Rechargeable Electrostatic Capacity Mask—RECm
An everyday, washable, self-charging fabric mask with electrostatic filtration.
BARDA Mask Challenge: Phase 1 Winner
In June 2021, RECm was selected as 1 of 10 Phase 1 finalists in the BARDA NIOSH Mask Innovation Challenge out of 1448 total submissions. Each Phase 1 finalist will receive $10,000 towards developing and testing their mask design. Phase 2 and Phase 3 will take place later this year.
To learn more about the Mask Challenge, visit BARDA Drive’s website.
The Mask Design
The Rechargeable Electrostatic Capacity Mask (RECm) is made of three layers: silk, polypropylene filter, and cotton. RECm fits similar to an N95 in sizes for kids two and older, teens, and adults.
After washing and drying, RECm can be easily recharged by using the triboelectric differential between silk and polypropylene: fold clean mask in half and rub for 20 seconds to regenerate electrostatic charge for enhanced aerosol filtration.
The polypropylene filter taps into millions of pounds of medical grade blue wrap discarded in good condition after single use sterilization. Establishing a safe protocol for reuse could improve and standardize filtration for all fabric masks.
Testimonials
“[RECm] is a breathable, comfortable, well-fitting mask. The child size version fits my two year old very well. It fits tightly around his nose and mouth. So far this is the only mask that doesn't ride up into his eyes. He is very tolerant of it and wears it for extended periods (including school days).”
— Dr. Christina Sadreameli, Pediatric Pulmonologist at John Hopkins
“[RECm] provided a series of 3-layered masks for the faculty, staff, and students of our school this year. We have worn them in the building at all times and have not had a single positive case of COVID-19 [while] community transmission in our area was very high. The masks are easy to wear, launder, fit to your face, breathe comfortably.”