Silk for face masks

Silk has proven to be one of the most effective materials for face masks

Face masks are a vital part of protection against viral transmission. However, how do we choose the best and safest protection?  You might already know that the number of layers on a mask can determine the security against viral spread and bacteria. However, too many layers make breathing difficult and trap humidity, which then increases viral spread and in so many cases results in acne caused by synthetic facemasks.

Silk face masks have several advantages over other types of masks, including:

Comfort: Silk is a soft, lightweight fabric that is comfortable to wear. It is also non-irritating, making it an ideal fabric for face masks.

Breathability: Silk is highly breathable and allows air to circulate while the mask is worn. This helps to keep the wearer comfortable.

Durability: Silk is a strong and durable fabric that is resistant to wear and tear. This makes it an ideal choice for those who need to wear a face mask for long periods of time.

Hypoallergenic: Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, which means it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than other fabrics. This makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

Reusable: Silk face masks can be washed and reused multiple times, making them a more sustainable option than disposable masks.

New Research:

A medical research team from the University of Cincinnati looked to determine which types of fabrics are the most effective as facemasks comparing silk, cotton, polyester and paper by measuring their resistance to the penetration of aerosolized water droplets (hydrophobicity). These droplets can be an important transmission avenue for the virus causing for example COVID-19. The team also looked at how breathable the fabric was, to understand its suitability for prolonged use, and they assessed the continuous water resistance after multiple cleaning processes.

The medical team found that silk has a significant advantage in hydrophobic character compared to cotton, paper and synthetics. Silk is far more protective against air droplets, which other materials immediately absorbed.

Silk is not only resistant to the entry of droplets, but also antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial, because of the presence of copper, incorporated by the moths when making their silk.  The team from the University of Cincinnati discovered that saturation propensity was much higher with cotton and paper towels compared to silk, so when adding more layers to these types of masks, the entry area of droplets enlarged too. However, when testing silk with multiple layers, each additional layer presented further safety as the droplet penetration was significantly reduced by each added layer.

We have loved silk for years and are constantly thrilled to discover all the health benefits of this divine material. Pure Silks mulberry silk facemasks are designed with several layers of our finest mulberry silk and come with replaceable filters and adjustable ear straps that can be fitted to the individual face.