BendShape Mask is proud to announce
the launch of the industry’s first transparent, sealed surgical mask that meets
the full ASTM level 3 standard called Quartz ASTM3 Disposable Surgical Mask.
Following the success of BendShape’s first line of transparent masks, the team
of highly skilled American engineers created the upgraded second generation
mask to be the first transparent surgical mask with multiple sizes for a better
fit, comfort, and seal. As the first sealed, transparent mask to offer =98 per
cent bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) and =98 per cent particle filtration
efficiency (PFE), Quartz is a leader in the market.
“Quartz was built by a team of
US material scientists, chemists, and textile engineers to lead the transparent
mask market with the highest bi-directional filtration performance and the
largest clear window in a sealed mask,” said BendShape Mask CEO Steven
Sanders. “To maximize Quartz’s impact on everyday lives, Quartz leverages
unique premium materials and manufacturing processes to address mass market
needs and to align with medical norms for disposal and usage.”
Why it matters: Quartz ASTM3
Disposable Surgical Mask is life changing for professionals and everyday people
who need a sealed ASTM3 mask that enables transparent communication. This
impact is especially true for emergency rooms, teachers, dentists,
pediatricians, audiologists, labor and delivery, speech therapists, pain
management specialists, the deaf community, and hospital admittance.
“Quartz is the first clear mask
that meets the needs of my full work day from patient consultations to
surgery,” said Dr. Guido O. Sarnachiaro, DDS, who is part of the renowned
SDNY Dental team and teaches at New York University College of Dentistry.
“The large, clear window allows me to emotionally connect with patients
and to communicate more effectively with colleagues while masked during
procedures.”
In order for these communities to
operate safely, a sealed ASTM level 3 surgical mask that enables transparent
communication, shared facial expression, lip reading, and quick facial identification is needed. BendShape knew
addressing this challenge required a mask shaped not just to tightly seal but
also to sit off someone’s face, which maximizes breathability while reducing
muffling of communication.
“The combination of having both
the ability to see the mouth working and the best PPE (protection) is
critical,” said 28-year speech pathologist Tim Mackesey, CCC-SLP, BCS-F.
“BendShape Quartz ASTM3 mask meets the criteria for me.”
The BendShape team also saw the
requirement for a transparent surgical mask to come in multiple sizes (i.e.,
large, medium, small, and extra-small) to enable a better, more secure fit
against the face during speech and facial expressions.
“When you use a standard cloth
mask, or even N95 mask, you find that as you talk it moves up and down very
frequently and you have to touch it to readjust. The BendShape Mask stays in
place on your face. This may not be the last virus we face; it may not be the
end of us wearing masks in the future. So, you want to have a product that can
last for years to come,” said Sollis Assistant Medical Director Dr. Avi
Ravilla. “I think BendShape was more focused on creating a product not
only physicians and healthcare workers would like to use, but also a product
the general public would like to use and something that could be used for years
to come.”
The BendShapeâ„¢ team’s mission is not
only to respond to the needs brought on by the pandemic, but to make protective
masks “invisible” in our society through leading edge science.
“Every surgical mask should be ‘invisible’ in terms of its impact on
communication, identity, comfort, and our environment,” said BendShape
Mask COO Dr. James Holbery. “Quartz harnesses leading edge science to
bring that disruption of ‘invisibility’ to mass medicine.”
Quartz ASTM3 Disposable Surgical Mask
is available to be pre-ordered now and will start shipping in April, 2021.
Quartzâ„¢ masks are available in ear loop or head strap options, and are made of
US premium non-skin-irritating and non-sensitizing materials. To find out more
information about the BendShapeâ„¢ brand, please visit www.bendshapemask.com. For
select customers, BendShape can provide industry-first custom printing on an
ASTM Level 3 surgical mask for logos or patterns.
Quartz ASTM3 is a disposable surgical
mask authorized only for the duration of the declaration that circumstances
exist justifying the authorization of the emergency use of medical devices
during the COVID-19 outbreak, under section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. §
360bbb-3(b)(1) unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.