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Sciessent antimicrobial technology used for surgical masks

02 May '16

2 min read

Sciessent, the leading provider of antimicrobial solutions, has announced that its antimicrobial technology was used in Nexera Medical's SpectraShield 9500 surgical mask. The SpectraShield 9500 surgical mask has been the first product to be approved by the FDA for protection against bacteria and influenza viruses.

The mask, which was approved for continuous use of up to eight hours, was proven to kill 99.99 per cent of test bacteria after one hour of contact and inactivate 99.99 per cent of test influenza viruses like seasonal, pandemic, avian, swine and equine after five minutes of contact.

“Most respirators are designed to be occupational devices and are regulated by NIOSH and OSHA, but if a mask is declared for use in medical facilities, it falls under the jurisdiction of the FDA. Our SpectraShield 9500 Surgical Mask has proven to be safe for first responders and hospital workers and highly effective in killing airborne pathogens. In fact, it was cleared for eight hours of use, which is more than double the time required by NIOSH and OSHA. There is no other respiratory mask in the world cleared by the FDA to make those claims,” said James Morrell, CEO, Nexera.

Sciessent's silver and copper based antimicrobial technology is compounded into the mask's polyester nonwoven fibres from FOSS Manufacturing. When airborne pathogens come into contact with the surface of the SpectraShield 9500 surgical mask, the antimicrobial elements are activated, which eliminate microbe growth. Since the antimicrobial is only released when needed, the technology is designed for long-lasting performance of up to eight hours.

“While the use of antimicrobial technology has been commonplace with some medical devices for years, its use within other healthcare related products, like respiratory masks, is becoming increasingly prevalent particularly with concerns of influenza outbreaks that have occurred in recent years,” said Lise Moloney, director of business development, healthcare, Sciessent.

“We are proud to provide the antimicrobial technology for the SpectraShield 9500 surgical mask, the only antibacterial and anti-viral surgical mask available that can aid in the protection of first responders, healthcare professionals and patients,” Moloney added. (NA)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India