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USA's masks rated high

06 Oct '20
3 min read
Pic: PR Newswire
Pic: PR Newswire

ASTM Rated Level 3 disposable PPE face masks produced by United Sewing Automation (USA) in its new automated manufacturing facility in Mount Airy, NC have been rated high in bacterial filtration efficiency, particulate filtration efficiency and breathability. With safety a top priority, USA carried out the testing in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.

While face masks have become a key component in fighting the spread of the virus, not all face masks provide optimal protection. As a result, USA recently completed extensive testing of its American-sourced and manufactured face masks in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.

ASTM International sets the preferred international standard in healthcare best practices inclusive of testing and requirements for performance of medical grade materials. The FDA, who oversees the sale and marketing of all surgical masks, requires that manufacturers demonstrate mask performance in several critical areas such as bacterial filtration, particulate filtration, liquid barrier protection, breathability, and flammability.

The masks were found to have bacterial filtration efficiency of 99.62 per cent, particulate filtration efficiency of over 99.76 per cent and fluid resistance of 160 mmHg.

The masks also qualified in the flammability, breathability and biocompatibility tests, and were found to be non-cytotoxic and non-irritating. With testing complete, USA's American-sourced and manufactured masks are now in compliance with the Berry Amendment and qualify for department of defence contracts.

Since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, America's reliance on imported PPE has caused supply chain issues. In addition, the United States has been flooded with cheap, imported, inferior-quality face masks that do not provide adequate protection to fight the spread of COVID-19. In response, USA's ownership team invested in automated equipment to manufacture American-made medical grade masks that provide proper protection for people.

Made from high-quality materials, USA's face masks feature a three-ply design with a built-in adjustable nose bridge and ear loops made of nylon and spandex, providing a better fit than traditional disposable masks.

"We are very happy with the new test results," said Ben Webb, USA's CEO. "Our goal is to provide the highest-quality protective masks for every face in America every time one is needed. This virus is highly contagious and the American public needs to better understand that not all masks provide the proper protection. These test results prove that our masks provide a higher level of protection than lower-quality, imported masks. We want to do our part in controlling the spread of this highly contagious airborne virus."

USA's ownership team has many years of experience in the textile and apparel industry and had the vision in 2017 to bring apparel manufacturing back to Mount Airy through automation. USA recently installed high-tech ultrasonic welding machines and automated production equipment capable of producing more than 1,000,000 facemasks per week, with the ability to expand to meet market demand.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (SV)

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