What is a Filti filter?
Filti filter is a mask insert that can be inserted into the inner pocket of a cloth mask to increase it’s filtering performance. The filters are made in Canada using high quality Filti material from the USA. Filti filters up to 95% of 0.3 micron particles according to the TSI 8130 test standard. In contrast, competitor PM2.5’s are only designed for large 2.5 micron dust particles.
What are Filti filters made of?
Filti is made of a three-layer patent pending nano-fiber material:
- Spunbond : (Polypropylene ) (face inward)
- Network of FDA Certified NanoFiber Technology (Polyurethane Polymer)
- Spunlace : Polyester (face outwards)
How is a Filti filter used?
Filti filters are suitable to use ideally with a cloth mask that has a pocket insert for filters. Simply insert the filter in the inner pocket of your cloth mask.
Which side of Filti Filter faces out?
- Deeper bond points > faces out
- Shallower bond points > faces in
Insert into mask pocket so that deeper bond points and loftier texture faces outwards, and shallower bond points and extra texture faces inwards.
How long will a Filti filter last?
It is recommended that the Filti filter be replaced after a maximum of 8 hours of use. For instance, if you use the filter continuously at work for 8 hours in a day, it is recommended that you replace the filter after each single use. If you use the filter occasionally for 1-2 hours at a time, you may be able to reuse the filter more than once, up to a maximum of 8 hours.
How often should a Filti filter be changed?
Ideally after every single use. However, it all depends on your use patterns as indicated above. It is recommended that the filter be replaced after a maximum of 8 hours of use.
What is the performance efficiency of a Filti filter?
Filti filters have been shown to have superior filtration efficiency compared to other materials available in the market that are being used with masks. A recent filtration efficiency study by particle testing company TSI compared common mask products such as the N95 mask and many materials used in making masks and filters. The results showed superior performance of Filti material and they went as far as naming Filti material as the best material for homemade masks considering the filtration efficiency and breathing resistance. Note that they still found that N95 masks have the best filtration efficiency.
What size is the Filti filter?
The Filti filter is 121mm (4.75″) lonng and 83mm (3.25″) wide. This size is suitable for most mask filter pocket inserts.
While the Filti filter has superior filtration efficiency, it is important to note that it does not mean that it can 100% protect from COVID-19 infection. The idea behind using masks, and mask filters is to reduce the likelihood of infection if we can get some level of filtration of infectious droplets that transmit COVID-19. At the end of the day, it is a combination of things that eventually protect us, including wearing masks, physical distancing and proper hand hygiene.
Having said that, Filti filters can filter smaller particulate matter up that are less than 0.3 microns. COVID-19 coronavirus particles range in size from 0.01 to 0.14 microns. Therefore you can appreciate how the small size of the virus can theoretically penetrate this filter.
However, it is interesting to note that COVID-19 can be spread through respiratory secretions and aerosols from a cough, sneeze or normal talking. These aerosols (also known as Flügge droplets) will vary in size but can be smaller than 5 microns.
Therefore while the filter cannot 100% protect you from COVID-19, it is capable of trapping larger COVID-19-containing droplets and thus offer some level of protection. Most importantly, the filter, used in conjuction with a well-fitted cloth mask will offer some level of protection to others from droplets released by someone infected by COVID-19.
Can I reuse a Filti filter?
It is recommended that the Filti filter be replaced after a maximum of 8 hours of use. Filti filters are not washable nor can they be remediated for reuse. Any washing or attempts at cleaning may reduce the performance of the filter.
Where can I get Filti filters for my face mask?
EveryDayMask.ca stocks Filti filters:
- Filti filters (10-packs)
Using a mask will not 100% protect you from COVID-19. Rather, masks are more effective in protecting others from those who are infected. It is still important to supplement mask use with proper hand hygiene and physical distancing as recommended by your public health officials.
If you have any questions about Filti filters, please contact us.
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