Theoretical Background

TriMask is a water-repellent cloth mask with three layers. Different studies have shown that three-layered masks are more effective and safer than one- or two-layered masks (Bahl et al., 2020; Fischer et al., 2020; Sharma et al., 2021). Unlike the single- and double-layered masks where large droplets pass through and atomize into aerosols or tiny droplets, triple-layered masks can prevent big droplets from a sneeze or cough from being atomized into aerosols. Aside from preventing the atomization of droplets, the three layers of the mask can also block small particles from penetrating through mask pores (Connor, 2021). Both are necessary for the aerosols not to leak and linger in the air. As such, cloth masks can similarly perform as surgical masks, given that it contains three layers (University of Surrey, 2021). Therefore, three-layered cloth masks can be as effective as surgical masks in lessening the transmission of infectious diseases like COVID-19.

Although additional layers improve the filtration efficiency of the masks, some fabrics give better filtration than others (Clase, 2020). As recommended by the World Health Organization [WHO] (2020), a three-layered mask should have (1) an innermost absorbent layer that can contain droplets and not irritate the skin such as cotton; (2) a non-absorbent middle filter layer that can filtrate particles and stop droplets from permeating such as spun-bond non-woven polypropylene (NWPP); and (3) a non-absorbent outermost layer that can prevent external droplets from passing through the wearer such as polyester (Lustig et al., 2020). While chosen fabrics to use in the mask must enable high filtration efficiency, it must also remain highly breathable and maintain their properties after washing and disinfection (Songer, 2020a). 

Figure 1. Three-Layer Design Face Mask



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Project Description

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Features TriMask is a reusable mask made with multipurpose features and multi-layer technology, unlike conventional fabric or surgical masks. This face mask contains three sustainable material layers: cotton inner absorbent layer, spun-bonded NWPP middle filter, and polyester non-absorbent outer layer. The cotton absorbent innermost layer is breathable. In addition, the fabric is created from several layers of organic cotton that are very effective in removing aerosols with a diameter of less than one nanometer (Cariki, 2021). The second layer, which is spun-bonded NWPP middle filter, is used in both N95 and medical masks. NWPP, which is hypoallergenic, absorbent, water-resistant, and lightweight, is utilized in the TriMask. The NWPP can improve defenses against both entering and exiting microbes. Polypropylene, used as the middle filter in the TriMask, cannott be diverted (Clase, Charles-Francois de Lannoy, & Laengert, 2020). Water, sweat, and other liquids will not be absorbed by...
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10 Questions

  1.      What product or service have we taken inspiration from? An ordinary fabric face mask has inspired TriMask to improve its features and bring out its best quality. Due to the low efficacy of an ordinary fabric face mask, TriMask brings you a better one – a cloth mask that is as effective as surgical mask. 2.      What are its key features and benefits? TriMask is a reusable, washable, and breathable cloth mask. Like the surgical face masks, it is three-layered but whose materials are sustainable – cotton inner absorbent layer, spunbonded non-woven polypropylene (NWPP) middle filter, and polyester non-absorbent outer layer. The outer layer is coated with plant-based wax to add a water-repellent, hydrophobic property. The three-layered mechanism and hydrophobic wax coating ensure additional protection against the transmission of communicable disease, thus increasing the efficacy of the usual, non-layered cloth mask. Not only does...
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Directions for Use

  A.     How to Use TriMask 1.      Put the mask on your face with the logo on the right facing out. 2.      Adjust the ear loops to improve fit. 3.      Bend the nose wire over the nose bridge. 4.      Extend to entirely cover the nose, mouth, and chin. B.     How to Wash TriMask 1.      Wash every once a week or when it is dirty. 2.      Hand wash in tap water or include in washing machine laundry with laundry soap or detergent. 3.      Do not use bleach or any disinfectant. 4.      Do not scrub, twist, rub, and wring. 5.      Hang outdoor to dry.
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