Award-winning textile firm Baltex has developed a face mask from a pioneering 3D fabric to help tackle the spread of coronavirus.
Baltex, a technical textile manufacturer, based in Burr Lane, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, designs, manufactures and supplies a variety of technical textiles for a range of high-performance markets including aerospace, military, medical and the automotive industry.
Baltex won an innovation prize from The Textile Institute in 2010 for its work in 3D fabrics and at the start of the pandemic the company transferred its research and development capabilities into the Airox Face Mask.
Using the same 3D fabric technology it used to develop a pressure relief cushion for wheelchair users and mattresses, the reusable mask provides two layers of breathable fabric in a single lightweight construction which is comfortable to wear as it distributes pressure evenly.
The fabric is water repellent so, unlike cotton, avoids the absorption of droplets and is also constructed to divert expelled air, which reduces the chance of passing the virus on.
Baltex managing director Charles Wood, said: “It is likely that face masks will be a part of our everyday lives for some time to come, so in recent weeks we have worked intensively on the development of a completely new product for us, a 3D face mask made of breathable, functional fabric.
“When wearing a mask, it’s still important not to touch the face and because our masks are so comfortable this reduces the need to adjust it.”
Baltex is a member of Medilink East Midlands.
To find out more about Medilink East Midlands Membership, click here