News

WHY IS AIRGLE THE GOLD STANDARD OF AIR PURIFIERS IN THE COVID ERA

WHY IS AIRGLE THE GOLD STANDARD OF AIR PURIFIERS IN THE COVID ERA

by Nirvana Being on May 18 2021
Did you know small droplets filled with COVID-19 can stay afloat in the air for 3 hours? What if you could reduce those 3 hours to 12 minutes or less? From disinfecting sprays to N95 face masks to even UV sterilizer boxes, there’s no shortage of “essential products” being pushed in the fight against COVID-19. According to medical experts, one additional item that people should be adding to their arsenal is an air purifier.The okay air purifiers help to eliminate dust, pollen, smoke and other irritants from the air, but a good air purifier could also go a long way towards eliminating dangerous airborne germs and bacteria. The CDC says air purifiers “can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a home or confined space.” The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) adds that air purifiers are helpful “when additional ventilation with outdoor air is not possible” (say, when you can’t crack open a window at home or work). Air purifiers are particularly helpful during the coronavirus pandemic because they can clean the air and recirculate clean air in indoor spaces that may have little to no ventilation. Keep in mind that the HVAC system in your building is designed to really only provide tempered air, you may feel that more is needed to achieve your goal of keeping the air pathogen-free in specific areas. In a home setting, ensuring that high-risk household members or patients are safe and the spread of germs is virtually eliminated weighs heavily on your mind. It’s your responsibility. But if someone in your household has COVID-19 or needs to quarantine until they can be sure they don’t have it, it might make sense to have an air purifier in their room with the door closed, if only to help protect caregivers from possible exposure. It’s also something to consider if someone in your household is at extremely high risk — either of contracting COVID-19 or of developing complications from it.  And frankly, even for pulmonary rehab, post-COVID. If you've typed the phrase "air purifier" into Google lately, you've likely seen a wide range of machines touting terms like ionizer, electrostatic, air sanitizer, and activated carbon. While great for home or commercial office use, these machines are not what you're looking for when you have a high risk patient at home, or a patient with comorbidities, or someone seeking pulmonary rehabilitation that is immune compromised. In such cases, what you need is a medical-grade air purifier with a cHEPA technology filter and Titanium Pro® UV module- namely, the Airgle Air Purifier. Together, these technologies remove particles down to 0.003 microns with an efficiency of 99.999% - far below the size of a COVID particle. Furthermore, Airgle air purifiers are the first in the world to deliver the highest CADR ratings with a 100 % sealed design. The Airgle systems consistently beat hundreds of our competitors’ products in a wide array of third - party tests. Its patented Photo Catalytic Oxidation technology is leading the next generation of air purifiers and removes bio contaminants from the air to create a sterile environment. It is a well know fact that aH14 c-type HEPA filter is the golden standard for virus filtration. A H14 c-type HEPA filtercan capture virtually all sizes of solid particles, including particles 0.1 microns in diameter – or the same size as the coronavirus. In fact, the Airgle AG900 PurePal Room Air Purifier is equipped with 360-degree air circulation technology to effectively purify the entire volume of air in a 617 ft2 room in just 12 minutes. To conclude, if you have a high-risk household member at home, or a high-risk shared indoor space in the office, like a boardroom, you will want to consider a medical-grade air purifier, like the Airgle, which was created for clean room or sterile room applications.  Additional risk mitigation protocols of wearing a N95 mask and maintaining social distance will still need to followed. 
PREVENT, DON’T WAIT TO CURE

PREVENT, DON’T WAIT TO CURE

by Nirvana Being on May 07 2021
The second wave of coronavirus has taken a heavy toll on India's population. Hospitals and medical facilities are struggling to keep up with the rising number of COVID-19 patients and the unfortunate and tragic accounts of deaths are rising every passing day. During such times, when the country's healthcare system is crumbling, it is we the people, who need to step up and take measures that can prevent the spread of the deadly virus. At Nirvana Being, we firmly believe that in the case of infectious pandemics like this, prevention is always better than cure. The specific focus of preventive measures is more on the susceptible population of children, healthcare providers, and older people. Many of the people practice safety measures without proper knowledge as to whether these measures are sufficient or not to prevent the spread of the virus. It is therefore highly relevant to be aware of the preventive measures for COVID-19 to practice it effectively. The primary preventive measures to be implemented are the regular practice of hygiene, social distancing, avoiding person-to-person contact, judicious use of masks, proper ventilation, and quarantine. The transmission rate of COVID-19 is much higher indoors than outdoors, as the viral load is always higher in enclosed spaces; this transmission is greatly reduced by indoor air filtration and ventilation. To ensure proper ventilation in your homes and offices, you can buy a Ventimax which is a device that pulls in fresh, filtered air from outside your building through a pre-fitted HEPA filter, to create an air exchange. If you have a Split AC, you could also opt for our Nanotech AC Filter, a DIY solution that turns any Split AC into an air purifier, filtering virus, bacteria and PM2.5. Additionally, we have a range of Airgle medical air purifiers that create a sterile environment indoors by filtering all viruses, bacteria and nanoparticles, down to 0.1 micron. To create healthy indoor spaces, we also recommend installing mechanical ventilation and filtration solutions based on our survey of the HVAC infrastructure of your home/office. Similarly, in case of masks, an N95 antiviral mask made using a nanotechnology filter such as the Airific mask is highly recommended. Such masks have the ability to filter particles down to 0.1 microns including the COVID-19 particle. For high risk environments, masks made with a silicone seal such as the O2 Curve Mask are ideal. And in case you need of a mask for sports use, the idMASK, our specialized sports mask, is the best you can get. Also, get yourself and your family a steam inhaler such as the MyPurmist Handheld Steam Inhaler, world’s only steam inhaler and HEPA air purifier in one. The device is FDA and Health Canada listed as a Class 1 medical device. In addition to the above, you must always keep yourself hydrated and practice personal hygiene. Think hard about the consequences of entertaining folks indoors, from outside your bubble. Studies say a large population among us does not show symptoms and consequently, the asymptomatic people can continue to spread the infection at home, at a faster pace.Masks, like vaccines, will be more effective in reducing transmission rates only when very large sections of society are compliant, particularly in indoor spaces. This is the time to be at home, not invite anyone over and avoid stepping out unnecessarily. However, if you do gather, aim for outside. If you are indoors, take precautions such as ventilation and masking up. While COVID-19 is highly contagious, we can only prevent it by staying vigilant and conscious of all the necessary measures. Government and health authorities can help provide us with necessary resources to treat the infection, but the responsibility of prevention lies solely in our hands.
How to sustain yourself amidst the poor air quality index in India?

How to sustain yourself amidst the poor air quality index in India?

by Nirvana Being on Apr 27 2021
  With air pollution rising in most of the metro cities in India, most urban citizens have been using face masks and other protective gear. Now, that you can check India’s air quality index regularly, it would be easier to evaluate the extent of pollution. Many office-goers have already purchased face masks and air purifiers to shield them from contaminants. If you are not familiar with AQI (Air Quality Index), let’s understand what it actually is. The ministry of environment and forests, in an attempt to reveal the amount of pollutants in air in real time, has launched the AQI. This knowledge will make the people conscious about the contaminants they are exposed to. Considering the probable adverse impact on health, the citizens can buy masks and other necessary gears.   Understanding the air quality index in India Apart from the general air pollutants, the government has added some new components to the list, while assessing the quality of air. These include ozone, lead, ammonia, carbon monoxide and particulate matter 2.5. Some of the other pollutants include PM 10, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. Depending on the presence of these contaminants in the air, it can be classified into six groups. These are severe, very poor, poor, moderately polluted, satisfactory and good. Most of the metropolitans in India are not under the cover of this index. Besides, the government has also come up with a mechanism to know the air quality in most of the state capitals. There is a scope for indoor air quality monitor as well in the cities. What is particulate matter and how to protect yourself from them? Particulate matter, also termed PM or particulate pollution, is actually a complex mixture consisting of liquid droplets and small particles. Several components make up particulate matter, including acids, sulfates, nitrates, soil, metals, organic chemicals and dust particles. Knowing that India’s air quality index is poor, as they contain these contaminants, it is advisable to wear face masks. N95 masks are the most effective to combat urban pollution. However, you have other variants of face masks as well, designed for special purposes. In case you are purchasing a face mask, make sure to get a branded mask from one of the reputed online portals. In this regard, you should be knowing that particulate matter comes in different sizes and shapes. These particles may be categorized into two broad groups. The bigger ones are known as PM10, while the smaller ones are termed PM 2.5. The big particles may be up to 25 times thinner than hair. The adverse effect on health caused by such particles is less severe. The smaller ones can be up to 100 times thinner than hair, and are more harmful when you inhale them. Protecting yourself from particulate matter Wearing face masks happen to be the most viable remedy to combat air pollution in India. Particularly, if you reside in one of the metro cities, you need to buy quality face masks. Installing air purifiers in your car can also enhance the air quality substantially. In any case, it is advisable to purchase branded products from the trusted portals online.
Air pollution: a worsening problem that can be solved

Air pollution: a worsening problem that can be solved

by Nirvana Being on Apr 27 2021
The past decade has seen the air quality index of India accelerate rapidly with deterioration in the air quality, especially in the northern parts of India. While there have been some efforts made to address the problem of air pollution, the results have not been too evident. To combat this problem, India needs more than an ambitious agenda. It also needs a strong framework to ensure compliance and be accountable for the targets that are set. While a lot has been achieved by way of monitoring the air quality and understanding how it impacts normal lives, there is still a lot that needs to be achieved. The data collected so far strongly recommends the implementation of effective solutions.   Wearing a pollution mask is a short-term solution, one that can be implemented while the legwork for more effective and permanent solutions is being done. This is because masks hamper the respiratory process to some extent. For people suffering from chronic breathing disorders, wearing a mask all the time is more of a punishment than a relief. Thus while masks present an interim solution, a more permanent solution would involve ensuring clean and fresh air permanently.  Some of the ways by which this can be achieved are:   Pinpointing the problem: To understand the exact dimensions of the problem and know the exact area from where work to clean the air quality in India can be initiated, certain factors that need to be taken into account like:   Air quality monitoring: Currently India has some 4000 monitoring stations that have been tasked with providing continuous updates regarding the current state of air quality. Of these 2800 are situated in urban areas and the rest in rural areas. However, currently, not all stations are functional and data comes from only a handful of these stations. This gap needs to be removed and all stations made operational so that accurate data and information regarding the air quality index of India can be measured.    Identifying sources of pollution: This is a factor that needs to be given its due importance to seek a solution to the problem of air pollution. The pollutants are known but a clear picture of how much which source of pollution is contributing is yet to come up. Thus, real-time data needs to be analysed and infrastructure monitoring ramped up to enable relevant granular data collection.   Understanding its impact: Most people are aware that air pollution has certain health and economic impacts but the exact nature and extent is yet to be fully ascertained. Thus, to access the impact accurately and mobilise action accordingly, a more comprehensive picture is required.   Engaging the common people: Air pollution is an epidemic that derives its origin from the public. Hence, to solve it, the solution has to involve the public. Only when the awareness is widespread and the urge to clean the surrounding air comes from within, can the problem of air pollution be resolved. Some of the ways by which public engagement can be sought are:   Impactful storytelling Targeted campaigns to spread awareness Spreading accurate information about health impacts Communicating how it will facilitate healthcare expense reduction in future   Advocating policy changes and bringing in regulations: This will bring in accountability. By bringing in specific and appropriate policies and regulations, measures to combat air pollution can be introduced and perpetrators of activities promoting air pollution can be brought to task.   The process has started. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go. Until the solution to combat air pollution is found and properly implemented, wearing a pollution mask when going out remains a mandatory measure that should be diligently followed.
What You Should Know Before Buying N99 Mask?

What You Should Know Before Buying N99 Mask?

by Nirvana Being on Apr 27 2021
Higher pollution levels lead to a higher risk of lung infections and other respiratory diseases. Sometimes these diseases might turn into chronic ailments requiring precautions to be taken throughout life. For the elderly, very high levels of pollution can be extremely detrimental.  Since pollution has become an integral part of our lives now, it is best to take precautions. Wearing an anti-pollution mask before stepping out of the house is a very effective option. However, when we visit a face mask shop near me, the number of face mask options available can be very confusing. Whether you want to buy N99 mask, N95 mask, or cloth mask, it can be quite baffling at times. Consequently, it is best to understand which mask best suits our needs before stepping out to procure one.  Naming of the mask The most popularly used masks include the N95, N99. Many of us would be wondering why masks are named using a number and a symbol. There is a scientific reason for the same. The number denotes the percentage of filtration for particles that are either .3microns or above in size. For example, the N95 mask can filter out 95% of all particles including minute particles, mites, fumes, droplets etc. Similarly, when you buy N99 mask, the percentage of filtration is 99%.  The symbol “N” has not been randomly chosen but is a letter class of Respiratory rating. It denotes that these masks only filter out non-oil particles. So if you are living in an area that has a higher amount of oil pollutants, it is best to opt for masks that contain the alphabets: R meaning that they remain resistant to oils particles for 8 hours at a stretch or P meaning that the masks are oil-proof  Benefits of Using N99 Masks You must buy N99 mask for combating pollution and get the following benefits. Filtration: As mentioned earlier, the N99 filters out 99% of pollutant. This makes it very effective to use especially in areas that experience high pollution levels.  Washability: N99 masks are reusable as they can be washed after use to remove dirt and dust from them. However, since different companies add variations to the basic design, the washability of the masks might also vary. Some masks can be washed after removing the N99 filter while others washed directly. Meanwhile, N99 mask without valve is relatively easier to wash and maintain. Thus, when you go to a face mask shop near me, you should always understand these aspects well before buying.   Presence of valves: With masks with valves, you can breathe easily. When air is inhaled, it passes through the different layers especially the N99 filter of the mask thereby ensuring their proper filtration. However, when air is exhaled, it goes out through the valves. Since the exhaled air contains more carbon-di-oxide, when using masks without respiratory valves, you might feel giddy after come time. Thus if you need to wear the mask for longer periods, it is best to opt for the N99 masks. Material: Generally, you must buy N99 mask with materials that offer effective filtration, such as non-woven, electrostatic polypropylene fibre. Cleaning of the N99 mask valve Generally, to clean the valves, you need to follow the instructions mentioned on the mask packet. However, you should take care to clean the valves gently to avoid filter damage. To retain the usability of the mask for longer durations, it is best to pat the mask gently or use a soft brush to removed trapped dust and dirt from the valves. Another best alternative is to get an N99 mask without valve. As the name implies, the N99 mask without valve comes with same N99 filter but lacks a valve. This way, you save your time and risk of cleaning or damaging the valves.  Disadvantages of N99 mask These masks are not recommended for people who are already suffering from a breathing disorder. When using the n99 mask, you might experience some resistance to breathing. While the introduction of valves makes it easy to some extent, still if you have COPD or asthma, you should not opt for this mask.  Overall, when you buy N99 mask, make sure it has the N99 filter which efficiently filters the air helping breath cleaner than ever.
Got someone with COVID-19 at home? Here’s how to keep the rest of the household safe.

Got someone with COVID-19 at home? Here’s how to keep the rest of the household safe.

by Flying Saints Creative Agency on Apr 22 2021
Coronavirus is a highly contagious and communicable disease. What’s challenging about this virus is that if one family member gets infected, others in the family always have a high possibility of contracting the virus as well. In such a situation, it is imperative for all family members to practice barrier care at home in order to prevent transmission by symptomatic persons. What is Barrier Care? This occurs when a patient is kept in a bay and extra precautions are implemented to prevent spread of the virus/germ. We are listing below a few hygiene and safety protocols for practising barrier care at your home. Isolation Ideally, the COVID-positive person should have their own room and bathroom to minimise contact with others. If a dedicated room isn’t available, they should maintain as much distance as possible from other members of the household. It’s especially important for anyone in the household who is at higher risk — such as elderly family members or people with compromised immune systems — to keep their distance from the infected person. Ventilation The better the ventilation, the lower the risk of transmission. If the weather permits, open windows to encourage air exchange.This is especially important when remembering that indoors the virus can remain in the air in very small droplets and potentially infect others. It is also a good idea to keep the door to the infected person’s room closed to minimise the movement of contaminated air into the rest of the house. Personal hygiene Everyone in the household, especially the COVID-19 patient, should practise good respiratory hygiene (covering coughs and sneezes and disposing of used tissues). Everyone in the household should wash their hands frequently, particularly before eating or after handling potentially contaminated objects. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or a sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. Caregivers should wear disposable gloves if they’re going to come into contact with body fluids such as vomit, faeces or saliva. All contaminated waste — such as used tissues, masks and gloves — should be put into a dedicated bin. The bin should have a lid and be lined. Wear disposable gloves when emptying the bin. Mask Up The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the infected person wear an N95 mask as much as possible to reduce the number of infectious particles in the air and lower the risk of transmission. Caregivers may also wear a N95 mask when entering the infected person’s room. Further, if you need to be in the same room with the person who is ill and he or she isn't able to wear a face mask, wear an N95 mask and stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from the ill person. Don't touch or handle your mask while you are using it. Masks help contain respiratory infections from the nose and mouth of the infected person. But more recent data supports that masks protect individuals from becoming infected as well. Sharing isn’t caring To prevent possible spread via contaminated objects, avoid sharing sheets, towels, toothbrushes, cups and glasses, eating utensils or equipment such as mobile phones with a COVID-positive person. If others need to use or handle utensils the COVID-positive person has used, wear gloves when handling them, wash them with hot water and detergent or put them through a hot cycle in the dishwasher. Objects you can’t wash can be wiped down with disinfectant. Up your cleaning game You should clean surfaces such as benchtops and tables daily with hot soapy water followed by a disinfectant. Pay particular attention to cleaning frequently touched shared surfaces, such as door and cupboard handles, light switches, toilets, sinks and taps. If the bathroom is shared, the COVID-positive person should clean and disinfect the bathroom after using it if they’re well enough to do so. Caring for someone with COVID-19 If you’re looking after a family member or housemate with COVID-19, ensure they have nutritious food to eat and fluids to drink. People with a virus often feel fatigued as a result of their body’s immune response, so it is important they get plenty of rest. While fever is nature’s way of fighting off an infection — our immune cells work better when we have a fever — if needed, anti-pyretic drugs such as paracetamol can make the person more comfortable. Certainly the caregiver needs to stay on top of the SPo2 levels of the patient, with the use of a Pulse Oximeter, and consult with a physician on a threshold level at which to move the patient to a hospital. Finally, members of the household should keep an eye out for and get tested if they develop any COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough or fever.
So, what is breathing resistance and why is it important in a mask?

So, what is breathing resistance and why is it important in a mask?

by Nirvana Being on Apr 22 2021
Breathing resistance is an unnatural resistance created by putting an object in the path of the breathing passages.  Whether it’s a cloth mask or a 3-layered mask with a filter as recommended by WHO, if it seals your face (which is highly recommended), then there is a resistance on the inhale as all the air is forced through the filter and on the exhale as all the air once again is pushed out through the filter.  A lurking respiratory virus that enters our body through our breath has forced a guidance from the WHO and CDC for N95 masks or 3-layer (with a filter in the middle layer) community masks.  The need of the hour is to filter all inhaled air to protect the wearer and filter the exhaled air to protect all the others in the shared indoor/outdoor space of the mask wearer. Here’s the problem – the masks create a resistance, so there is an additional effort to breathe which puts pressure on our organs, especially our heart.  This makes the mask really difficult to keep on for long hours, a problem that is further precipitated by higher temperatures in countries in the tropics.  Also, masks with high exhalation resistance lead to a carbon dioxide build-up and the re-breathing of the same leads to many health conditions including but not limited to hypoxia, hypercapnia and even CO2 narcosis in extreme cases. For this reason alone, the numero uno option is masks with nanotechnology filters – they offer the highest protection and the lowest inhalation and exhalation resistance.  At Nirvana Being, we have engineered the Airific mask range with these nanotech filters, sandwiched between a really porous, breathable and lightweight inner and outer natural cloth layer. Keep in mind that the more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to keep your mask on over longer periods on, driving safety.  Be safe everyone!

Why is Airific the Bee’s Knees of Masks?

by Nirvana Being on Apr 15 2021
As the World navigates its way through the pandemic that is COVID-19, there is new data and facts daily which impact and revise our prevention strategy. It has become clear that the virus is most contagious in shared indoor environments. This now presents a deep problem for the CDC and WHO - how do we create a barrier for an aerosol particle down to 0.1 micron? N95 masks have proven efficacy only down to 0.3 microns and a lesser efficacy for particles below that size.   The only solution with higher efficacy for smaller nanoparticles is with the use of nanotechnology. We make the case for reusable, washable cloth masks with a nanotechnology filter as a middle layer.   What is nanotechnology, you may ask? All harmful emissions and viruses such as emissions from traditional fuels, CNG and the Coronavirus are under PM2.5 (<2.5 micron). COVID-19 particles have a diameter of close to 0.125 microns, and HEPA filters can only filter larger particles that are 0.3 microns and above(with a high efficacy). Nanotechnology filters help create a barrier from nanoparticles down to 0.1 micron, with a greater than >95% PFE, VFE and BFE (Particulate Filtration Efficacy, Viral Filtration Efficacy & Bacterial Filtration Efficiency).   On the subject of general mask use, the fit is of utmost importance – if the mask does not seal the face, it is useless.  Lastly, and very importantly, please refrain from using disposable masks – why would you adopt a solution that has efficacy for 8 hours knowing full well that COVID will remain a part of our life, under a best-case scenario, for at least a year!   An N95 mask that uses nanotechnology to filter down to 0.1 micron with >95% efficacy is the need of the hour. And it is also the most cost effective way to protect ourselves from the ill-effects of both pollution and COVID-19.   Other than filtration efficacy and fit, comfort is also key – what is point of having a great mask, if it suffocates you and you find it hard to keep it on for more than a few minutes?  The Airific has the lowest inhalation and exhalation resistance in a mask, as tested by Nelson Labs, USA.  It is the lightest and most breathable mask in the World.   On the subject of certifications and testing as well, the Airific is N95, FFP2 certified in India, certified as a Community Mask in the European Union as per CWA 17553:2020 and tested with a VFE, BFE >95% by Nelson Labs in the US.  These certifications and test results do instil confidence as we all find our new normal and wish to step out with confidence and have peace of mind in 2021.   We believe that nanotechnology filters mask are sure to become the future of face masks with the virus and bacteria particles becoming smaller and smaller. While COVID-19 is surely the main issue at hand, we must be prepared for possible pandemics and illnesses in the future because as they say, prevention is better than cure! Join us in our endeavour to stay at the forefront of non-medical masks for healthy people and to make the World a safer place to live in.

Upgrade Your Mask- Here’s How!

by Nirvana Being on Apr 15 2021
With worrisome new Coronavirus strains emerging which are seemingly more contagious than the initial strain, it is imperative to maintain a high level of protection. And the best way to do this is by wearing a more effective mask- which does not include three-ply masks and cloth masks.   “Now that we have more transmissible variants, we need everyone to try to add a specialty filter material to their mask setup.” -  Linsey Marr, scientist at Virginia Tech and expert on the transmission of COVID-19 through the air   Generally speaking, a 3-ply mask is made up of a melt-blown polymer placed between non-woven fabrics. The melt-blown material is supposed to act as a filter that stops microbes from entering or exiting the masks and pleats are commonly used to allow users to expand the mask such that it covers the area from the nose to the chin. However, it’s safe to say we are aware that the edges of 3-ply masks do not form a tight seal around your nose or mouth. Consequently, the air around you tends to find a path of least resistance, thereby allowing viruses and aerosol to enter your air passage, upon inhaling. Research also says that the melt-blown polymer used cannot filter out small airborne nanoparticles such as those transmitted by breathing or talking. In short, these masks can only filter exhaled air, removing/catching droplets, and do not offer filtration on inhaled air!   An effective mask must have a middle layer with a high quality filter, a good fit, low breathing resistance and high level of comfort. The filter of the mask plays a critical role in its efficiency. It is also responsible for the life of the mask. Therefore, it is crucial to check for the filtration efficiency that it offers.   It is equally important for the mask to be comfortable and provide a snug fit. If there is a gap, the air will enter your body unfiltered, thus, defeating the purpose of the mask. Another thing to consider is the breathability of the mask. Breathability and filtration efficiency may be on the opposite ends since filtration essentially means increased resistance. However, a good quality mask will have a comfortable balance allowing you to breathe well.   According to experts such as Dr. Abraar Karan (an internal medicine physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School), if we all wore N95 masks for four weeks, we could put an end to the pandemic. “We use N95 masks in the hospital, and I’ve taken care of more Covid patients than I can count,” he says. “Many of them were not wearing masks and coughed right in my face, and I never got infected!”            Having said that, there are many innovative N95 mask designs with superior filters in India which deserve due consideration- if you have the time and technical aptitude to understand the differences. Given the current problem of COVID-19 and air pollution, you need a mask which not just filters viruses but also pollution which is a constant. In other words, you need an antipollution, antiviral and antibacterial mask- an all in one solution. And we at Nirvana Being offer you just that with our latest mask called Airific 2.0.   With its unique nanotechnology filter in the middle layer, the Airific is tested with a viral and bacterial filtration efficiency > 95% by Nelson Labs USA. On the subject of certifications, the Airific is N95, FFP2 certified in India and certified as a Community Mask in the European Union as per CWA 17553:2020.  It is also being widely adopted in the USA and is on its way to becoming a global Indian brand. These certifications and test results do instil confidence as we all find our new normal and wish to step out with confidence and have peace of mind in the New Year.   We all have a part to play in bringing an end to this pandemic. Do the responsible thing by upgrading your mask in your fight against COVID-19 and pollution.
All masks are not created equal- Why Airific is a steal at Rs. 995

All masks are not created equal- Why Airific is a steal at Rs. 995

by Flying Saints Creative Agency on Apr 15 2021
Most people who first come across the Airific exclaim “A mask for INR 995?! That’s too much for a mask!” But what these people do not understand is that a mask is something that directly impacts health and safety from COVID-19, and more importantly, air pollution. Therefore, you need of the hour is a credible product that checks all the boxes, meets and exceeds standards of the WHO, CDC and most importantly, the highest standards for non-medical masks, established by the European Union(CWA 17553:2020).  The Airific is exactly that product - the best of the best to protect you and your family.    Take the example of branded medicines versus fake medicines. When you go to a doctor’s clinic and get a prescription, you will always see names of branded medicines, which instils trust and confidence in you. Now imagine if your doctor prescribed you a fake/ non branded inexpensive medicine. Just a mere glance at the medicine will not help you figure out if the medicine is fake or not. To add to this, now imagine if you are unable to find any information on the medicine in terms of reputation, efficacy or reports? Would you still have the same kind of confidence and trust while purchasing the medicine?   That’s precisely what we are trying to communicate through our blog. The Airific mask is a brand name under the parent company Nirvana Being. We have been in the clean air solutions business for the last 7 years and are known in India and overseas for our products and services. The Airific mask is a first of its kind antiviral cum anti pollution mask with a nanotechnology filter to trap even the smallest of particles, including the COVID-19 particle. We haven’t cut any corners in ensuring your comfort and safety. In fact, we have spent thousands of dollars in certifications and testing in Europe and the USA to give you a product that is scientific and genuine. Going for an unbranded mask is management by hope- but the Airific is an exact science. It is not a wish and a promise.   The Airific mask helps you find your new normal with confidence, but with unbranded masks you will continue to live in fear. Our masks have a special ingredient- the nanofiber filter- which helps you breathe comfortably, keeps you protected from harmful pollutants and viruses and makes you stand out in any crowd! So choose wisely, because your safety is in your hands.

Evolution of Masks Under COVID-19

by Flying Saints Creative Agency on Apr 15 2021
Early in the pandemic, many of us bought cloth masks to help reduce spread while reserving more effective, medical-grade masks for people at higher risk, like health care workers. But a year in, with increased mask production and a growing number of people vaccinated, is it time for us to upgrade our masks?   In the pre-COVID era the only mask category that existed and that people were aware of was N95 masks. However, various mask companies have upped their game post COVID as they realised that the N95 mask was simply not enough. When WHO issued a guidance for masks upfront at the beginning of COVID, the only option for the mask industry was to create and promote basic cloth masks. However, slowly and steadily there was a shift towards creating reusable N95 masks for the non-medical community. We at Nirvana Being made use of this opportunity to create masks for the greater good of the population with improved efficacy and the lowest breathing resistance using nanotechnology filters. In addition to the technology used, our masks are also made using natural fabrics and tasteful designs to encourage people to wear their personalities.   With people going out to public places after close to a year long period of social isolation, it has become important to wear better masks. Standard cloth and surgical masks might be around 50% effective in terms of protecting yourself and maybe that was good enough before when combined with social distancing and avoiding crowded spaces. An effective mask must have a middle layer with a high quality filter, a good fit, low breathing resistance and high level of comfort. The filter of the mask plays a critical role in its efficiency. It is also responsible for the life of the mask. Therefore, it is crucial to check for the filtration efficiency that it offers.   It is equally important for the mask to be comfortable and provide a snug fit. If there is a gap, the air will enter your body unfiltered, thus, defeating the purpose of the mask. A mask should have a sturdy nose wire to help it fit the natural contours of your face. There also shouldn’t be any gaps around your nose, the sides of your cheeks, or under the chin. Ultimately all the air you inhale and all the air that you exhale should go through the filter, and if it doesn’t—if it goes out the sides or through a vent—then you might as well not be wearing a mask.    Another thing to consider is the breathability of the mask. Breathability and filtration efficiency may be on the opposite ends since filtration essentially means increased resistance. However, a good quality mask will have a comfortable balance allowing you to breathe well.   To conclude, we do not know how effective a vaccine would be in preventing COVID in the long run. But what we do know is that masks surely do work and are here to stay. So let’s educate ourselves and invest in the highest protection for ourselves and our families. The Airific 2.0 Mask by Nirvana Being is your best bet with >96% viral filtration efficiency, lowest breathing resistance and highest comfort (backed by certifications and test reports from the highest authorities). Make the right choice in your battle against Coronavirus.

VACCINE OR NO VACCINE, YOU STILL NEED TO MASK UP!

by Nirvana Being on Apr 15 2021
This year, Covaxin and Covishield vaccines were authorized for use in India. Information about COVID-19 vaccines is exciting and continues to emerge, yet the risk of such vaccines giving people a false sense of security is serious. So if you think that after you receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, you won't have to worry about wearing a mask or social distancing, think again.   Recently, 37 doctors of a Delhi hospital tested positive for COVID-19, despite most of them taking both doses of the vaccine. Ever since, it has become even more difficult to ascertain the efficacy of vaccines. What’s more, the virus is constantly mutating due to which there are a lot of cases of re-infection in spite of people having antibodies. Additionally, while getting vaccinated is surely a huge step in the direction developing resistance from the virus, it is important to know that as long as you are below herd immunity, the virus is still circulating in the population.   With the COVID-19 vaccine, socializing will surely become easier, but being in large groups or travelling, when there is no way to know if the people around you have been vaccinated, will always remain risky.Without travel restrictions, for example, a vaccinated individual introducing new cases to countries without immediate vaccine accessibility is a possible scenario.Also, not all of us will be vaccinated simultaneously as certain groups such as children are currently not eligible to receive the vaccine.   Theoretically, a vaccine should stop the infection as well as the transmission and spread. The Pfizer vaccine, for example, is considered 95% effective about a week after the second dose- a time span of about a month in all. However what we won’t know for months, or even longer, is whether the vaccines protect against asymptomatic infection and whether they stop virus transmission. Multiple new variants of the virus have recently emerged which the vaccines were not designed to target. Therefore, we do not know whether vaccinated people are also protected from infection with one of the variants now circulating around the world.   That being said, the vaccine is probably the most important tool we have right now in controlling this pandemic, but it is not perfect and it is not a magic bullet that can end this for good right away. Not everyone can get vaccinated, not everyone will get vaccinated, and we're still learning about the vaccination, so everything else we've been doing all along is still so important.   The protection offered by vaccines is close to 80-90%. But can we increase that to closer to 100% by wearing a mask? Yes. A good quality fitted mask with high (>95%) viral filtration efficiency is the only real and effective barrier against COVID-19. Therefore, until all our vaccine related questions are answered and we achieve wider vaccination for the majority of the population, it is imperative that each one of us wears a mask and avoids crowds even after getting our two jabs to avoid spreading the virus to other people.   What we need for massive adoption of mask wearing behaviour are masks that offer the perfect mix of fashion and function. Our brand of Airific masks are tested by Nelson Labs, USA with an extremely high ‘capture index,’ >96% viral filtration efficiency (for particles at 0.1 microns) and the lowest inhalation and exhalation breathing resistance in its league. They are also reusable and meet and exceed all the recommendations of the WHO and CDC for protective face masks.   To conclude, a mask is our most important weapon in our fight against the pandemic; let’s not be careless and let’s work together to prevent another outbreak.

Airific 2.0- The U.S. Embassy’s Mask of Choice in India

by Prashant Paul on Mar 25 2021
For our team at Nirvana Being, finding solutions to beat COVID-19 and air pollution is our priority. We firmly believe the right mask during these trying times should have a high viral and particulate filtration efficiency (VFE & PFE), comfort and fit- and with the Airific mask, we aimed to provide all of the above. During the course, US Embassy, one of our top clients, reached out to us for the best protective solution for their staff members across the country. Trying to adjust to different environmental crises, US Diplomats were finding it hard to get the right type of mask to wear at their workplace; one that would serve as the highest barrier against both COVID-19 and air pollution. Our team took over and supplied an order of close to 3,100 Airific masks, which are antiviral-cum-antipollution, to protect all the officials and diplomats of the Embassy. After careful scrutiny of our masks, certifications and test reports, the health department of the US Embassy was convinced that our masks would providethe highest protection against the ‘twindemic’. Also, with 5 mask sizes ranging from small, medium, medium plus, large and extra large, we had a customised fit for every staff member. The Airific mask is reusable, breathable and comfortable enough to protect them from all pollutants and viruses while looking stylish. Made with a unique nanotechnology filter in the middle layer, the Airific mask can help trap nanoparticles > 0.1 microns in size (including the COVID-19 particle) as compared to other masks which can only filter particle sizes > 0.3 microns. The mask’s natural filtration also provides the highest protection from dust, ash, smoke, fumes, exhaust, odours, allergens, bacteria and pathogens- especially in a country like India where about half of all doctor’s visits are related to respiratory problems caused by pollution. Additionally, Airific has become the first reusable mask to be certified by CE as a community mask (the highest standard for a Community Mask in the World – CWA 17553). The latest order of 900 masks from the US Embassy confirms Airific’s position as a ‘mask of choice’ when it comes to protecting protect U.S. government employees and their families from health and wellbeing threats posed by COVID-19 and air pollution.
All You Need to Know About AC Filter Cleaning

All You Need to Know About AC Filter Cleaning

by Nirvana Being on Jan 31 2021
Like most appliances in your home, the air conditioner, too, requires regular maintenance to keep it functioning properly. But, most of us are not aware of how to clean split AC or any kind of AC cleaning. Thankfully, cleaning AC filter is the most straightforward and easy method to keep the air conditioner in good shape. You can do the split ac filter cleaning yourself without a hassle to avoid extra costs. Most of us may not be aware of the importance of a clean air conditioner filter in our house. It is often overlooked because we may be underestimating its job to keep the household healthier. Let’s go through the basic things you should know about AC filter cleaning like how to clean ac filter and such.   Why Should You Clean the AC Filter?  When you buy an appliance, you want it to run smoothly for an extended period. Air conditioners are not a frequent purchase, so keeping them in good condition is a priority. You can preserve the performance by ensuring regular maintenance such as by cleaning ac filter of your car. There are multiple reasons why AC cleaning should be a regular event. Let’s take a closer look at them:   Reduce Electricity Bills If you put off AC filter cleaning for a long time, the dust and dirt will accumulate over it. The air conditioning system will have to work harder as a result of this. The exertion will require greater energy consumption, and hence, your electricity bills may be more expensive than usual. Having a clean air conditioner filter can help you avoid the extra costs that can pile up to a substantial amount. So, cleaning ac filter isn’t just good for your health but your pocket as well.   Steady Performance As the system gets older, there are chances of reduced performance in cooling or heating. It may have to run for longer than usual to provide the desired effect. However, if you ensure regular AC filter cleaning, the performance quality can be maintained for a longer time.   Cleaner Air As the system gets older, there are chances of reduced performance in cooling or heating. It may have to run for longer than usual to provide the desired effect. However, if you ensure regular split AC filter cleaning, the performance quality can be maintained for a longer time. Thus, you must call a professional air conditioner filter cleaner right away to breeze through the summers with ease and comfort.   Protect the AC from Damage More often than not, the air conditioning system breaks down because of a lack of regular maintenance like ignoring ac air filter cleaning. But, when you make it a point to clean the split AC filter, it can be avoided to a great extent. A clean air conditioner filter means the system runs without unnecessary obstructions. With regular ac filter cleaning, it does not have to overexert in order to give a cooling or heating effect. Thus, the chances of damage to the air conditioner are lower with proper split ac filter cleaning.     How Often Should You Clean the AC Filter? Depending on the pollution levels of your area of residence, the frequency of AC filter cleaning may vary. In general, you should make it a point to check the condition of the split AC filter every three months. In more dusty and polluted areas, split ac filter cleaning can also be performed sooner than that. If the air conditioner is not in use for several months, make sure to clean it before using it again. A lot of dust can be accumulated in only a few weeks, which can cause health problems if allowed to flow in the air. So, cleaning ac filter should be your top priority to breathe clean air in your car. If you are wandering how to clean split AC or any type of AC with removable filter, here are some essential steps you must follow.  How to Clean the AC Filter? The process of how to clean ac filter should not be complicated, and to make it easier for you these are steps:   First of all, determine if the split AC filter at your home or any other kind of filter can be cleaned. Some air conditioners have disposable ones that need to be replaced after a while. In the case of replaceable filters, it is best to change them after three months of use. Turn the air conditioner off to do the AC filter cleaning by yourself. Then, remove the external covering to access the filter. You may need to use a screwdriver to reach the filter. Once you have found it, you can remove it easily and use a vacuum cleaner or wash it under running water or a hosepipe to get rid of the dust. Put it back in place carefully to use a clean air conditioner filter and your ac filter cleaning procedure is completed. This is your guide to how to clean ac filter that you need to follow to ensure the flow of clean air in your car. This makes it clear that the work of ac filter cleaning does require you to be a professional. Anyone can do the ac filter cleaning of their car, and all they need is a screwdriver.  So, proper ac air filter cleaning will not only help maintain the AC life but also save your money on the repairing needed for the damages.  However, you can reduce the chances of clogged and dirty filters to an extent by installing air purifiers at home. This way, you don’t need to rely on air conditioner filter cleaners again and again.
Why Should You Wash Your Mask for Proper Utilization?

Why Should You Wash Your Mask for Proper Utilization?

by Nirvana Being on Jan 31 2021
Over the last year, it became a common sight to see people wearing face masks. We learned of several personal measures to stay safe as the pandemic took over the world. Although an N95 face mask has become a common household name, there may still be some confusion about the proper usage of such masks. For instance, you may ask can n95 mask be washed? By now, there is a wide variety of options available in the market when it comes to an N95 face mask. But can N95 mask be washed to use them for a longer period? We can answer this question by discussing the type of N95 face masks. How Do N95 Face Masks Work? The N95 face mask is regulated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). They are designed to offer the wearer protection from minute hazardous particles. As the name suggests, they are able to provide 95% efficiency in filtering the particles. Typically, filtering facepiece respirators such as an N95 face mask is used in healthcare or environments that require extensive protection. At the beginning of the virus outbreak, there was a sudden spike in demand for them due to the uncertainty of the situation. Different companies have come up with N95 face mask that is designed to suit the regular person’s requirements with time. Do You Need To Wash Your Mask? When you wear an N95 face mask to go outside, it traps the dust and other harmful particles from the environment. As a result, the mask itself can get dirty. Hence, the answer to that question would be yes; you should frequently wash your mask to keep it functioning. Here are some reasons why you should be doing it: Since the N95 face mask is placed directly over your nose and mouth, any remaining contaminants can easily enter your system. You are always touching the mask with your hands while putting it on or taking it off, or adjusting it on your face. Thus, increasing the chances of further contamination. If you leave the N95 face mask dirty for long, it could also contaminate other surfaces and articles in your home. Can n95 mask be washed without losing its efficacy? Wearing a dirty mask is counterproductive as it will only decrease the efficiency of the mask and increase your chances of contracting infections. It makes sense to treat the face mask as you would treat your hands, to be on the safer side. If you are in an environment when you can potentially come in contact with the virus, it is better to be cautious than to regret it later. So, the question should not be can n95 mask be washed rather why not? N95 Face Mask: How Long Can Be Used? Ideally, it is a wise choice to wash your mask after each time you use it. However, it can be challenging to do it if you have to go out frequently. But, you may be wondering if the N95 mask is reusable? Some companies use advanced technology to produce washable and reusable face masks without compromising on their functionality. Airific 2.0 by Nirvana Being is among the trusted choices available today. They are laboratory tested to provide more than 96% of filtration efficiency. Keeping in mind the sustainability issues with masks, these are designed to be reusable and washable. How to Wash the N95 Face Mask? You can wash a mask easily by rinsing the outer and inner layers with water. You don’t have to use harsh detergent necessarily, it can be done with mild liquid soaps. The purpose is to remove the particles stuck on the inner or outer surface of the N95 face mask. After gently washing them, let them dry in the sun properly and use it later. This is an easy-to-do method, which doesn’t take more than few minutes. The simple rule is to wash it after each use, if possible or when they are dirty. So, now you have your answer to the raging question of can n95 mask be washed. Wearing an N95 face mask is an essential step that most of us have incorporated into our daily lives. It’s a small but effective personal method of reducing the community spread of the virus. Even as we move ahead on the road to recovery from the pandemic, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions. Hence, a washable N95 face mask can help you maintain the habit without making it expensive or harm the environment. In the long run, it can have a positive impact on your health and habits. Can n95 mask be washed and reused? Surely! So, go get yours today to protect yourself.

Parents, here’s the best ‘back to school’ mask in the World

by Prashant Paul on Dec 10 2020
Usually when schools reopen after a long summer break, ads offering discounts on backpacks, notebooks and pencils begin to pop up on television and online. But soon enough, during a pandemic that has school officials agonizing over how and whether to safely reopen, masks are bound to appear among the glue sticks and glitter as essential back-to-school items. Schools are clearly breeding grounds for infections and viruses and labelled aptly as high risk environments. Every parent wants their child to go back to a structured learning environment, however, is worried about safety, not only the child’s, but also of the eventuality that the child may bring the virus home to the parents/grandparents. For schools, its clearly down to masks, ventilation, social distancing, hand washing, all the typical recommended protocols. Let’s face it, the only real barrier is down to the masks. And with morbidity and negativity surrounding us, masks often have a very negative connotation to them- more so for children. This is where we come in with our latest innovation- the Airific 2.0 mask powered by nanotechnology, and design. The Airific 2.0 is antiviral, antipollution and antibacterial with a filtration efficiency > 96%(tested by Nelson Labs), yes, slightly better than a N95. Our masks are available in 25 different designs and 5 different sizes to provide a contoured fit for every face type. They are also extremely comfortable with 80% lower breathing resistance(tested by Nelson Labs) as compared to other masks(with filters) in the market. Now that we’ve crossed the safety and comfort challenges, how do we get kids excited about wearing a mask? Well, we’ve have recently partnered with The Walt Disney ™ Company; the most exciting brand for kids and adults. We’ve made a morbid protective tool exciting with all over patterns of their favourite Disney, Marvel and Star Wars characters. So, if any parent reading this is worried sick for his or her child’s safety, trust us- once you get your child one of our masks, he or she will never want to remove it! We all are living in an uncertain times and sending our kids to schools in ordinary surgical, cloth or even N95 masks will not help protect them. The Airific hits all the goals for a parent – safety(tested and certified), comfort, fit, and a child who feels like a superhero and wants to keep their mask on!

Expensive Plastic Air Purifier Vs a Diy Nanotech Ac Filter at 1/20 the Price?

by Prashant Paul on Dec 10 2020
THE CHOICE IS YOURS! The rise in air pollution and COVID-19 across big cities in India has fuelled the demand for air purifiers for indoor usage. However, the price of air purifiers is a major deterrent for many buyers, especially keeping the state of the economy and limited household budgets in mind. Furthermore, the common household air purifier is made mostly from plastic, and other non-recyclable material. And due to the average air purifier’s shorter lifespan of 3-5 weeks, combined with the fact that the filters need annual replacement, it is unsustainable and expensive. This is why we at Nirvana Being are offering a cost effective and DIY solution in the form of a Nanotech AC Filter which once fitted on your existing Split AC converts it into an air purifier! Priced at Rs. 750 per filter or Rs. 1,495 per pack (which includes filters for two split ACs), the Nanotech AC Filter is made using electrospun nanofibres and offers the lowest resistance to sustain the cooling ability of your AC (you can continue using the AC with the filter on fan mode during the winter season!). The filter can be added to your existing Split AC to remove viruses and bacteria with > 99.7% efficiency, and PM 2.5 with > 96% efficiency (as tested by Nelson Labs, USA),helping fight both Coronavirus and air pollution! Every aspect of our filter has been carefully developed after thorough research to drive health and safety of our end consumers. The filter can be used with Split ACs of any brand and tonnage, and is estimated to have a life of 6-8 weeks if used for 12-15 hours daily. It is ideal for indoor spaces, like homes, offices, doctors clinics, stores, restaurants and other places which have a high footfall, and hence a higher risk. Additionally, if you wish to remove volatile organic compounds, odours and gases including smell of food, paints and chemicals from your indoor space, you can install the Nanotech AC Filter with Carbon at an additional cost of Rs. 250 per filter! Having read all of the above, do you really have to think twice? Stay safe, and choose wisely!

The Right Mask for the Right Task

by Prashant Paul on Dec 08 2020
The year 2020 has been full of ups and downs. Well… mostly downs. It all started with the COVID-19 pandemic which slowly but steadily made its way to every corner of the world. The pandemic has impacted all of our lifestyles in more ways than one. Everyone has their own way of coping with the situation at hand, such as athletes, fitness aficionados and sportspeople who have started stepping out for long walks and jogs, and the latest trend, i.e. cycling. However, as people are in a rush to protect themselves from the virus, what they need to understand is that there are different masks specifically designed for different purposes and activities. As an example, an antiviral N95 mask is not advisable during physical exercise as it increases resistance to breathing and leads to discomfort. Through this blog, we wanted to shed some light on this important and often overlooked topic. Being in the protective solutions industry for the past 5 years, we have conducted thorough research and come up with different types of masks- namely Airific 2.0, O2 Curve Mask and idMASK. The Airific 2.0 Mask is our latest product offering, especially created as a shield against the COVID-19. Being an antiviral, antipollution and antibacterial mask, the Airific 2.0 is an all-in-one solution in your fight against coronavirus, pollution, dust, bacteria and other pollutants. It is the first face mask in India that uses a nanotechnology filter in the middle layer to offer >96% Viral Filtration Efficiency. Standard masks, which are somewhat porous, cannot filter nanoparticles smaller than 0.3 microns whereas the Airific 2.0, with a filter made using nanotechnology, has been laboratory tested and proven to effectively capture >96% of all nanoparticles down to 0.1 microns. The Airific 2.0 also captures particles with a low pressure drop, making it extremely comfortable with the lowest breathing resistance as tested by Nelson Labs, USA. It is also available in 5 different sizes to deliver a customized fit for every face type. You can buy this antipollution and antiviral mask for INR 995. Moving on to the O2 Curve Mask which is one of our premium products built with science, technology and design. It provides 99.9% Viral Filtration Efficiency from nanoparticles and harmful PM 2.5 particles, dust, bacteria, pollen and other airborne contaminants. The reusable mask features replaceable filters for normal use and sports use. It has unique straps with ultra-soft ear loops and a magnetic clip for minimal hair disruption. The O2 Curve also comes with a silicone seal to prevent any air leakage and a European valve with an anti-fog technology. Priced at Rs. 6,999, our mask has been spotted on celebrities such as Ranbir Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter as well as Mr. Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader of the INC in the Lok Sabha. Our third mask category is called idMASK, a sports pollution N90 mask with a shatter-proof shield and a silicone seal to keep it in place. While it keeps out 90% of PM2.5, it is easier to breathe with when on the run (presenting a resistance of 60-70% less than an N99). The mask is available in 3 sizes and can be worn with or without a shield with replaceable filters. The recommended filter life is 6-8 weeks if used for an average of 1 hour daily for sports or fitness related activities. You can buy this sports pollution mask for INR xx. While COVID -19 is surely the main issue at hand, we must be prepared for possible pandemics and illnesses in the future because as they say, prevention is better than cure! So choose wisely and join us in our endeavour to make the world a safer place to live in.

Coronavirus Risk Mitigation Strategies for Indoor Spaces

by Prashant Paul on Dec 08 2020
As per latest evidence, the Coronavirus can stay aloft for hours in tiny droplets in stagnant air, infecting people as they inhale. This risk is highest in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation. Aerosols are released even when a person without symptoms exhales, talks or sings, according to more than 200 other experts, who have outlined the evidence in an open letter to the World Health Organization. Clean healthy air has become the need of the hour for offices, homes, buildings, hospitals, malls and other indoor spaces. There are essentially only three forms of transmission of Coronavirus, namely- air to person, person to person and surface to person. Person to person transmission can be prevented through adequate social distancing and surface to person transmission can be minimised with proper sanitisation and hand-washing. Air to person transmission on the other hand, is more difficult to tackle as according to data, maximum transmission is happening through the air. We know that there is no foolproof mechanism to make indoor spaces Coronavirus-proof. However, it is clear from the above statements that proper ventilation, filtration and usage of ultraviolet lights are a few strategies that schools, nursing homes, offices and other indoor spaces should consider to help mitigate risk. 1. Ventilation (creating air exchanges) It is crucial to have a proper ventilation system in place to prevent any aerosol or virus from getting transferred from an infected person to a healthy person. With effective and efficient ventilation in place, droplets from an infected person, if any, will be pushed out due to air exchange. Further, ventilating for longer and opting for ventilation with higher airflow volumes help reduce the risk of catching illnesses. A few of us may have heard of something called the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). It is a name for a condition that is thought to be caused by being in a building or other types of enclosed spaces with poor indoor air quality and lack of proper ventilation. The symptoms can affect skin, respiratory and neurological systems in addition to the added risk of catching viruses such as the coronavirus. Additionally, with the onset of the monsoon, our immune systems are bound to weaken due to the drastic fluctuation of temperature. Ventilation is a must for every indoor space during this season. 2. Filtration Schools, nursing homes, homes and offices should add powerful new air filters with a high MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating to filter out tiny particles. Since the average size of a COVID-19 particle is 0.125 microns, an ideal MERV rating is 13-14 to filter down to 0.1 micron. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the filter is. Owners of homes, buildings or malls must install the largest MERV number filter their systems can reliably handle without dropping the volume of air that runs through them. In given circumstances, even AC filters need to be reliable enough to filter out viruses, bacteria and other pollutants to provide maximum protection and sterilize the air in a particular room. 3. UV Germicidal Irradiation (recommended) Ultraviolet lights are useful in killing airborne viruses on surfaces as well as on filter surfaces. They are most suited in medical situations- in disinfection of personal protective equipment, surfaces and floors as well as in residential homes. It is important for each one of us to adapt the above practices to make indoor spaces safe and virus and bacteria-free. The Coronavirus is surely the main issue at hand; however we must be prepared for possible pandemics and illnesses in the future because as they say, prevention is better than cure!

The Reality of 3-Ply Masks for COVID protection

by Prashant Paul on Jul 08 2020
What is a three-ply mask? Generally speaking, a 3-ply mask is made up of a melt-blown polymer placed between non-woven fabrics. The melt-blown material is supposed to act as a filter that stops microbes from entering or exiting the masks and pleats are commonly used to allow users to expand the mask such that it covers the area from the nose to the chin. These masks are secured to the head with ear loops, head ties, or elastic straps.Most surgical masks used by healthcare professionals are also 3-ply masks. Boon or Bane? However, there is a lot of criticism going around regarding these 3-ply masks. First and foremost, as most of us know what a surgical 3-ply mask looks like, it’s safe to say we are aware that the edges of 3-ply masks do not form a tight seal around your nose or mouth. Consequently, the air around you tends to find a path of least resistance, thereby allowing viruses and aerosol to enter your air passage, upon inhaling. Research also says that the melt-blown polymer used cannot filter out small airborne nanoparticles such as those transmitted by breathing or talking. In short, these masks can only filter exhaled air, removing/catching droplets, and do not offer filtration on inhaled air! This is why 3-ply masks are not good enough as a barrier from COVID-19 and other harmful viruses and bacteria. It is advisable to wear them if and only if you are infected with the COVID-19 and want to prevent exposing others in your immediate surroundings. Further, many fly-by-night manufacturers use substandard masks which often lack the central filtration layer. These masks are ending up at medical stores where unaware buyers end up purchasing them! What’s more, The New York Times reported recently that the virus causing COVID-19 can remain airborne for a period of time and thus transmit itself. A majority of scientists have cited evidence that the virus can travel distances longer than 2 metre, and can linger in the air for a long duration. Because aerosols are smaller, they contain much less virus than droplets do. But because they are lighter, they can linger in the air for hours, especially in the absence of fresh air. In a crowded indoor space, a single infected person can release enough aerosolized virus over time to infect many people, perhaps seeding a super-spreader event. During such trying times, it has become more important than ever to innovate. The only solution with higher efficacy for smaller nanoparticles is nanotechnology. Standard masks, which are somewhat porous, cannot filter nanoparticles smaller than 0.3 microns whereas masks with filters made using nanotechnology can filter particles down to 0.1 micron. Therefore, the right kind of mask is reusable and washable with a nanotechnology filter as a middle layer. The fit of your mask is of utmost importance because if it does not seal your face properly, it is useless. Also, you should refrain from using disposable masks. COVID-19 is here to stay for at least a year- it is essential to adopt a solution that is sustainable and lasts you upto a minimum of two months. We believe that nanotechnology filters are sure to become the future of face masks with the virus and bacteria particles becoming smaller and smaller. Join us in our endeavour to make the world a safer place to live in.