The SpectraShield model 9500 Surgical Respirator Mask by Nexera Medical, Richmond, BC, Canada, is treated to kill 99.99% of tested bacteria on the surface of the mask within an hour, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus influenza,” says  Paul Ford, CEO of Sciessent, Wakefield, MA.

The mask uses Hampton, NH-based Foss Manufacturing’s Fosshield fibers treated with Sciessent’s Agion brand antimicrobial technology. The mask recently received FDA 510(k) and NIOSH clearance, making it the first surgical respirator mask with embedded antibacterial performance to achieve FDA clearance in the United States.

Sciessent's customized Agion branded antimicrobial solutions incorporate silver ions in a zeolite carrier. The silver ions exchange with other positive ions (often sodium) from the moisture in the environment, effecting a release of silver “on demand.”  Depending on the microorganism, Agion antimicrobial technology has been shown to initially reduce microbial populate ions within minutes to hours while maintaining optimal performance for years.

Fosshield incorporates Agion antimicrobial technology in a fiber system to deliver protection from microbes for the life of the product. The fiber can be blended into almost any fabric from cotton to nylon without changing its characteristics.