MMXX's inventive technology is helping face mask wearers feel safer outdoors

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Although lockdowns may be behind us, Covid can still pose a real concern for many members of the public thanks to fluctuating case numbers .

Aside from Covid, many people are also concerned about the impact of other airborne viral illnesses such as the flu, or bacterial illnesses like colds and MRSA. For vulnerable people, the threat of these illnesses can be considerably higher than for a fit and healthy person, and they may need to take extra precautions to protect themselves.

Although masks are no longer mandatory in most settings, many people are still choosing to wear one, particularly in close public settings such as on public transport, in large crowds or when travelling. Whilst some people are happy to stick to disposable masks, many others are now looking for masks that will not only stand the test of time but can also kill the virus before it reaches you.

That’s just what MMXX have created. Their masks are created using a combination of materials and technology to create a mask that’s not just comfortable to wear, but is also designed to attack viruses and bacteria, and cut down on the risk of spreading illnesses.

MMXX’s founder Tim Creese has spent his career working as a textile engineer, and now works as a consultant and developer on medical products, which has given him an insight into how to engineer fabrics for medical purposes.

So, how exactly do you design a mask that actively attacks viral and bacterial cells? According to Tim, it’s all about the combination of fabric and chemicals used to create MMXX’s masks.

Tim said: “In 2009 when Bird Flu was on the horizon, I developed a prototype for masks using hosiery machines. I changed the yarns and the size of the weave to knit a tube, and discovered