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Huge quantities of cold-preventing and pollen-preventing
masks are sold every year in drugstores at the start of the spring and
the fall. Did you know that these masks are actually manufactured according
to the latest in fabric technology?
They may all be masks, but...
...all have different functions and uses.
Shirohato is particularly proud of (1), our surgical masks.
Surgical masks assist health management and prevent the transmission of
communicable diseases.
The large numbers of such masks sold in drugstores every year at the start
of fall and the start of spring to prevent colds and hay fever indicate
that people are well acquainted with this type of mask.
More recently, our surgical masks have come to have added value, depending
on the functional requirements of the wearer. We produce a pollen-preventing
mask that can catch pollen particles as small as 30
microns, and a virus prevention mask that can catch viruses down to 0.1
micron, allowing the
prevention of colds and influenza.
External mask material
Since the part of a mask that touches the skin affects
how the mask feels to the wearer, we consider the material used for this
carefully at the design stage. Materials used include woven fabrics (gauze),
knitted fabrics and non-woven fabrics.
Mask filters
The filter is an important part of any mask, and there
are various different types available. Surgical masks usually use electrostatic
filters or antibacterial sterile filters. The function of each filter depends
on its degree of fineness, its thickness, and how many layers are put together.
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Electrostatic
filters |
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These filters can absorb pollen using
the power of static electricity. They are often used in pollen filters. |
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Anti-bacterial
and sterile filters |
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These filters render bacteria inactive.
They are mainly used as filters to prevent colds and influenza. |
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A new functional fabric (filter) usually becomes available
around once every six months. We are always testing and checking new products
in this area, as well as constantly gathering information and researching
new materials in order to maximize the functions available from these materials
in our masks.
Others matters
The most important factor affecting the effectiveness of a mask is its "fit
to face."
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Three-dimensional
sewing |
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Through utilizing three-dimensional sewing
that fits the mask to the shape of the face, we can make sure that
the mask does not hit the mouth and nose directly, but that it fits
the face closely. |
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Nose wire |
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The wire is shaped to ensure that the
gap between the nose area of the face and the mask is minimized,
and that pollen and viruses cannot enter the mask from outside. |
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At
Shirohato, we take the selection of each type of material for our masks
very seriously. We undertake commissions for order-made masks for our customers,
and always plan, develop, and manufacture such masks with the utmost consideration
for our customers's needs.
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