Buff introduces the Filter Mask, a safe mouth mask with a perfect fit without pressure points and with which you can breathe wonderfully free.
The Buff Filter Mask is a lightweight mouth mask with – according to Buff – 98% ‘Bacterial Filter Efficiency.’ The trick of the mask is that the outside is made of the well-known Buff fabric in which around the mouth is a pocket where you place an exchangeable filter.
‘Bacterial Filter Efficiency’
This filter is made according to the European Standard EN14683 – type 1 and 2 – which is equivalent to the requirements of filters in a surgical mask. ‘Bacterial Filter Efficiency’ is the effectiveness of a filter in blocking aerosol droplets containing bacteria. It indicates how many particles are stopped by the filter. This is directly related to the amount of bacteria released into the surrounding air via the mask with filter. The higher the percentage, the better the mouth mask offers protection for your environment. Thus, the mask is a physical barrier that greatly reduces the spread of aerosols released by the wearer while talking, coughing or sneezing. But vice versa, you are also better protected against particles from the environment. The standard is at least 95% for type 1 and at least 98% for type 2.
With and without R
To make things even more complicated, Buff states that the mask does not comply with the EN14683 type 1R or type 2R standard. Do you see the difference? Right! The aforementioned standard is without R and the second with R. The difference is that the Buff Filter Mask is not resistant to splashes thrown to the mask from the outside. And the latter may not be entirely clear, but if you imagine the situation in an operating theater, for example, it probably is. Here there is a risk that viruses can penetrate through the mask into the user through, for example, blood splashes released during the operation. The BUFF Filter may therefore not be used as a splash-resistant filter. The question remains for me: how different are the splashes when I cough compared to splashes during surgery?
HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03
The mask is also equipped with HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03, a technology that is applied to the fabric of the bag in which the filter is placed. The great thing about this HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 technology is that it actively protects the user of the mask against bacteria and viruses. If you place the filter in the mask with dirty hands, the bacteria and viruses that come into contact with the bag are – according to HeiQ – killed for 99.99%. With this you limit the risk that you will still be infected through contact. If you want to know more about this technology, please visit heiq.com.
By the way, I have previously reported about the Maloja face mask where the entire mask has been treated with a similar technique. So I do wonder how useful it is to make a HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 treated bag in a Buff that has not been treated for the rest. And… what happens to the untreated filter itself. What is also worth mentioning: HeiQ itself indicates that you must wash the product after use and that HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 will last at least 30 washes at 60 degrees Celsius.
Bull’s-eye?
I don’t know what happened to you last holiday month, but for me it was a different holiday than usual thanks to the Covid-19 troubles. In Germany I repeatedly had to walk with a mouth camp, in Switzerland and Austria barely and in Italy again. And very consistently there, and it felt strangely good when everyone else did. Although I am no masks expert after a month, I now know what I pay attention to: fit and the new Buff Filter Mask could be a hit.
Fit
A mask is of course only worn properly if it is comfortable and Buff is convinced of its own capabilities. According to the makers, the fit is perfect thanks to the adjustable elastic bands at the back of your head. This means you do not suffer from annoying pressure points around your ears, which is great. Something I can endorse after experiences with the aforementioned Maloja mask. Also watch the video below from Buff that shows how it works.
Another plus of the Filter Mask is that – again according to Buff – you can breathe freely with it, making it ideal for sports, traveling or shopping. And for everyone who is allergic to glue and latex: the Buff Filter Mask is glue and latex free.
Buff Filter Mask Makrana in Sky Blue. 
Buff Filter Mask Kids in Dizen Multi.
Something for everyone
The collection Filter Masks from Buff consists of special designs in designs for women, men, boys and girls. This way you always choose a mouth mask that suits you.
The new Buff Filter Mask is available at the better outdoor and sports stores and through web shops. The suggested retail price of the BUFF Filter Mask includes 5 replacement filters: € 25.95. A separate box containing 30 replacement filters costs € 15.95.
Information
International: www.buff.com
The Netherlands: www.technolyt.nl
