Innovative Face Mask Inactivates Flu Viruses

The Biofriend BioMask works by using a combination of citric acid, zinc, and copper in different layers of the mask. A hydrophilic coating on the outside quickly wicks droplets into and away from the outer surface. Viruses are inactivated on this outer layer by exposure to citric acid, which creates a low pH environment. The droplet then lands on the mask's inner (blue) layer, where influenza viruses are inactivated by copper and zinc, which are toxic to the pathogens.

Another benefit of the mask is that it can minimize cross contamination. Commonly, the outer facing of the mask is frequently touched by the user, who then touches other things or people; but since the BioMask absorbs infectious droplets and inactivates the viruses, the risk of spreading the virus is greatly reduced. The Biofriend BioMask is a product of Filligent (Hong Kong SAR, China), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is distributed as the Curad BioMask in the United States, Canada, and Europe by Medline (Mundelein, IL, USA).

“The key difference with the Curad BioMask is that the BioMask inactivates several common strains of viruses when they come in contact with the mask, while viruses that come in contact with standard masks are just filtered, which means they are still active and potentially infectious to the wearer and others,” said Frank Czajka, president of the Proxima Division at Medline. “Whether you are trying to stop from getting the flu or from sharing it with loved ones, you can feel confident of being protected with Medline's Curad BioMask because it is the only mask available today that actively breaks down viruses.”

In independent laboratory tests, the BioMask inactivated 99.99% of tested influenza viruses upon five minutes contact with the surface of the facemask, including influenza A subtypes and strains, H1N1, H3N2, H2N2; avian flu subtypes H5N1, H9N2, H5N2; swine flu subtype H1N1; equine flu subtype H3N8; and Influenza B strains. It is also effective against tuberculosis (TB), rhinovirus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and measles.

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Medline