ACAMP, an Alberta non-profit organisation helping companies develop high-tech products, in collaboration with scientists at the University of Alberta, has designed a reusable respirator to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The respirator’s filters can be washed and are reusable. Their effectiveness has been tested against N95-rated respirators.

The studies rate the ACAMP A95 filters at the same level of filtration efficiency as commercially available N95 filters. The testing has been led by Professor Warren Finlay, an expert in the science of aerosol mechanics. The washable cloth based filter and plastic respirator has over 95 per cent filtration efficiency.

ACAMP CEO Ken Brizel had the idea to produce enough masks for every person in Alberta four weeks ago, after being shocked to see many unprotected people shopping for groceries. Brizel has been working with local businesses and the University of Alberta to design and manufacture respirators.

The body of the respirators is made of polyurethane or polypropylene, comes in an adult size only at this time, and provides an effective seal around the nose and mouth. The respirators filter two ways, protecting the wearer from inhaling the virus, and preventing wearers from exhaling it.

The work was supported by Mitacs through the Mitacs Accelerate Programme, under the special COVID-19 call for proposals.