Mueller says, for the Bilio mask, "We came up with a mean particle removal efficiency of around 82%." The Bilio mask creates a seal, like a scuba mask, that directs airflow down, and away from your glasses. En español | You don’t need a fancy medical-grade mask to deter the spread of the coronavirus, but some face coverings work better than others, according to a new study published in the journal Science Advances.. "We're also avoiding a lot of trouble having to ship things around the world.". Growing up in Mill Valley, Calif., the brothers turned their parents' garage into an industrial arts paradise where they tinkered with all kinds of materials, including fabric, fiberglass and wood. WIRED has tested these masks. Gotta love science! 3. The Bilio Mask is composed of our proprietary SilverKiss™ antimicrobial technology featuring a knit blend of recycled polyester and silver yarns. Our goal is to design and manufacture the best and most sustainable mask solution in the U.S.A. for public use. Get CNN Health's weekly newsletter. Here we adapt a re-cently demonstrated optical imaging approach (1, 2) and highlight stark differences in the effectiveness of different masks and mask alternatives to suppress the spread of res-piratory droplets during regular speech. "It's had this magical quality to it since the beginning of recorded time. If you have questions or inquiries, please click the button below or write us an email: hello@biliomask.com. "But we've done several different virtual reality headsets. "So there's very little waste in this product — actually, less than a gram.". When the pandemic hit, they and a team of 12 designers and engineers got to work to create a face mask for the first time. The filtration effectiveness of cloth masks is generally lower than that of medical masks and respirators; however, cloth masks may provide some protection if well … Also at the conference, the Gates Foundation invited attendees to don plastic boots, overalls, masks and gloves in a hands-on demo designed to help people experience how difficult it was for doctors — at the time fighting Ebola — to protect themselves while working. Here are the best face masks for 2021. Thank you for your submission and interest in Bilio Mask. After use, be sure to store your Bilio Mask within the resealable Bilio Mask pouch until ready to … According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, densely woven cotton fabrics, such as quilting cotton, are best. So between the knitted design and the materials, is the Bilio mask effective? "We're using a process where we only knit what we need, which is different from a traditional die-cut and sew approach," says Nick. Terms, Privacy, Shipping, Return Policy, Accessibility. Can be worn up high or down low - you decide! And I put it on, and sure enough, we both ended up with a really awful case of staph infection.". Nick Rubalcava/Bilio They're made of cotton. 4.6 out of 5 stars 6,180. In particular, care should be taken not to contaminate masks on inanimate surfaces. Remove your Bilio Mask and carefully fold it in half, with the exterior of the Bilio Mask remaining exposed and tucking the ear loops to the inside. "Even before the microbiology was known, people would use silver for its healing properties and its ability to prevent the growth of organisms in, say, drinking water or milk," says Furey. Effective March 24th, we are making face masks and distributing them to the front line personnel that are confronting this crisis. We asked researchers Loretta Fernandez and Amy Mueller at Northeastern University to test the Bilio mask. The elastic will relax with wear and after washing. 99 ($1.95/count) Get it as soon as Wed, Feb 24. Equipping a face mask with a filter should increase its effectiveness in filtering out particulate, explains Nidhy Varghese, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist in Texas. Their clients include Allbirds and Steelcase. If your Bilio Mask feels a little snug, give the ear loops a tender tug to loosen the elastic. A User's Guide To Masks: What's Best At Protecting Others (And Yourself), PHOTOS: The Masks Of Congo Are Worn To Protect, To Protest — And To Strike A Pose, testing the performance of a range of masks. Claim: A chart accurately shows the effectiveness of wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. We Provide Solutions Our process starts with materials and a compelling story; allowing design, development, and design for manufacturing to flourish under one roof. So far, most studies found little to no evidence for the effectiveness of cloth face masks in the general population, neither as … As a result, air does not escape up top and therefore, if put on correctly, it … First, they are knitting evangelists who shun the "cut and sew" approach. The Bilio mask creates a seal, like a scuba mask, that directs airflow down, and away from your glasses. There’s limited information about the effectiveness of wearing a mask made with antimicrobial material, said Richard Martinello, MD, ... Bilio Koala Face Mask $38.00. 3 GOP Donor Who Gave $2.5M to Voter-Fraud Probe: Give It Back Made in the U.S.A. "Knit-to-shape" with zero waste and designed using materials that require no post-processing. Stay close. "There's a much more considered approach ... to feel and how things will react to your body when they're on your face or ... your hand or your foot," he explains. "It was in a wetsuit that I thought was mine. Studies on the effectiveness of face masks. The Bilio mask is made of recycled polyester, a small percentage of spandex and nylon, and a silver-coated yarn called X-Static — which is also used in sportswear and medical supplies. Furey does not claim that a mask with Noble Biomaterials' silver-coated fibers will keep everyone 100% safe, but X-Static's antimicrobial properties are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. We've done footwear. He still has a scar from an operation to treat the infection. All rights reserved. (Though these masks are more sustainable over time than the N95, they filter out roughly 4% fewer particles than standard masks do, which is still enough to … In 2015, Billy founded his own design and product development company called Bilio. Like so many of the coronavirus challenges, optimal face mask design is a moving target — and so the Smiths keep tinkering. Performance. Designed in Oakland, California and made throughout the U.S.A., we pride ourselves on the relationships and resources readily available to us at home. Effective training is an essential part of any PPE programme since the correct wearing (donning) and removal (doffing) are key to worker protection. Patents Pending. “Having a cloth mask … KN95 Face Mask 20Pcs, Included on FDA EUA List, 5 Layer Design Cup Dust Safety Masks, Breathable Protection Masks Against PM2.5 Dust Bulk for Adult, Men, Women, Indoor, Outdoor Use, Black. hide caption. Customers can buy the Bio-Block masks in … Looking good. Nick and Billy Smith have design in their DNA. 6 Related searches. Or polyester. ". Click here for the testing data of our proprietary material. Cloth masks have been used in healthcare and community settings to protect the wearer from respiratory infections. Single-layer fabric masks are less effective than double-layer masks, which may be less effective than triple-layer masks. $38.99 $ 38. Seeing people wear masks to protect themselves and others from coronavirus has gone from alarming to a surprisingly normal part of everyday life since the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Featuring SilverFlow™ antimicrobial filtering technology. Myrrhia Resneck, in front of Bilio's flat-bed knitting machine, engineers mask prototypes using different techniques and yarn colors. The Bilio mask creates a seal, like a scuba mask, that directs airflow down, and away from your glasses. Now, of course, we're not talking "knit one, purl two" with needles here. He says he can't claim those wetsuits prevented staph infections, but the process got him thinking a lot about how the quality of a product's design and materials can help solve bigger problems. Among those cloth masks, the Bilio came in 10th overall and second for the masks they tested that have ear loops. FREE Shipping by Amazon. He says the objective is to "reduce or eliminate the growth of microbes directly on the surface of the mask.". Mueller says, for the Bilio mask, "We came up with a mean particle removal efficiency of around 82%." Brothers Billy (left) and Nick Smith collaborate in the Bilio lab on iterations to current mask designs. Billy Smith counts rows in the knit structure of a mask to ensure that specifications for fit and sizing meet company standards. 6. Two years later, Billy was designing wetsuits for Patagonia. Since it's knitted, she was able to mold it to her face. Bear in mind that no mask offers full protection, nor should wearing a mask be seen as a substitute for physical distancing of at least 6 feet, frequent hand-washing and avoiding crowds. "Somewhat safe power tools — to promote the woodworking," he says, but still: "At a very young age, I think it became very clear my parents were never going to be able to park in that garage," he laughs. 3 Lincoln Project Chiefs ‘Knew of Abuse Claims in March 2020’ increased the demand for face masks around the world, while stimulating research about their efficacy. Nick says sentiments around how a mask should perform are "changing rapidly. We've done a lot of technical garments and apparel. Converts ear-loops into a behind-the-head design. hide caption. "There's really beautiful things happening in America around knitting," he says. Younger brother Nick remembers getting a set of power tools for his sixth birthday. Our initial target is 35,000 masks per week, and we expect to be climbing aggressively from there. Bilio uses a process called zonal engineered knitting that, in the case of the mask, uses facial sizing data to inform the design. Made in the U.S.A. and built to last, the Bilio Mask is washable and reusable, knit-to-shape with zero waste, and designed with recycled materials that require no post-processing. Compatible with all Bilio Masks. "We've never done a mask before," explains Billy. This means the Bilio mask filtered out 82% of the particles in the room for the person wearing the mask at the time of testing. Store for later. Combined with facial sizing data and carefully selected materials, we shape a more ergonomically sensitive design that hugs your smile and best fits the global population. Bilio Mask - Masks for the Public. hide caption. Billy Smith counts rows in the knit structure of a mask to ensure that specifications for fit and sizing meet company standards. With the coronavirus pandemic ongoing, we've gathered our team's favorite face coverings for running, going to work, kids, and … This is not required, but helps keep your Bilio Mask extra close. A face mask or respirator that is worn without the additional recommended protection will be less effective. Bilio knit masks come with a reusable sealing pouch and come in a range of minimal designs, including an upcoming jade shade. Or paper. Sign up here to get The … We are determined to keep local healthcare workers safe. Here's what researchers say about the effectiveness of the different types of face masks … We are your Soft-To-Firm Goods industrial design, product development, and design for manufacturing partner. The protocol was validated on N95 masks; for the well-fitted mask we record >99% particle removal efficiency, and for the poorly-fitted mask the mean removal efficiency is just about 90%. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (one of NPR's funders) was posing a challenge to the conference attendees — founders of large tech companies, award-winning designers and inventors of all stripes — to take the possibility of a global pandemic seriously and solve the problematic limitations of personal protective equipment. Another one of the Smith brothers' principles: sustainability. Quiet Wear Men's 1-Hole Mask White/Camouflage/Snow Size One Size 9.2 8.7 9.3 4: MADE IN USA 50 PCS BLACK Color Face Mask Mouth & Nose Protector 8.9 8.4 9.0 5: Doesn’t that sound good? In other words, each infected person will go on to infect 30% fewer people. "Billy contracted it first," says Nick. Using the process of zonal engineered knitting, we program the Bilio Mask to fit a broad range of profiles. ", "What we heard as feedback three weeks ago is already different from what we're hearing now," he says. As Billy explains it, the materials they use in their products matter as much as the design. The Bilio Mask is composed of our proprietary SilverKiss™ antimicrobial technology featuring a knit blend of recycled polyester and silver yarns. With that challenge in mind, NPR tracked down two California brothers determined to create a mask that will fit well, be reusable and durable, and incorporate advanced textile technology. ", Some have suggested that wearing masks keeps us from touching our face. Or polypropylene. Billy Smith/Bilio "The nose tends to be where a lot of the air leaks out and then around the cheeks as well. Billy and Nick Smith say they continue to refine the Bilio mask based on testing and feedback from customers. Nick Rubalcava/Bilio Everyone was on board, Nick says. We understand the importance of keeping “single use” non-woven filters available for N95 mask production and out of landfills. hide caption, While X-Static fiber may be new, silver's antimicrobial properties are timeless, says Joel Furey, co-founder of Noble Biomaterials, the company that makes X-Static. There's a lot to consider: breathability, comfort, adapting the mask to different climates, sizing. Nick Rubalcava/Bilio Billy says it was one of the "biggest scares" he has ever had: "I was in the hospital for about two and a half weeks, and I lost nearly 20 pounds," he recalls. Nick handles business development and innovation for the company. Billy went on to design for Apple, where he became the co-inventor of five patents, including one for a seamless, leather iPhone case. For reference, Mueller says, the results for the more than 50 cloth masks they tested ranged from a low of 28% to a high of 94%. The effectiveness of a homemade cloth face mask largely depends upon its construction. Bilio. The nanofiber’s European manufacturer states that it is 98 percent effective, and the mask has been treated with Swiss HeiQ V-Block antimicrobial technology. "As soon as I pinched it around my nose, the filtration efficiency boosted. "People that wanted a tight seal and wanted to make sure this thing hugged their face, now they're coming back and saying, 'Hey, I just want to be compliant so I can open up and be comfortable in my job.' We will get back to you as soon as possible. We've done sleep masks. Both surfers, the Smith brothers initially became interested in materials in 2005 when they both contracted MRSA, a type of staph infection. At Bilio, we let truth to materials and sustainability inspire design and drive innovation. The Bilio mask creates a seal, like a scuba mask, that directs airflow down, and away from your glasses. 950 3rd St.Oakland, CaliforniaPhone: +1 415 578 4615, © 2021 Bilio LLC. “Double up” your protection to >99% Bacteria Filtration Efficiency (BFE%). So this one did fit in those areas without having to have a lot of surface area to the mask.". But, Furey asks, "what if the mask itself is contaminated and you're touching the mask?" "I take a bit of offense to seams and stitching and sewing," says Billy, who believes the results with knitting are infinitely better at creating "uninterrupted surfaces" and "transitions.". Five years before the coronavirus pandemic, Bill Gates didn't mince words: "If anything kills over 10 million people in the next few decades, it's most likely to be a highly infectious virus, rather than a war," he said at the 2015 TED conference in Vancouver, Canada. Comfort. They've been testing the performance of a range of masks, measuring to see how well they protect the wearer from inhaling particles that may carry the coronavirus. The silver yarns powered by X-STATIC® are EPA registered and release positively charged silver ions in the presence of moisture, which prohibits microorganism growth, controls odor, and eliminates bacteria on contact. Infographic - Understanding the Difference, Surgical Mask, N95 Respirator Author: CDC, NIOSH, NPPTL Subject: Infographic - Understanding the Difference, Surgical Mask, N95 Respirator Keywords: Infographic - Understanding the Difference, Surgical Mask, N95 Respirator Created Date: 8/22/2018 1:59:26 PM Lincoln Project Releases … Bilio masks are currently produced at a knitting mill in North Carolina, and Billy says they're also exploring mills in Missouri and Los Angeles. We carefully develop the best materials with domestic yarn mills and ambitiously push new design thinking to an often overlooked knitting industry. The brothers are pretty dogmatic about certain design principles. Let’s ensure medical supplies remain available for those who need them most. For those who prefer a superior seal, a clean shaven face does the trick! Researchers at Duke University tested the effectiveness of 14 commonly available masks and found that surgical masks and N95 respirators without valves … We tested 25 cloth face masks and filter inserts for filtration efficiency, breathability, fit, and comfort. The silver yarns powered by X-STATIC® are EPA registered and release positively charged silver ions in the presence of moisture, which prohibits microorganism growth, controls odor, and eliminates bacteria on contact. Their parents are architects; their grandfather was an engineer. We have tested three different brands of commercial surgical masks. Always carry hand sanitizer. Introducing Boomerang. So I think that fit around the nose really does help," says Fernandez. Like Sonovia, the CottonX fabric has proven effective against E. coli and Staph and can last up to 100 washes. He says they're committed to domestic manufacturing and didn't even consider producing masks overseas where labor costs might be cheaper. Fernandez says she was surprised the Bilio scored so well because it's smaller than many of the masks they've tested. At a time when large portions of the population are mobilizing to produce cloth masks using locally-sourced fabrics, Northeastern University Assistant Professors Loretta Fernandez and Amy Mueller are using tools designed to test tight-fitting respirators (like N95 masks) to compare the particle removal efficiency of commercially produced surgical masks to masks sewn from … We are currently experiencing an overwhelming amount of questions and inquiries. If 95% of people wear cotton masks when they're interacting with other people, it reduces transmission by 30%. An overview of the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of face masks. ", Nick Rubalcava prepares a silver-coated, metalized, nonwoven fabric for filter trials on a new mask concept. Sustainability. 1. A great option for those with eye glasses and hearing aids. Most importantly, the top seal directs your breath downward. Due to COVID-19, many state and local governments have implemented policies requiring people to wear face masks in public places. The use of cloth masks during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is under debate.