As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread all over the globe, it has taken its toll on medical professionals. With the supplies of PPE in high demand, suppliers are making modifications to improve protection against the coronavirus. Several companies in Saskatoon are working hard to supply face masks and barriers in the fight against COVID-19.
EcoLibra PPE is the only Canadian supplier of an innovative, airtight respirator that lessens waste from disposable masks and provides more protection from air contaminants than a surgical face mask. Taking inspiration from the design of industrial-grade respirators but with the weight, it is made from a silicon material that seals along the edges of the face, similar to a scuba diving mask. It is used together with a small piece of a surgical mask or even an N95 by cutting the material into six parts and placing it into the removable filter cartridge.
EcoLibra PPE supplies 20,000 of the Singapore-manufactured respirators to the Canadian market every few weeks.
Saskatoon is home to several manufacturers that quickly adjusted during the initial weeks of the shutdown to produce PPE during a critical time.
MME Sports started the production of moisture-wicking masks for retailers such as Dutch Growers. Canadian Tarpaulin Manufacturers Ltd. also made changes from producing tarps for agriculture and construction to supplying clear plastic curtains for businesses and organizations.
For more information about this story, click here.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-face-mask
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html