Can face masks help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses?

Long before the world knew about Covid, masking was a common practice in many Asian countries.

People in Japan started to wear masks when feeling sick as a courtesy to stop any sneezes from landing on other people. Motorcycle riders in the Philippines and India wear masks to deflect exhausts in heavy traffic. In Taiwan, masks are used during the cold winter months and as a barrier to airborne germs.

The turning point to mask usage, however, was as a result of the deadly SARS outbreak in the early 2000s, post which face masks became a regular sight in Hong Kong, Japan, and other parts of Eastern Asia, and now due to Covid, the rest of the world.

But, how exactly do masks prevent the spread of respiratory viruses?

Results from more than 30 studies from around the world were analysed in detail by a recent study, which showed a 53 per cent reduction in the incidence of Covid with mask wearing. MEO documented these 6 research studies in a separate article.

How does a MEO face mask protect you against any respiratory viruses?

MEO Air face masks were originally created with a vision to be the best anti-pollution face mask. Created with years of research and developments in science, MEO face masks are built to provide superior filtration.

Filter traps the smallest of particles

Our MEO lite face masks offer a superior filtration system with the Helix™ Filter Media. Designed using New Zealand’s best qualities, the Helix™ Filter Media embraces the purity, authenticity and innovation that define MEO Air.

Labelled as the world’s most breathable filter, it traps the smallest of particles and bacteria ensuring it takes less energy to draw air through the filter and allows people to breathe purified air. 

Filter uses a natural air filter, Wool which is resistant to fire, bacteria and manages moisture well

MEO Air has taken a leaf out of nature’s playbook and designed face masks by observing the natural world.

Derived from the alpha helical molecule found in wool fibre, the Helix™ Filter Media uses elements of this molecule in its filtration material.

It is well known that wool is a natural air filter that is resistant to fire, bacteria and manages moisture well. This along with its charged electrostatic fibre which efficiently captures micron-sized airborne particles, makes it the perfect filter for an anti-pollution face mask. In the natural world, wool protects sheep from harsh environments, and in the human world, it allows us to breathe clean and fresh air.

 Created by specifically bred sheep on a farm in Wanaka, New Zealand,  MEO masks have been created after years of research in air filtration.

MEO Air face masks are a merger between technology and modern design, which in turn allows us to create beautiful yet practical products that resonate with today’s consumer.