husband and I could get along on. We both love the look and fit, ”wrote one five-star reviewer.
“So far these are the most comfortable and ‘breathable’ masks I’ve come across, even with the extra layer in between,” said another. Yet another five-star reviewer praised the mask’s “high-end” look, noting that it “is suitable for an executive meeting.”
“I have people asking me all the time where I got it,” the reviewer added.
It is not known at this point if silver ion face masks are the next big thing in COVID-19 protection. But if you’re looking for a stylish mask that meets public health guidelines, this one is a winner.
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