Why use a Carbon pm2.5 Filter with a Cloth Face Mask?
1. Because PM2.5 filters are shown to be effective in blocking the vast majority of airborne particulates, even the very smallest nanoparticles.
The PM2.5 name comes from these filters' original use as protection against Particulate Matter 2.5, the smallest and most dangerous form of air pollution. Airborne virions are even smaller than PM2.5 (the Coronavirus's lipid envelope is about 120 nanometers across). However, research has shown the material to capture nanoparticles of this size with a high degree of efficiency (approx. 95%), and lab tests show a PM2.5 filter with a properly-fitted cloth mask can reduce total airborne particulates by as much as 90%.
2. Because our PM2.5 filters are made of advanced materials that create both a physical and electrostatic particulate barrier.
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Spunbond Fabric
Spunbond is a non-woven fabric that filters out larger particles, while providing structure and holding the finer non-woven layers in place. Two layers per filter.
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Meltblown Fabric
This advanced material has electrostatic properties that help it capture microscopic particulates as they attempt to pass through. Two layers per filter.
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Activated Carbon
This material traps particulates via a process called adsorption, and also serves as an antibacterial. One layer in every filter.
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Spunbond Fabric
Spunbond is a non-woven fabric that filters out larger particles, while providing structure and holding the finer non-woven layers in place. Two layers per filter.
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Meltblown Fabric
This advanced material has electrostatic properties that help it capture microscopic particulates as they attempt to pass through. Two layers per filter. -
3. Because a mask + PM2.5 filter provide protection with less strain on your heart.
When combined with a fitted adjustable cotton masks, PM2.5 filters can block the vast majority of airborne particulates, with significantly less inhalation resistance than a sealed n95/kn95 respirator. In laboratory testing, cotton masks + PM2.5 filters restricted inhalation by less than than 71 Pa, less than 25% the max inhalation resistance of a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator (343 Pa).
4. Because PM2.5 filters offer protection that's practical.
Disposable PM2.5 filters are flat, so they take up less space than standard respirators. They retain effectiveness for years, and you can use them continuously for 16-24 hours (around 1 - 2 weeks of occassional use), or whenever it becomes harder to draw a breath. Replacement filters are relatively inexpensive and can be delivered automatically.
Don't be fooled by a low-quality PM 2.5 filter.
A quality carbon PM2.5 filter is made up of three non-woven materials: spun-bond fiber, melt-blown fabric, and activated carbon fabric.
Fake filters will often utilize two extra layers of spun-bond fabric instead of the two layers of melt-blown fiber, due to the higher price point and melt-blown's more complicated manufacturing process. This leads to a reduction in both physical and electrostatic filtration.
Melt-blown fibers act as a physical barrier against microscopic particulates while also providing an electrostatic barrier to stop aerosolized nano-particles. Melt-blown fabric is softer and less rigid than spun-bond. It almost looks like pulped tissue paper, as opposed to the plastic-sheen of spun-bond.
Finally, real activated carbon fabric has multiple benefits, including acting as a natural de-odorizer and anti-microbial in addition to its electrostatic properties. Activated carbon is detectable via an H20 or Burn test.
What are the essential features of a quality mask?
Nose-to-Chin Coverage
The CDC recommends masks that cover your nose and mouth and can be secured under your chin. Unlike many "face-coverings", your Puraka Mask actually wraps underneath your jawline for extended half-face coverage.
A Snug but Comfortable Fit
A mask should fit securely, but not be so tight that it's uncomfortable. Your Puraka Mask's adjustable ear straps and flexible nose clip help conform the mask snugly to your face, while the 100% cotton fabric and tailored cut make wearing your mask surpisingly comfortable.
2+ Layers of Tightly Woven Cotton
Cotton is a natural fabric that gets silky-soft at high weave counts. The CDC recommends face coverings employ at least two layers of tightly-woven cotton. Puraka's masks meet or exceed these recommendations, and our Essential line of masks also incorporates a standard layer of moisture-resistant, highly-breathable polyethylene fabric (learn more) for additional protection.
Don't just give us your trust. Let us earn it.
are designed and tested to effectively filter out dangerous airborne particulates. We believe that full transparency is essential to earning trust. That's why we use an industry-leading producer of filtration technology to manufacture the pm2.5 filters you rely on to keep you and your family breathing consistently clean air.
Effectiveness Evidence Experience
Protection from Airborne Particulates
Puraka's mask and disposable filter system were designed with a very specific goal: reducing the concentration of dangerous airborne particulates, without putting unnecessary strain on your lungs. The snug but comfortable fit lets in just enough air that your lungs don't have to do unnecessary work, while preventing a critical mass of particles from penetrating the filter (between 89-92% of fine particulates were blocked in independent laboratory testing).
How We Calculate Effectiveness
Questions and Answers
Do respirator masks protect from viruses?
The most important thing you can do to prevent catching (and giving) viral infections is to avoid touching your mouth and nose with your hands, and to wash your hands regularly. A respirator will keep you from touching your mouth and nose, but always remember to wash your hands! The other way respirators provide protection is by stopping particulates from reaching your mouth and lungs. A facemask and PM2.5 filter will be highly effective against water droplets carrying airborne illnesses. Airborne virions travelling solo may be reduced, especially for larger virus particles like the coronavirus (approx. 100-120um), but they will not be completely eliminated. Because our masks are 100% cotton, they can be washed regularly to kill any living particulates trapped in the fabric. Remove the filter first, then wash with soap and warm water. Remember, never touch the front of your mask, and wash your hands after taking it on or off or adjusting the nose-piece.
Who certifies Puraka filters?
SGS is the one of the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. Puraka relies on SGS to test, certify and verify that your filters exceed performance specifications. SGS is used by global companies because they are recognized as a benchmark for quality and integrity, and maintain a network of more than 2,000 laboratories around the world.
Why use disposable filters?
Disposable N95-equivalent filters take up less space, can be deployed quickly, and when paired with a cloth mask will put less strain on the lungs (and heart!) of you, your children, and your parents than a sealed respirator, while still achieving approximately 90% filtration efficiency.
Can I purchase additional PM2.5 filters?
We offer replacement filters to our customers whenever we have them in stock. We offer guaranteed filter delivery to our subscribers.
Why not use a filter that blocks 100% particulates?
Any filter that provides 100% clean air is probably going to cause more harm than good on most days. Researchers have found a significant increase in breathing resistance when comparing a filter like the N99 to the workhorse of filters, the N95. In other words, filters with higher ratings generally make your lungs work harder to draw air through the filtering material, which can be dangerous for sensitive groups, especially if you have a pre-existing pulmonary or respiratory condition. Our fitted filters, made of material tested to N95 standards, can provide a high degree of protection, with less potentially dangerous strain on your heart.
How Well Do Masks + PM2.5 Filters Protect Against Airborne Particulates?
How well do PM 2.5 filters with face masks protect.
A properly fitted face mask with a carbon pm2.5 filter tested to N95 standards can effectively reduce the number of germs and airborne particulates present in the air you breathe. There are a variety of certifications, from KN95 to N99 to P100, but Puraka uses filter material tested to KN95 standards because they put less strain on the lungs than the 99 and 100 types, while still working effectively to reduce particulate matter when paired with a mask.
The most important question to ask is whether a mask and filter combination are effective at reducing the concentration of dangerous airborne particulates, including pm2.5. This is especially true for sensitive groups like seniors, pregnant women, asthmatics, and people with pre-existing heart and pulmonary conditions - as well as children.
