Jamaican fashion designer makes the ideal fabric mask

Mandatory wearing of mask in public to curtail the spread of COVID-19 has created high demand for the product, with the garmex and textile industry in for a windfall. But not all fabric masks should be worn, warns Banton, a graduate of Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

"The truth is a lot of people are using any and every kind of fabric to make mask," Banton told Old Harbour News. "What I am seeing with a lot of these masks is it's more about fashion than your health, and that's very dangerous."

For this reason, Banton has gone the extra mile to protect the health of her customers by manufacturing masks with added protection.

"First of all you have to choose the right fabric. The fabric must be breathable," stressed the Old Harbour resident, who operates from a 289 sq feet room at her home.

Explaining her unique but very logical concept, Banton added: "All my masks are built with a filter pocket, so you can insert your medicated wipes in it or use your coffee filter and that also serves as an extra layer of protection.

"When you think about it there are four protective layers, the wipes is moist too, remember, so it is almost impossible for the virus to pass through this mask, and you are still able to breathe properly wearing it."

Skepticism has been raised about the effectiveness of cloth masks against COVID-19. However, a recent study led by University of Illinois mechanical science engineering professor Taher Saif revealed that homemade fabric masks can be just as effective as N95 and surgical masks if the correct fabric is used.

Arising from their research, the team said: “First, most common household fabrics, such as T-shirt material, have 40% or higher droplet blocking when used as a single layer. In two layers, to our surprise, T-shirt fabric had a 98% droplet blocking efficiency — exceeding that of the medical mask, while maintaining better breathability.

“Second, most common fabrics are hydrophilic, meaning they up soak water, whereas medical masks are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. This tells us that common household fabrics use an alternative mechanism to hold droplets by retaining them.

“We found that very breathable fabrics are a good choice, like common t-shirt materials. They tend to have low droplet resistance, and their efficiency increases when used in a two-layer mask. The net breathability of the two layers is much higher than the medical masks, too. In fact, the breathability of cotton T-shirt fabrics remains higher than a medical mask, even with three layers.”

Going by this study it is clear that Banton was already on the right track when she decided to start making cloth masks when governments around the globe approved its use as synthetic types became scarce.

According to general practitioner Dr. Kurt Waul of Cumberland Medical, Banton is on the right track in terms of balancing the health and safety of customers as well as providing comfort and style.  

“The other important factor I look for in a mask is how snuggly it fits around the face… and it should also have a little pouch at the front to allow you to talk and to breathe. The other thing I look for is the breathability and the comfort because in this COVID era you are expected to wear this mask basically full time,” he said after a thorough critique of Banton’s masks.

“This mask comes with a filter pocket which adds an extra layer of protection. Studies have shown that the more layers you have it helps people from giving the virus.

“It snuggly fits, very comfortable, breathable; all-round comfort and that’s the important aspect of it.”

So far Banton said “I am yet to receive one complaint from any of my customers,” as interests in her homemade cloth masks continue to grow.

Current market price for her mask fetches a base price starting at $450 each, while customized designs bearing your name or company logo naturally cost more, she said. Prices are discounted on bulk orders exceeding 100 masks.

Contact Keisha Banton Designs on Instagram, email: keishabantondesigns@gmail.com or 876 745 2218.