AirPop, San Francisco, is bringing its expertise in creating high-performance air wearable products to the U.S. with the launch today of its new line of face masks for U.S. and Canadian customers. Three AirPop mask models are available for purchase—the Light SE, the Pocket, and the AirPop mask for kids—with original and Active models coming later in the fourth quarter of 2020. masks are part of a bigger category of air wearable products that AirPop pioneered to create better fit and more comfortable breathing for millions of mask consumers worldwide.
Air quality has been a problem for decades. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that 4.6 million people die each year from causes directly attributable to air pollution. AirPop recognized that, for too many people, wearing a mask was a daily necessity to combat the detrimental effects of air pollution from both manmade sources and natural causes like seasonal wildfires. And the threat of dangerous pathogens—from SARS to H1N1 to the flu, and now the global COVID-19 pandemic—increased the need for a barrier of defense for consumers. With that, AirPop was born.
Since 2015, AirPop has harnessed filtration science and technology innovation to build high-performance products that deliver unrivaled comfort and believability, revolutionizing the mask wearing experience for consumers. AirPop masks provide a serious line of defense against airborne threats carried by particles and droplets; and they are designed to be breathable, stylish and wearable. They offer the same, highly-effective two-way barrier as medical and industrial-grade masks, but are specifically engineered for consumers, to be comfortable all day on a variety of face shapes and sizes.
“Masks provide the first line of defense from airborne threats, but they’ve been largely unregulated, under-designed and ineffective for the consumer market,” Chris Hosmer, founder of AirPop, said. “So we at AirPop set out to change that. Because we all have a vital role to play in reducing the spread of COVID-19 through our communities, choosing an appropriate mask means it has to both fit and filter well to reduce transmission from airborne particles and droplets. With AirPop, there’s finally an option that protects the rest of us and doesn’t divert critical N95s from health care professionals, yet meets the same high quality standards and two-way filtration as the best medical and industrial respirators.”
AirPop solves three key issues that affect most masks: fit, filtration and breathability. All of the materials used to manufacture its masks are tested by accredited third-party labs to exceed the WHO and FDA medical mask material performance standards.
Fit: An accurate, close fit is essential to prevent the inhalation and exhalation of small particles and droplets. AirPop masks feature a patented soft seal and frame that responds to different fit profiles to help ensure a snug, but comfortable, fit. And the tented, 3-D Air Dome shape keeps the filter away from the face, increasing airflow and improving breathability and comfort.
Filtration: When it comes to harmful pollutants, size matters. Anything smaller than 2.5 microns is known as “fine particulate matter” (PM 2.5)—think airborne bacteria, for example. AirPop masks create a barrier down to 0.3 microns with greater than 99 percent effectiveness at this scale. Its unique combination of four-layer filter material provides an effective two-way barrier against particles and droplets.
Breathability: Superior breathability is also vital—consumers won’t wear what isn’t comfortable or doesn’t work. AirPop masks “give and take” in sync with your natural breath. And they have four layers of protection—from the droplet-resistant, non-woven outer layer to the filter and skin-friendly inner layer to ensure security and comfort.
AirPop masks come in two options—multi-use disposable masks (Pocket, Lightweight and Kids models, available today), or reusable/washable masks with disposable filters (Original and Active models, coming soon).
Available Today: AirPop multi-use disposable masks provide 99.3 percent particle filtration and 99.9 percent bacterial filtration, plus fluid resistance to deliver a robust, two-way defense for up to 40 hours.
• AirPop Light SE: The patented design of the Light SE creates a “lighter than air” feel with a 3-D domed structure that enables effortless breathability. Ergonomic wings, adjustable ear loops and a cushioned nose seal provide superior comfort and fit.
• AirPop Pocket and Pocket Case: The Pocket is a light mask that comes with a compatible carrying case, great for using on the go. The Pocket’s ergo-foam seal conforms to the nose bridge, and its top went allows for moisture to evaporate between wears. Its convertible structure provides compression strength during wear, while still being flexible enough to fold down to 25 percent of its original size—perfect for tucking away into its case and fitting in a back pocket, backpack or handbag.
• AirPop Kids: AirPop used the same patented design principles that make the AirPop Light SE to create a one-of-a-kind children’s mask. The AirPop Kids mask is light and breathable, giving kids the defense they need against airborne threats while providing comfort and ease for all-day wear.
AirPop reusable and washable masks feature disposable, snap-in filters that block 99.97 PM0.3, including dust, bacteria and viral matter, and delivery up to 40 hours of use. Both the Original and Active models feature AirPop’s patented 3-D Air Dome design that creates a canopy of clean air and balanced air circulation for the wearer, resulting in better breathability and wearability. They are made with cutting-edge fabrics that deliver strength and flexibility, while remaining lightweight and easy to clean. These masks will also deliver up to four hours of wear time per filter. More details to come later in the fourth quarter of 2020.
For more information on AirPop, visit www.airpophealth.com.
