The Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) and the Bionicia company have created some FFP2 masks that have the particularity of being viricidal, that is, they can inactivate the COVID-19 virus in two hours with an efficiency of 97%. The effectiveness of this product, baptized as Proveil, lies in its “Extremely thin layer of nanofibers, with diameters more than ten times smaller than conventional fibers”. This results in “highly effective mechanical filtration” of smaller particles. Another advantage is that with the passing of the hours its effectiveness is not diminished.
These masks compete with the FFP2, which were the most recommended so far for their high filtration capacity and their protection in both directions, since maintains its filtration properties for longer and they better evacuate heat, humidity and CO2 caused by breathing, generating greater comfort. In addition, there are several models that can be purchased on the website of Proveil.
Mask with Viricide EPI Filter
On the one hand, we can find the self-filtering mask PL 2021, which is the first mask composed of a nanofiber filter. According to the company, this model of mask has a average filtration efficiency of 97.6%. Can be purchased at boxes of 25 units for 60 euros.
On the other hand, there are PA 2021 self-filtering masks, more effective than the previous ones, since they present a 98.40% filtration capacity. Moreover, this model has been designed in Size S, “for physiognomies with small percentile, to optimize the correct coverage and fit of the mask to the users ”. The price is 120 euros for a pack of 50 units.
Type IIR Surgical Mask with Viricidal Filter
Proveil also has in its catalog IIR surgical masks with an efficacy of 99.88% bacterial filtration and one filtration efficiency against paraffin aerosols greater than 90%. It can be purchased for 32,50 euros in boxes of 50 units consisting of packages of ten masks.
Hygienic mask for children
Finally, the company offers non-reusable hygienic masks for children, although without viricidal filter. Proveil emphasizes that the main objective of this model is “to protect minors with maximum security with the same cleanroom aseptic manufacturing and protective properties as the most restrictive Type IIR surgical mask”. They present a filtration capacity greater than 98% and can be purchased for 30 euros in boxes of 50 units containing packs of ten masks.
The hygienic masks with the same virucidal filter that makes up the previous models. his filtration capacity, in this case, it will amount to 99,8%. It can be purchased for 10 euros in boxes of ten units.
In addition, within this model are included the biodegradable hygienic masks, with a bacterial filtration greater than 98% and 93% efficiency against aerosols. Like the others, it can also be disinfected with sprays of 70% alcoholic solution.