WELCOME TO THE ETEE CLUB

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!
 

← Older Post Newer Post →


Comments


  • Would you be willing to share what would be the optimal shape for the filters? I have looking into cutting polypropylene bags (already exist, just taking up space not getting used, and can be washed and reused multiple times), but was unsure what the best shape was to cut them to fit in the mask, as the mask expands to curve around the face.

    Giselle on
  • I think the disposable one PM2.5 is the best. Given what they discuss about needing to wash at high heat once removing a mask I think disposing of the filter is better overall. Rather than trying to constantly wash a filter and possibly making it less effective. It’s the same as a furnace filter. You don’t take that out clean it off and put it back when it’s dirty. You replace it to be the most effective.

    Patricia on
  • Maybe irrelevant, but I bought two sets of the masks you sell, under the assumption (because you said so) that they had a pocket for filters. No such thing. If there is supposed to be a pocket, somebody sewed it shut. I was very disappointed.

    BonnieJean Kurle on
  • I can’t say without more info. Are the cotton filters reusable? Have there been any tests on them at all? Would you be making the PM2.5 or just reselling them? Are they readily available elsewhere? One of the things I value about y’all is I don’t have to search your site for ingredient lists and sustainability info. I know if I buy it from you, it’s good. This would disrupt that. If you do opt for the PM2.5s because it would make more protective equipment available or ensure your company can continue operating, I hope you make it very clear on the product page that these are different than your normal offerings. I also hope you continue to actively look into other options or set a sunset date for the non biodegradable ones from the start. Thanks for all the thought you’re putting into this.

    Meredith on
  • I’m with the PM2.5. Makes best sense for the short term giving time to come up with a better long term plan.

    Lori on


Leave a comment