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What Mask Filters Should We Sell?

As you probably know by now etee stands for everything touches everything else.  Our goal is that all our products 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

  • Well I think the coffee filter is an good compromise between the options. However the need for masks are high right now. So as much as I would like to be eco friendly. It would be better to use the pm. 25.

    Karen Ortega on

  • I agree that it is best to get what is proven out there now. Yes, it will leave a footprint that would be nice to not have. However, better a few masks than a few dead people. With the new deadly development in children, now is not the time to wait for something both proven and biodegradable. Definitely work should be done to find such a product, but waiting could, literally, be fatal. Even once the pandemic is thought to be controlled, Covid-19, like other viral illnesses (e.g. measles, varicella), will still linger.

    Steve Reble, thank you and your Etee team for your work, both research and manufacturing, in making this a better place to live.

    Mary-Emily Cameron on

  • I have personally been looking at something effective that I can wash and wear. I have a suppressed immune system so I absorb every bug under the sun (I joke that in my spare time like to lick door knobs). This would be an investment for me so the cost isn’t really the issue and I believe continuing to offer items that are reusable is what makes your company stand out. If you could order a bit of both and offer them for sale then see what sells, this virus is going to be an issue for many months to come. I was also looking at the filters I use at work for drilling concrete and working around gasses, possibly some inspiration there for you. One use I’ll just be left continually ordering the washable stuff is once a year and done. Thank you for your support, thank you for keeping us all safe.

    Allayna Erika Neumann on

  • I say spend more time and get something biodegradable, but I’d also suggest not putting too much time into it as we can all find our own filters. I did see an article that discussed various filter materials (not specifically for masks) and they had Hepa Vacuum bags as the next best after medical filter material. Unfortunately I can’t find it now, so no way to check if it was a verified test or what

    Jane on

  • I appreciate your candor and was pleased when you followed up with me to show that a pocket existed. Why do you feel the need to sell at all? Couldn’t you just link people to your research on filters at all levels?

    Lois on

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