Reusable anti-viral 5log face mask kills 99.9% of Covid-19
Ideal for air travel, 5log has launched a 'revolutionary' anti-viral face mask that not only kills Covid-19 but is washable and self-disinfects. Jenny Southan reports
After conducting more than 65,000 experiments and filing more than 100 patents, Swiss hygiene company Livinguard has partnered with 5log to produce face masks that kill Covid-19, not only protecting wearers but people in close proximity, making them ideal for planes and other forms of public transport.
The "game-changing" virus-repellent coating from Livinguard has been developed to "directly inactivate bacteria and viruses, including 99.9 per cent of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2".
The principle underlying the Livinguard Technology is "empowering the textile surface with a strong positive charge".
5log says: "When microbes come in contact with fabric, the microbial cell which is negatively charged, is destroyed leading to permanent destruction of the microorganism. Unlike heavy metal-based solutions, such as silver, zinc and copper, this novel technology has been found to be safe for both skin and the lungs."
Researchers from the Free University of Berlin at the Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health have been able to demonstrate that textiles treated with Livinguard Technology can reduce SARS-CoV-2 particles by more than 99.9 per cent within a few hours."The textiles in these masks can thus continuously inactivate the exhaled viruses and can make handling these masks even safer overall," says Professor Uwe Rösler. "In addition, such textiles could also help to reduce hygienic issues in other general and medical areas, even beyond Covid-19."
5log face masks, which are mostly made from cotton, not only harness Livinguard's powerful coronavirus killing technology but also minimise waste as they are washable, and therefore can be used again. (Research shows that if a million people use one reusable Livinguard mask 210 times, 36,000 tonnes of waste can be saved.)
Replacing 210 regular masks with only one 5log mask means it is also much cheaper to use on a cost-per-day basis. (One 5log mask costs £29.90 and lasts for 210 days, which equals £0.14 per usage/per day).
"We are all effected by the pandemic and hygiene has become the number one concern in every corner of everybody’s life. With that in mind, we are also launching shortly a Hygiene Kit, consisting of a 5log mask, a glove and a wipe, all treated with Livinguard Technology and ideal for every office, every household and every handbag in the world."
The science
5log Pro masks comprise three layers that give five levels of protection. The unique patented Tripellent Technology on the outer layer offers three levels of protection – Livinguard Antiviral and repellent coating on the outside of the fabric, Livinguard Antiviral Technology bonded into the fabric itself and Livinguard Antiviral and repellent coating on the inside of the fabric.
A non-woven industry-standard filter in the middle layer helps to protect from dust and pollution and for viruses to be caught between disinfecting fabrics, thus avoiding biological contamination. This ensures, the mask can be safely washed and reused.
The inner layer is denser than the outer layer. It is also treated with Livinguard Antiviral Technology and provides powerful inactivation of coronavirus. Odour free and quick drying with low humidity, the soft and stretchy fabric gives a comfortable fit for the mouth and nose. This specially treated fabric has 36 billion positive charges per cm2.
A 5log mask can be washed up to 30 times with undiminished efficacy of its protective properties. If used daily and washed weekly under normal usage conditions, the mask can be used for seven months, effectively replacing the need for single-use masks.
5log masks can be used for extended periods and reused before washing because the fabric covering the filter layer continuously destroys microorganisms upon contact. This significantly diminishes the risk of transferring them to the user and to other surfaces. The mask is proven to be non-toxic and safe for use.