Atoms Mask - Hand-washable mask for comfortable everyday wear, at cost

@mickc79 Primer, thank you for your comment, you’re right that the primary goal is to reduce the contact. Atoms’ masks are non-medical and for everyday use. We didn’t choose copper because of filtering purpose here, the neoprene material is great at that. We needed to add a lining inside the mask, and wanted something good quality and accessible in the times when most factories are still closed in South Korea. We use copper lining in our shoes and are continuously impressed by its antibacterial properties and reducing odor, so we decided to use copper yarn here again. Finally, with our production run, we are improving our product and incorporating feedback from you all. So Atoms masks are going to just get better.

@waqasali ok well I guess in that case I have a little bit of an issue. In today’s climate face masks = coronavirus. And by mentioning the qualities of copper in your pitch you’re further establishing the link with the virus - however the reality is that these are no better than a standard fabric or paper mask at protecting against the virus. Neoprene is nowhere near enough to filter out a virus.

@mickc79 Hi, I just posted how copper cloth is antiviral and bacteriocidal , and was used in masks for H1N1 and the swine flu and other coronaviruses, as it inactivated the coronavirus within half an hour. Please look at the links for the studies.

@waqasali @mickc79 Please look at the links to the studies on efficacy of copper in inactivating the coronavirus.

@waqasali @mickc79 I have to agree. It's one thing to say that copper has antibacterial properties, and another to put it together in the same sentence with a coronavirus mask and imply that copper masks are somehow helpful to filter out the virus, while there is no evidence that they work. Atoms are fantastic shoes, and I really respect Alexis, but this is not a great time to make money like this. People should wear masks, ones that actually filter out the virus to a degree that matters. Saying "these masks are non-medical" but also "antibacterial!!!" is not ethical.

@coachryanfitnes That's my point above though (previous comment) - the fact that copper kills the virus after 30 mins is zero use in a face mask application.

@coachryanfitnes I'm no expert, but wouldn't the theory be that the filtering action means the virus remains on the surface of the mask (trapped by the filtering), therefore if the mask itself is hostile to the virus, it effectively "self-cleans" in addition to filtering?

@coachryanfitnes Can I please have that link?

@mickc79 Masks aren't supposed protect the user from COVID-19. Not even medical grade masks will do that. The point of wearing a mask is to prevent you from infecting other people with your breath/saliva.

@hunterwalk thank you Hunter!

@awt Andrew, thank you for being a customer and adding a comment. Most people don’t like wearing mask, in time like these we all need to. We’re committed to play our part on making masks that you’re likely going to be fine with. :)

@farhan_farooqui thank you Farhan, yes this is our first time making the mask. We’re happy with the quality and first samples, so can’t wait to get these to you all.

@sippey we are Michael Sippey fans!