Public Funding for Apa Parafricta Limited

As restrictions on movement of people are lifted it is likely that it will remain essential to pay careful attention to social distancing measures, including the wearing of masks to prevent the further spread of Covid-19 from potentially infected people to other people in close proximity. The use of disposable medical masks is likely to become widespread therefore. These masks may well become uncomfortable after longer periods of wear and the negative environmental effects of disposing of millions of such items could be substantial. This projects aims to produce a washable and reusable mask made of fabric that meets the strict medical and quality standards of the available disposable masks. This mask will have added benefits in the the lining fabric, already used in other medical products to prevent pressure ulcers, will be very comfortable and dry against the skin. It will be designed to reduce the risk of spreading pathogens, including Covid-19, to others (by preventing droplets from the mouth and nose being ejected by breathing, speaking, coughing and sneezing). It will contain another innovative fabric that has an innate ability to reduce the build-up of bacteria over periods with wear up to 8 hours. Wear will be suggested, for example, when visiting care homes, in shops, at hairdressers, in gyms, in cinemas, at sports events or in any public places where there is a risk of being unable to maintain social distancing, in accordance with UK Government Guidance. The extension for impact project will focus on alerting the companies, charities, public organisations (including the NHS) and the general public that a comfortable and reusable surgical-style mask is now available that has passed all of the efficacy tests required of the disposable equivalent. A different shape of mask using the same technology will be launched for members of the general public that may be reluctant to wear a surgeons mask in ordinary life. The project will also aim to take the mask to the highest level of protection required in some NHS and other medical/veterinary settings (Type IIR).