FABRIC and textile technology has seen rapid development since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
Reusable face masks, for example, now range from simple homemade ones to those made with technologically superior fabrics that can either kill or filter out the virus.
Homegrown label AirDry Apparel Sdn Bhd is one of the players in this industry with its Airdry Microfibre used in the brand's face masks, among others.
Founder James Yee Kok Chee says the antibacterial microfibre concept has been in development for some time, but the pandemic has pushed it to the fore.
"There has been substantial innovation in all aspects of human life, but little on fabric and textile for the clothes we wear, what we sit and sleep on, hang on walls and use daily.
"The skin is the largest organ of the body and we see that endless innovations and investments go into facial care. But the rest of the body, which is also covered in skin, is largely neglected."
Yee says when consumers select fabric or textile for clothes or household items, they often choose products based on budget, colour and style.
"We rarely think about what kind of fabric and features can serve us without compromising comfort.
"You will be surprised at how versatile a fabric can be, and how many features it can have, such as being fire-retardant, anti-UV, anti-insect, anti-allergen, anti-spill, anti-bacterial, anti-odour, anti-static and so on,"
He says all these are important features that Airdry offers.
"The mask is just one of the products we have developed."
EXTRA PROTECTION
Yee says when the pandemic broke, he realised that the normal disposable face mask was uncomfortable and didn't give a good fit due to its generic design. There was often a gap between the mask and the wearer's skin.
"Then, a series of cloth masks began to hit the market. These offered a better fit, but compromised filtration. In fact, some of these masks aggravated sinus problems and triggered asthma due to loose fibres.
"Airdry began to develop a mask that had all the hygiene and safety features one would need. We studied the best elements in all the masks in the market and incorporated them into a single mask, which we improved on."
The result, he says, is a "lightweight, comfortable, perfect fitting, high filtration, anti-bacterial, anti-droplet washable mask" that is within everyone's budget.
"Our objective is to produce the best non-surgical mask that consumers can use daily to protect themselves and their loved ones during the pandemic.
The brand has also produced the Airdry Plus, its version of a reusable mask with double masking protection.
Yee says the Airdry Plus contains a proprietary Airdry water repellent outer layer to protect the wearer from external droplets. The inner layer is made of anti-bacterial and high absorption material to capture the wearer's droplets.
Inside the face mask, there is a high-grade melt blown layer for ultra fine filtration. The layer is sandwiched between two pieces of polypropylene, which is the material used to make protective personal equipment (PPE).
It comes with a nose clip to ensure a secure fit and holds the properties for up to 60 regular washes.
MADE FOR LOCAL CONSUMERS
To adapt to tropical weather, the company makes sure its masks offer high breathability and comfort. The Airdry Microfibre and the 3D design of the mask allows ease of breathing without compromising fit.
"Asian faces may be smaller, so we have added adjustable loops to provide a secure and comfortable fit. We have also come out with a range of masks for Asian kids. The loop doubles as a convenient way to wear the mask safely instead of tucking it under the chin, which is not advisable," says Yee.
"We provide special pouches because we also need to consider the integrity of the masks when they are not worn. Placing them in pockets or leaving them on the table is not a good idea".
He says even when we finally find ourselves at the end of the Covid-19 tunnel, there will be a need for a lighter range of face masks to filter out smog, fog and allergens.
"I think masks will be around for a long time because there are many pollutants that can wreak havoc on our health, especially our respiratory system."
Yee says some consumers select a mask for its fashion and design value and overlook safety, which is why the brand focuses on performance and at the same time, welcomes collaborations with brands that stress on style and design.
"We are also concerned about fake products and imitations. With the help of the authorities, we try to prevent innocent consumers from being cheated. Airdry has a high standard that has been tested and approved by Intertek in Singapore, and our range of masks and products are being tested to be approved by DIN, the German Institute for Standardisation.
"We list our approved distributors and monitor how they conduct business to ensure integrity. This is necessary because the masks are made to save lives in this dangerous period, and this is an issue that we take very seriously."
MALAYSIAN INNOVATION
Yee says most people don't realise how advanced Malaysian innovation is, especially in the fields of science, technology and health.
"The objective of Airdry as a homegrown brand is to promote its microfibre innovation and technology to the world. That said, a significant part of Airdry's research, development and investment is in pushing boundaries in fabrication technology, improving material construction, exploring hybrids and pioneering into new markets.
"Our innovation is ongoing on a number of fronts, including producing new fabrics to provide even better protection and utility, studies to explore various elements that we can build into our masks and other products, and better value for money to widen affordability," says Yee.
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