Introducing the Next-Generation X-Series Respirator Mask with Groundbreaking Improvements, Unveiled at A+A Düsseldorf 2023, the World-Leading Biennial Trade Fair for Health and Safety at Work
Miami, FL – October 9, 2023 – OCTO Safety Devices, a pioneer in innovative personal protective equipment, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated launch of the X-Series Respirator Mask at the prestigious A+A Trade Fair in Düsseldorf. This revolutionary respiratory solution is set to redefine safety standards with its cutting-edge improvements, unique characteristics, and innovative design.
The X-Series Respirator Mask represents a leap forward in respiratory protection, offering unmatched performance and comfort for professionals across various industries. The product features several key enhancements designed to address critical needs for improved safety and user experience.
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Miami, FL – October 9, 2023 – OCTO Safety Devices, a pioneer in innovative personal protective equipment, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated launch of the X-Series Respirator Mask at the prestigious A+A Trade Fair in Düsseldorf. This revolutionary respiratory solution is set to redefine safety standards with its cutting-edge improvements, unique characteristics, and innovative design.
The X-Series Respirator Mask represents a leap forward in respiratory protection, offering unmatched performance and comfort for professionals across various industries. The product features several key enhancements designed to address critical needs for improved safety and user experience:
Self-Sanitizing Filter: The X-Series Respirator Mask incorporates advanced filtration technology, including a proprietary self-sanitizing treatment that starts killing pathogens on contact, and prevents mold and decay over its 10-year shelf-life.
Speech Transmission: The X-Series Respirator Mask sets itself apart by offering exceptional clarity in speech transmission. Unlike many other respirator masks that muffle and distort the wearer's voice, the X-Series is engineered with acoustically optimized materials and design elements that ensure clear and articulate communication. Professionals can effectively convey instructions, collaborate, and engage with colleagues without the barrier of unclear speech, enhancing overall workplace communication and safety coordination.
Truly Reusable: The X-Series Respirator Mask can be sterilized by boiling, making it a convenient and environmentally friendly choice even in the most remote and rustic environments, reducing the need for constant replacements and minimizing waste. This demonstrates OCTO’s commitment to both safety and environmental responsibility, making it an ideal choice for professionals who value durability, efficiency, and sustainability.
Compact and lightweight: The X-Series Respirator Mask weighs in at just under 140 grams, including filter and HALO head harness, almost half the weight of comparable respirator masks. This streamlined design has been a priority for the OCTO engineers and designers, as it is key to minimizing user-fatigue and providing an enhanced and comfortable fit for extended periods of wear in diverse work environments.
Exceptional Breathability: A hallmark of the X-Series Respirator Mask, our proprietary pleated filter material provides a huge filtering surface that enables wearers to breathe easily while maintaining a secure seal. This feature enhances overall comfort, promoting longer wear time without compromising safety.
HALO Strap System: The intuitive suspension system of the X-Series Respirator Mask was engineered to revolutionize ease of use, as it enables effortless one-handed donning and doffing. After the initial setup, wearers can securely position the X-Series Respirator Mask with just one hand, ensuring a snug and reliable fit. Our customers love it!
Medical-Grade Silicone Facial Skirt: The face-hugging skirt is made of the most comfortable, non- cytotoxic silicone, and it provides a personalized and snug fit, minimizing discomfort and significantly enhancing the effectiveness of the X-Series Respirator Mask in filtering harmful particles and contaminants from the air. As an added bonus, it prevents glasses from fogging up – interestingly, this is reported to be one of the most irritating aspects of wearing improperly-sealing respirators.
"We are excited to unveil our game-changing X-Series Respirator Mask at the A+A Fair in Düsseldorf. This cutting-edge product showcases our commitment to providing the highest level of protection and comfort to professionals across industries," said Tobias Franoszek, Co-Founder and Lead Developer. "We believe the X-Series Respirator Mask will revolutionize the way individuals and businesses approach respiratory safety."
Visit OCTO Safety Devices’s booth at the Startup Area of the A+A Fair in Düsseldorf, Booth E10 in Hall 10, to experience the X-Series Respirator Mask firsthand and witness how these innovations set a new standard in respiratory protection.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Natasha Duwin
natasha@octosafety.com
About OCTO Safety Devices:
OCTO Safety Devices is a leading innovator in the development and manufacturing of personal protective equipment, committed to providing unparalleled safety solutions for professionals in various industries. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, we strive to make the world a safer place.
Originally made from reusable materials like gauze or cotton, medical masks were replaced in the 1960s with masks made from disposable non-woven synthetic fiber materials. Since then, there has been very little innovation in mask technology and personal protective equipment (PPE), resulting in limited available and sustainable options when mask demand was at its height in March 2021. Over the last two years, the use of disposable masks has skyrocketed-- literally generating tons of waste and wreaking havoc on local ecosystems.
Disposable masks are now being produced on a similar mass scale as plastic bottles, which is estimated to be 43 billion per month. However, unlike plastic bottles, there is no way to recycle single-use masks. In fact, used or worn disposable face masks are considered risky medical waste, or healthcare risk waste, and can only guarantee maximum safety with single use—meaning that masks become plastic waste, daily.
Recent research points to a growing demand for reusable, more sustainable face masks and those designed with environmentally friendly (organic) materials to ensure a sustainable future. According to Anjan Kumar Roy, Chemicals, Materials and Nutrition Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan, “the demand for non-disposable face masks in North America is expected to spike between 2021 and 2025.”
The quickest and easiest way to help lessen the burden of face masks on the environment is to switch from disposable masks to reusable options that deliver significant reductions in both cost and generated waste such as the OCTO Respirator Mask (ORM). The lightweight, self-contained, reusable elastomeric respirator mask delivers reliable bi-directional air filtration and respiratory protection from airborne toxins, particulates, viruses, and pollution. The ORM is easily sterilized in boiling water and can be reused again and again, or stored safely away for up to 10 years for use when needed, making the ORM a much more sustainable long-term solution. Additionally, the professional-grade ORM does not require any replacement filters and maintains a 10-year shelf life. The thoughtful approach to respirator mask design not only enhances the length of usability, but all but eliminates growing disposable face mask pollution.
Beyond selecting a reusable face mask, awareness campaigns about the value of reusable masks and those created from organic materials will help normalize their use, while availing more sustainable options for everyday protection against pollen, dust, mold spores, wildfire smoke, or other contaminants, or future public health. The most important take away is that whichever preferred mask is used, use one that actually protects, wear it properly, and if single-use, dispose with care.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in six Americans are impacted by foodborne illness or food poisoning every years, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths annually due to exposure to various foodborne contaminants including salmonella, e.coli, and listeria. Dangerous germs, toxins or pathogens can get into food supplies through:
Along with these operational challenges, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic made those employed in food operations and manufacturing even more aware of the need for quality and comfortable face coverings.
To maintain hygienic food processing environments, many farms, plants and factories have prerequisite policies and procedures in place to manage food safety risks, including cleaning and sanitation, proper storage, climate and temperature-controlled environments, and personal hygiene expectations of workers. Food industry employees working in warehouse or factory settings can also run the risk of breathing contaminated air caused by suboptimal air ventilation. It is not uncommon for workers to endure long shifts in these environments therefore a well-fitting, comfortable and breathable respirator mask becomes a necessity.
OCTO Safety Devices designed its elastomeric OCTO Respirator Mask (ORM) to be extremely wearable, even during lengthier shifts. The silicone facial skirt provides a perfect seal to the face, accommodating a variety of face shapes and sizes. Additionally, the founders prioritized breathability when creating the ORM. A unique, pleated filter maximizes air filtration for easy inhalation and exhalation and allows for more clear and understandable communication. The OCTO Respirator Mask can also be repeatedly sterilized, disinfected, and reused with no loss in efficacy, making use and care for the product more sustainable.
Recognizing that epidemics and pandemics were an inevitability, OCTO Safety Devices set out to make a high-efficiency reusable elastomeric respirator mask that can be used and worn across many industries including food processing, construction, product manufacturing, first responders, emergency preppers, and even the DIYer community, as well as for daily activities like commuting in mass transit during flu season or spring hiking safe from seasonal allergies. The pandemic catapulted face mask wear as a form of respiratory protection from airborne toxins, pollution, pollen, mold, smoke, and other contaminants, the very truth and foundational purpose that set OCTO Safety Devices on its path to innovate respirator mask design.
Although all across the world the hope that the deadly risk posed by the COVID-19 pandemic is on the decline, OCTO Safety Devices has not abandoned the thousands of people who are still required, for professional reasons, to wear masks daily — including those in food manufacturing and food service operations.
Order an OCTO Respirator Mask today and save $20 (through the end of March 2022) upon checkout using code: ORMLOVE.
When masks are tightly sealed on the face, as is the case with our OCTO Respirator Mask (ORM), only the smallest percentage of particulates can enter your respiratory system. N95 masks offer a similar level of protection to ORM, which the ACGIH found can provide up to 25 hours of protection. The difference is undeniable. When it comes to N95 masks, however, a new hazard has emerged.
N95 and KN95: Buyer Beware
At the start of the pandemic, N95 masks were in short supply, to the point where different organizations were confining inventory for healthcare and frontline workers only. Then, guidance and recommendations encouraged the purchase of N95 or KN95 level masks. With fewer and fewer options available through brick-and-mortar locations, consumers are left to fend for themselves, shopping amid a sea of face masks online. Unfortunately, opportunists and bad actors, predominantly from overseas, have started to flood the online universe with “fake” N95 and KN95 options (meaning masks that look like protective masks but in truth offer no protection whatsoever). Fake face masks have saturated the market, creating unnecessary challenges for consumers desperate to get protection, but left aimless and with limited support. Discerning the real from counterfeit (or fake) products is not as simple as one may expect.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the make, model, and filtration efficacy of tested N95 and KN95 masks, leaving customers to check and investigate on their own. This added layer only broadens the stress, especially at a time when it is already a challenge to get people to wear a face mask and further, to graduate away from disposable or cloth face masks towards a functional respirator mask.
In a sea of cloth and counterfeit, OCTO Safety Devices is proud to offer a high-quality, reusable, easily sterilizable and self-contained (no replacement filters or parts) elastomeric respirator mask.
It’s time to push back against the narrative that “Any mask is better than no mask.” Although it is true, this thinking is no longer effective. This time may be a blip against a backdrop of our entire life, however COVID is just the most recent reason humans need respiratory protection. Given epidemiological history, there will be future viruses to come. And respiratory protection is not only needed for viruses and pathogens, but to protect against polluted environments, dusty construction work, wildfire smoke, mold, etc, etc. Isn’t it better to add a safety tool to your arsenal that provides a blanket of protection now as well as in the future?
Learn more about the OCTO Respirator Mask (ORM), efficacy results, and how to get yours through our website as well as on Amazon.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, disposable face masks...
]]>At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, disposable face masks were impossible to source for purchase, leaving many Americans searching for solutions. The guidance about what was considered a “proper mask” was at first completely absent. Skilled and amateur seamstresses and seamsters took to their hordes of fabric and supplies and quickly produced cloth masks and face coverings for family members, neighbors, friends, and community members, while others craftily created them from old t-shirts or socks.
Why Are Reusable Masks Better for the Environment?Now more than 18 months into the COVID-19 pandemic, we all have a better understanding of “proper mask wear” and supply chains for disposable masks have rebounded. At the same time, so have the levels of disposable face mask waste and pollution.
Interestingly, hospitals and doctor’s offices have become an offender as many require patients and all visitors to remove the masks they arrive in and replace them with new, sterilized versions to wear while on site. In a mere second, disposable mask waste could have easily doubled.
More concerning is the fact that as time passes, we’re growing more careless about how and where we dispose of single-use face masks. It seems we’re entering a never-ending cycle, the ramifications of which should be concerning to all of us. Wearing a reusable face mask is a simple way to eliminate the harm and can benefit widely to environmental and public health.
Whether you’re reusing face masks or still going down the disposable route, here are some eco-friendly things to keep in mind to protect yourself and the general public:
Should you accidentally drop your mask, please pick it up and dispose of it properly. Leaving your mask on the ground is equivalent to littering. It also increases the risk of someone encountering it and becoming exposed to potential infectious diseases.
On a typical day that would be icky and gross, but during COVID-19, adds to the potential transmissibility of the virus to others.
Don’t be a dirty birdy. Instead, dispose of masks in a marked trash can, preferably one with a lid that seals to contain it, to limit the potential of it getting whisked up by wind and carried elsewhere. Interestingly, Australia has discovered a way to recycle (well…upcycle in a way) single-use masks to create two-lane roads, saving up to 93 tons of waste.
The only two things that should ever be flushed are human waste and toilet paper. Save yourself an expensive visit from the plumber by not flushing away single-use masks. The rise in ‘flushable wipes’ has seemingly led to an inaccurate theory that anything made from soft paper can be disposed of by flushing.
The reality is that disposable masks are commonly made from synthetic fabrics--such as polypropylene and polyester—two ingredients that don’t break down, and further contaminate our water systems. Flushing masks can cause clogged toilets, drains, blockage in your plumbing system and malfunctions at wastewater treatment plans, thus impacting not just you, but your immediate community. Any item that does not disintegrate at the rate of toilet paper (near complete breakdown within one hour), should be placed in the garbage and not down the toilet.
Plastic pollution has been a problem for decades. Now we have to worry about masks as well.
For those that value the environment and try to do all they can to protect it by keeping recyclable products out of trash landfills, the natural inclination is to recycle everything possible. Unfortunately, disposable face masks are disposable, but not recyclable. Most disposable face masks are made from non-recyclable synthetic fabrics, not paper.
By placing disposable face masks into recycling bins, people can inadvertently contaminate solid waste facilities and recycling plants, resulting in expensive de-contamination processes, and recycling facility shut down.
Animals and marine life don’t comprehend COVID. It’s not something we often consider, but the waste humans produce often ends up in the proverbial homes of animals and marine life who have no clue what to do with it.
An estimated 1.5 billion face masks (of any kind) may find their way into various marine ecosystems in the year 2021. Single-use face masks, along with disposable gloves, hand sanitizer bottles, water bottles, and other plastic waste found indiscriminately littered and disposed of, creates a serious wildlife hazard. Thousands of pounds of disposable face masks have been found in waterways across the globe, some of which have entangled (and strangled) birds and other marine life.
Additionally, these items release microplastics into the soil and aquatic ecosystems, further contaminating and toxifying our bodies of water, the animals that live in them, and our water supply. For the sake of our animal kingdom both on land and in the water and the global food chain, please properly dispose of all single-use face masks.
Plenty of people have opted for reusable, cloth face masks or face coverings, but regrettably do not wash them as often as needed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) recommends washing reusable masks as they become dirty or at least once a day, either in a washing machine or by hand with a capful of bleach.
It is also important to make sure the mask is completely dried after being washed. Otherwise, it becomes a welcoming environment for mold to grow—and that defeats its purpose.
Additionally, fabric face masks do not have a direct path for recyclability. Similar to underwear, they are a secondhand clothing item that most will not take or reuse regardless of how thoroughly it has been washed.
An optimal solution instead would be wearing masks like the OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM). A seamless single-unit elastomeric respirator mask, this mask can be worn, easily sterilized in boiling water, and reused again and again -- with no loss of efficacy. The ORM is also gentle on the environment as it maintains a 10-year shelf life and requires no replacement parts that would otherwise contribute to waste landfills.
For the crafty and creative, old fabric or cloth face masks and face coverings can, after thorough washing, be stitched together to create upcycled pot holders, trivets or blankets for personal use.
Now, nearly two years into the pandemic, Americans are still wearing face masks and will likely be required to do so in some capacity for several years to come. Should you feel strongly about wearing single-use face masks, please responsibly dispose of them. For those who wish to avoid compounding an already growing pollution and waste problem, consider a reusable option that can be easily cleaned, used, and stored for when it is needed most.
]]>As the global pandemic persists and we’re seeing the emergence of new variants, some celebrities have used their prestige in productive ways, especially by publicly encouraging vaccinations. Everyone from Gayle King to Julia Roberts to John Legend and even Big Bird have documented their vaccination journey, empowering and educating fans on the importance of vaccines.
But when it comes to protective face masks, that’s another story. We often see paparazzi photos of celebrities in masks that provide little to no coverage. We watch their Instagram stories as they venture out in public with ill-fitting fabric masks. We stare in awe at their fashion-forward masks on red carpets. Yet we rarely – if ever – see these influential stars donning masks that effectively protect against coronavirus.
The immediate and top priority for masking right now is as a safeguard against COVID-19. We won’t put a stop to the pandemic if we’re purchasing masks based on aesthetic value or because we found a mask that looks like something Lady Gaga wore at an awards show. Don’t get us wrong – you can still find a mask that offers full protection and then find a way of making it suit your style (or your favorite celebrity’s style). Check out our numerous Instagram posts where we customize the OCTO Respirator Mask (ORM) for some inspiration on how protective masks can be personalized.
With evolving celebrity influence throughout the pandemic, we’ve identified a multi-phase process for the general public’s adherence to masks:
Phase 1: Wear a mask
When it became clear that we were facing a pandemic in March 2020, people were advised to cover their nose and mouth to prevent human-to-human transmission of the virus. Inventory of N95 masks, surgical masks and industrial respirator masks were quickly depleted. This gave rise to a frenzy of homemade alternatives. Anyone with sewing skills began crafting cloth masks while major fashion brands pivoted from designer gowns to designer masks. Social media’s influence also played a role, showing how you could turn a t-shirt or socks into a makeshift face mask. Most simply believed it was important to wear a mask, no matter what kind.
Phase 2: Mask fatigue and fury
As experts started identifying which masks work (and which don’t), vaccine development began to ramp up. Once vaccines became available, mask mandates began to ease. Many celebrated the premature and misguided “return to normal,” which made the re-introduction of mask mandates in late Summer 2021 more challenging to digest. As a result, some people have outright refused to wear a face mask. We saw celebrities gather at major events without masks. Videos and news stories began to surface of travelers aggressively attacking flight crew members over mask requirements. Even NYC police officers have been spotted on duty and inside subway buildings without masks – in direct conflict with existing state guidance. Parents unleashed fury about mask mandates at school committee meetings. The return to masking, which never should have stopped in the first place, was an uphill battle.
Phase 3: Masks make a comeback
As strange as it seems, there’s a ‘reboot’ of face masks happening now. Unfortunately, it’s not the type of sequel we were hoping for. The creation of RGBs, sweet scents, edible face masks, secret “merch drops” and celebrity collaborations have reignited interest in masking. But, have we forgotten their actual purpose? Masks should be seen as trusted, scientifically tested, and necessary tools for safety, but instead they’ve become a dollars-forward opportunistic venture. Consumers are purchasing masks again, many not to protect against COVID-19, but instead for TikTok likes, emotional resonance, and parasocial relationships with celebrities.
As we evolve through future phases of masking, we hope to see more manufacturers – and celebrities –prioritizing function over fashion.
When we created the ORM, we set out to make air safer to breath. Design considerations weren’t focused on scented filtration or colorful lights. What we did create is an innovative elastomeric respirator mask…to save lives. Even so, we are leveling-up our mask design to meet the demands for a protective mask that also offers unique customization. To see some of OCTO’s creative pre-production designs, click here to see what the brand currently has in development.
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Now, as recently reported by The New York Times, those wishing to acquire N95 masks are being mislead into purchasing flawed KN95s from China. These counterfeit masks are mainly purchased on e-commerce sites like Amazon, and most consumers do not realize they are fake or poorly made. The FDA declared all KN95s from China unfit for use in healthcare settings, but the online sales of these low-quality face coverings are still fair game for general consumers. In November 2021 alone, a jarring $34 million was generated from the sales of problematic masks.
Amazon states that it puts all filtration masks through a rigorous review process, but a recent analysis highlighted by the aforementioned New York Times article showed that only a few of the 50 best-selling KN95s on Amazon are somewhat safe for use. Knockoff masks from fraudulent overseas vendors are bolstered by a litany of fake reviews, providing a false sense of security for American consumers who are actually being swindled.
Immovable corporations like Amazon will continue to sell fake masks as our slow-paced legislature struggles to create meaningful guidelines and restrictions for safe masking. There is little that can be done to protect Americans from counterfeit masks. As Omicron spreads and future variants emerge, our best hope is to continue educating one another while investing in high-quality and sustainable masks from trusted manufacturers.
Puki really makes the office purr here at OCTO and brings a real pawsitive attitude. We’d be lost without their guidance and insight. So, without further ado, meet our cat Puki!
What path got you to OCTO?
What path? The one I walk down every morning to be let in so you can feed me and my other cat pals.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Tuna. Lots of tuna. And maybe the ability to sleep all day. Oh, wait, I really do sleep all day.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Opposable thumbs so I can put on my own OCTO® Respirator Mask! I’ve seen the office humans do it over and over and it looks so easy (if you have opposable thumbs). It’s so easy I wonder why many people I see on the streets don’t wear masks. It’s seems like a no-brainer. But, what do I know? I’m just a cat.
What do you do for fun?
I love to eat, sleep, and, of course, play. One of my favorite toys around the offices are the OCTO face masks straps. So shiny and fun. The humans get a little annoyed but I don’t care. I’ve heard them talking excitedly about working on a new kind of strap, too, so that will be fun for me to test my claws out on. I also like to take afternoon strolls around the neighborhood to sniff things out and let me tell you, one stinky item I’ve seen a lot of are discarded surgical masks flapping in the wind. Even I know that if you have to wear them and you’re done using them you need to throw them in the trash.
Any parting words?
Shouldn’t you be feeding me right now instead of typing on your laptop?
]]>In the early stages of the pandemic, it was widely believed that children were not a risk group for COVID infections, but, as the American Academy of Pediatrics reports, as of October 21 of this year, nearly 6.3 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began. This amounts to a staggering 13.8% of all the COVID-19 cases in the country (total reported cases 45.616 million, per The New York Times).
If you’ve been reading the news, you know that in certain parts of the country there are school districts that aren’t mandating that students wear facemasks in the classroom or anywhere within the school. Some of the comments from parents opposed to having their kids wear face masks have ranged from “It’s child abuse to make kids wear masks,” to “face masks don’t work.”
]]>If you’ve been reading the news, you know that in certain parts of the country there are school districts that aren’t mandating that students wear facemasks in the classroom or anywhere within the school. Some of the comments from parents opposed to having their kids wear face masks have ranged from “It’s child abuse to make kids wear masks,” to “face masks don’t work.”
Sadly, these kinds of statements are (mostly always) false, and new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are proving them wrong.
Two recently released studies have revealed that wearing masks in schools does, in fact, reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The first study looked at the association between K–12 school mask policies and school-associated COVID-19 outbreaks in Maricopa and Pima Counties, Arizona, from July – August 2021.
They found that school-associated COVID-19 outbreaks in schools with no mask requirement were 3.7 times higher than those in schools with an early mask requirement.
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
A school was considered to have a mask requirement if all persons, regardless of vaccination status, were required to wear a mask indoors in school. An early mask requirement was one that was in place when the school year began, and a late mask requirement was one that was implemented any time after the school year began.
Meanwhile, a second CDC study revealed that counties without school mask requirements experienced larger increases in pediatric COVID-19 case rates after the start of school compared with counties that had school mask requirements.
The overall takeaway is that increases in kids’ COVID-19 case rates during the start of the 2021–22 school year were smaller in US counties with school mask requirements than in those without school mask requirements.
School mask requirements, in combination with other prevention strategies, including COVID-19 vaccination, can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in schools.
We wholeheartedly support kids wearing face masks in the schoolroom. It’s not political, it’s not taking away rights, it’s science and it will keep kids safe until we all have this virus under control. Some kids are taking it more seriously than some of the adults!
And for teachers, we recommend our own elastomeric respirator mask for the classroom. Get your OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM). Be ready and be safe. Protect yourself and your students.
]]>As Head of Production at OCTO®, Andres’ role is more deep than it appears. He arrives at the office and prepares a fresh pot of coffee for the troops (crucial step No. 1), then feeds the office cat and the cat’s outdoor cat friends (a very crucial step No. 2).
In all seriousness, Andres makes the office hum and is responsible for the fulfillment of orders, coordinating with the manufacturing team on active work orders and ensuring production is rolling...
]]>In all seriousness, Andres makes the office hum and is responsible for the fulfillment of orders, coordinating with the manufacturing team on active work orders and ensuring production is rolling. Since OCTO is currently heavily focused on R&D, the rest of his daily activities are coordinated with the whole team across the spectrum so everyone is aligned in their roles. Andres is good at visualizing “the big picture,” and can organize and optimize things and processes. And we are grateful for that.
What path got you to OCTO?
I have been working with both Tobias and Natasha (OCTO’s co-founders) for almost two decades now. We’ve always worked well together, and we trust and believe in each other. When they invited me to join OCTO I found it challenging and exciting. Who can refuse a good challenge, full of excitement, led by two amazing people?
What is your greatest extravagance?
I don’t know if it qualifies as ‘extravagance,’ but I do like gadgets. Like a good smartphone, smart watch, and smart home devices to automate things at home.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Overuse may imply misuse, so I don’t think I overuse, but very frequently say “absolutely,” “of course,” and “I love you.”
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be able to sing (other than in the shower). Alternatively, I think playing a musical instrument would be very cool.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty and honesty are key. A friend who is there for me when I need him/her is a true friend. I give 100% to those I consider friends and expect the same in return – I definitely make a distinction between a friend and an acquaintance.
What do you do for fun?
Spending time with the people I love—my spouse, nephews, sister, brother-in-law and friends — makes me happy, even if there is no particular “activity” being done – interacting with the people I love is most fulfilling.
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Efforts to discern the cause of death continue, although foul play has been ruled out. However, tests of the air, soil and water nearby revealed extremely high levels of toxins leading to growing concerns about the danger association with harmful algae blooms.
Dubbed “red tide” in marine waters or blue-green algae in fresh water, these toxic blooms occur predominantly in warm climates and in water sources containing nutrient rich runoff from agriculture and industrial waste.
Along the eastern seaboard from Maine to Florida, across the Great Lakes region, and many other parts of the country, toxic algae blooms visible by their bright colors and often stinky fumes (from dead or dying aquatic creatures) are becoming more than a nuisance.
In fact, “red tide,” isn’t technically algae but instead an organism called Karenia brevis, which produces a neurogenic toxin (brevetoxin), and can be transported from the water and into the air through “aerosolization” — allowing toxins to travel many miles.
Toxic algae bloom symptoms as a result of exposure include respiratory irritation in the lungs and throat, and difficulty breathing. The greater harm, unfortunately, is that once airborne, the toxic organisms can enter the human body through the respiratory system and into the bloodstream.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, algae bloom effects can lead to rashes, liver illness, vomiting, diarrhea, neurological effects, respiratory problems…and even death in humans and animals.
In the case of John Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their one-year-old daughter Muju, and family dog Oski, the question stumping investigators is how, if to blame, toxins were transported from the water into their bodies? Did the family drink from the water while hiking? Or, was their respiratory system invisibly attacked by nefarious toxins swirling in nearby air — in aerosol form?
Toxic blooms are not common everywhere, but just as groundwater across the country has been found to contain unhealthy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), contamination levels from chemicals, nitrates and waste are shifting upwards—creating an unstable environment where toxins can be emitted into and carried through the air, directly into the respiratory systems of animals and humans—causing permanent and potentially fatal harm.
Results from a study led by University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science researchers found that wearing a face mask is a simple way to combat algae bloom effects. The same mask that people have become accustomed to wearing because of the pandemic can also protect against the health effects of airborne toxins.
"We found that face masks can reduce the risk of exposure by filtering out small, toxin-containing particles," said the study's lead author Cassandra Gaston, an assistant professor of atmospheric sciences at the UM Rosenstiel School. Face masks filtered out over 90% of toxin-containing particles.
After years of research, Miami-based OCTO® Safety Devices was founded to not only improve elastomeric respirator mask design but deliver to market a product that specifically addressed the shortcomings of previously existing models. The OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) delivers beyond N95 protection, filtering over 97% of particulates, plus a host of additional benefits, and protects wearers not only from mutating airborne viruses, but various particles and pollutants now contaminating the air we breathe—including algae bloom toxins.
As we begin National Preparedness Month (September), we encourage all outdoor enthusiasts to be on alert while enjoying activities and to consider packing a face or respirator mask, like the ORM, for an added layer of protection.
]]>It may not have been marked on your calendar this year, but this week is Respiratory Protection Week. For the average person, it may not resonate as an important time, however once you learn that the standard N95 mask design that millions have been wearing during COVID-19 was created five decades ago, you may question how something has gone so long without a much innovation.
The reality is that innovation has occurred, but you just don’t yet know about it.
“Respiratory Protection Week 2021” promoted by The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) was created specifically to bring greater awareness to the importance of respiratory protection, specifically N95s, and to illuminate the research, and standards developments underway...
]]>The reality is that innovation has occurred, but you just don’t yet know about it.
“Respiratory Protection Week 2021” promoted by The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) was created specifically to bring greater awareness to the importance of respiratory protection, specifically N95s, and to illuminate the research, and standards developments underway in the area of respiratory protection.
With ongoing COVID virus woes, raging wildfire smoke, and looming concerns about airborne neurotoxins polluting the air we breathe, respiratory health should shoot to the top of the “concerns” list.
Respiratory protection remains the cornerstone of NPPTL’s efforts, cemented by a certification program that exists to improve the level of worker protection – miners, firefighters, construction, healthcare, agriculture and industrial workers—from airborne chemicals and vapors.
This is a cause that resonates deeply with us as OCTO® Safety Devices was founded with the singular goal of creating, manufacturing, and bringing to market the OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) an elastomeric respirator mask-- to protect wearers frequently in contact with air contaminated with toxins or airborne pathogens. Octo Safety Devices stands shoulder to shoulder with both NIOSH and NPPTL in support of workplace safety and innovation in respiratory protection.
Another September calendar event is 2021 National Preparedness Month serving as a rally cry about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. The 2021 theme was “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” Hundreds of thousands of our neighbors have been caught in the crosshairs of both natural and manmade disasters--Hurricane Ida and dozens of wildfires raging along the western seaboard to name a few.
The Octo Respirator Mask (ORM) also fits easily in a backpack or “go bag” can be used, sanitized (boiling water), and reused multiple times over its 10+ year shelf life. Most importantly, it delivers on the promise of filtered, breathable and toxin-free air.
If not exclusively to promote safety, these calendar events also help to build greater awareness about beneficial tools and solutions for individuals. We’re delighted that the calendar too includes days to celebrate our furry-four-legged friends (cat and dog-lovers unite!), but that is a topic for another day. Visit our science page learn more about OCTO’s work to innovate respiratory protection.
]]>Before the onslaught of COVID-19, the term “face mask” was comfortably used to identify half-face or full-face face coverings and masks of different styles — from moisturizing and skin toning options, Halloween costumery, to NIOSH certified and medical-grade protections covering the nose and mouth. The pandemic has changed everything - the term face mask has undergone its own defining face lift. As the world slowly emerges from our shared pandemic haze, we’re reflecting on the evolution of the term and why now is the best time to clarify key differences.
Face masks in the beauty industry refer to skin care treatments designed to improve the overall appearance of one’s skin while also providing a form of relaxation therapy. Face masks help hydrate skin, remove excess oils, improve the appearance of pores, and extract skin impurities. Skin care aficionados rave about the results of face mask treatments which result in firm, glowing, and hydrated complexions. To achieve desired results, the industry avails a plethora of sheet-style or gel options rich in antioxidants.
Freddy Krueger, Darth Vader and Jason Voorhees are recognizable characters whose images have been plucked from silver screen blockbusters and transformed into plastic and silicon models worn by costumed children and adults alike. Annually brought to life outside our front door, favorite movie characters are brought to life by trick-or-treaters blanketing our neighborhoods. Veiling their everyday identities, Halloween face masks add a level of fright (or delight!) to those in their orbit. Safe for occasional wear, we’re confident that none have been proven to protect against COVID-19.
Broad plastic barriers frequently used by dentists and medical professionals, face shields safeguard wearers from patient “splatter.” They serve a simple purpose—protect the wearers from rogue spray of any type. Ineffective at protecting from COVID-19 contraction, face shields are predominantly used as an added layer of protection by front line workers and those in the medical industry.
Although a generic term, face coverings and veils define flowy layers of material used to obscure faces, hair, and in some cases, entire bodies across Middle Eastern and Indian nations. Fabric coverings, commonly referred to as a ghoonghat, hijab, burqa or niqab, are so named based upon how they are worn as well as the demographic and culture of the individuals wearing them. The coverings are worn for reasons of modesty, spirituality and cultural identity.
When the pandemic hit, many were left scrambling to obtain appropriate face coverings and masks to enclose the nose and mouth. Store shelves were emptied, sewing machines emerged from attics, and YouTube videos highlighting how to create DIY face coverings and masks gained significant views. From no-sew options made from socks or old t-shirts to gem-encrusted non-medical face masks designed by celebrities, face masks used during the pandemic ran the gamut. In our rush to protect ourselves, the environment took a hit as our landfills and water sources are now littered with piles of disposable, non-recyclable masks.
Respirator masks are protective face masks on steroids that fit tightly to the face and provide filtration efficiency, protecting wearers against exposure to pathogenic and airborne particulates across various industries and daily life. They provide higher levels of protection against viruses, bacteria, wildfire smoke, and toxic fumes, and are popular with emergency preppers, survivalists, factory workers, contractors, miners and travelers. One example of a elastomeric respirator mask is the OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) that kills viruses on contact. OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) has a shelf life of 10 years and can be used, easily sanitized, and reused multiple times—thus denting the negative environmental impact caused by other types of easily discarded options. The OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) can also be safely stored and used whenever needed to protect wearers from numerous airborne particulates and pathogens-- a capability not available in fabric options.
Goku No Kimochi The Labo
Just when you thought the world was taking masking seriously, onto the scene arrives a company capitalizing on trend with an unexpected yet fascinating approach. Bread manufacturer Melon de Melon's almond powder melon bread was used to create the world’s first-ever edible face mask that, according to research, provides protection as well as immediate access to a snack-- nibbled from the inside. Who knew that humans needed a two-for-one protect and snack combination?
In a world riddled by a contagious respiratory pathogen, wildfire smoke and other pollutants, the very definition of what is being used to protect our health is one search term away from absolute confusion. Do you need a “face mask,” a “respirator mask,” a “face shield?” The answer is contextual. Not long ago, face masks were defined by their purpose rather than standard of protection. But COVID-19 has literally jinxed the term “face mask” to the point where any item construed as one must be more thoroughly researched prior to purchase. Are you planning a costume party? Are you looking for a basic cloth face covering or mask to limit your potential for getting COVID? Or, are you headed overseas with the Peace Corps and need a respirator mask to protect you from foreign particulates?
Our advice is simple. Invest in the research to find the right mask for the situation. Learn how the OCTO® Respirator Mask delivers protection for wearers in every circumstance.
What do motorcycles, reef tanks, and a good cup of coffee have in common? Ariel De La Rosa, our self-professed Technopreneur (but let’s face it, he wears many hats).
Ariel works on the principle of finding and utilizing the right tool for the job. It’s not an intuitive process; it requires an understanding of the core of the options under consideration to address a specific issue to balance out the possible outcomes in the short and long term.
That, coupled with his passion for technology and how it leverages human efforts, while identifying and resolving business problems with software solutions, has made him a valuable team member at OCTO® Safety Devices.
]]>Ariel works on the principle of finding and utilizing the right tool for the job. It’s not an intuitive process; it requires an understanding of the core of the options under consideration to address a specific issue to balance out the possible outcomes in the short and long term.
That, coupled with his passion for technology and how it leverages human efforts, while identifying and resolving business problems with software solutions, has made him a valuable team member at OCTO® Safety Devices.
That passion led him to develop a tool that helped us market our first versions of the OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM). The device needed to efficiently deposit the right amount of silicone adhesive to provide a perfect seal between the ORM Skirt and the ORM Front Section. He clearly succeeded —and named it OCTO® Paster.
It’s our people and their curiosity and desire to create a product to keep us all safe that drives us each day. People like Ariel.
What do you do for fun?
I am blessed with lots of activities that are fun and bring me joy, and the most enjoyable is spending time with my family. I have been riding motorcycles my entire life and still enjoy it as much as I did when I first hopped on one. More recently, I discovered my passion for fish and coral. Aside from a few bumps in the road, taking care of a reef tank has been a challenging and rewarding experience and plenty of fun at the end.
What path got you to OCTO®?
Tobias Franoszek was involved in a mask project which I did not know much about. In February 2020 I came onboard and discovered a few technological challenges where I felt I could accelerate the evolution of the product. It was fascinating to tap into an industry that was ultimately new to me and with technology that hadn’t had any improvements for decades. Helping to develop a game-changing product like the ORM that can positively impact the lives of so many people is an inspiration.
What is your current state of mind?
Positive and motivated technological evangelist.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Awesome!
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty.
Describe a typical day at OCTO®.
If I’m going to simplify it: a rollercoaster ride, a very fun rollercoaster ride! Each day is different, with a fresh set of challenges and opportunities. From R&D to IT, production, planning, software development and tooling, I try to swap hats as fast as possible.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Enjoying my good health, sharing time with family and friends and a good cup of coffee. I also enjoy a good challenge, and the time to resolve it. If I can get a bike ride in there on a nice day, it really brings it all together.
]]>After a year of pandemic lockdowns and almost literal shut down, few Americans seem poised to re-adopt face mask wear. However, given ongoing threats to air quality and the potential to further spread and become infected by a deadly virus, one simple step can provide a valuable and easy to use layer of protection: mask up!
]]>
But what happens when the fresh air is polluted with particulates from nearby raging wildfires or factory smog? This time of year is also riddled with natural disasters ranging from tornados and hurricanes to floods and wildfires.
More frequent and intense wildfires are a growing public health concern, contributing to reduced air quality for humans. When wildfires rage, there is a significant drop in air quality as wildfires produce a range of harmful air pollutants and particulate matter, from known cancer-causing substances to tiny particles, that can aggravate existing health problems and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Wildfire smoke particles are very small (diameters of 2.5 micrometers and smaller) and can get deep into the lungs and pass directly into the bloodstream. While cloth face coverings and masks offer protection against COVID-19 virus spread, they do not provide protection against wildfire smoke particles. Experts predict another challenging season, a desperate reality for some parts of the country again gripped by dangerous and fast-moving wildfires—particularly Oregon and California.
Photo credit: California Air Resources Board
The ability to move yourself and your loved ones to safety is critical, and having some essentials to sustain everyone while navigating emergencies is equally as important.
For those familiar with outdoor adventures, preparation is a mantra. Camping without proper gear can lead to disappointing memories, or worse, a trip that teeters on danger. At the same time, preparation is not exclusively for the great outdoors.
One way to prepare for the unexpected is to put together important, life-saving necessities and stow them in what emergency preppers have dubbed a “go-bag” or “bug out bag.”
When planning items for emergency supplies for a wildfire to put into your go-bag, try to keep contents as light as possible and include essentials tied to sustainability - air, water, food, shelter. Go-bags can be a medium-sized backpack or duffel within which contents can be packed and stored to help sustain life for at least three (3) days. The average person can only survive two to three days without water; therefore hydration should be considered a top priority, along with clean, breathable air.
OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) is the best mask for wildfire smoke. It's an affordable, reusable elastomeric respirator mask perfect for a go-bag as it has a 10-year shelf life and can be used, sanitized (boiling water) and reused over and over within that time span.
Significantly better than disposable face coverings and masks (which have caused significant pollution during the last year), OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) has been employed by firefighters and first responders as well as everyday users in the factory, construction, and medical industries. The filter material used in OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) shows > 97% efficiency against even the most penetrating particle size of 0.3 microns.
In addition to water and an OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM), other items to consider including in your go-bag include:
Understanding how to prepare for wildfire season is essential year-round for west coasters, but it’s highly critical during Great Outdoors Month. Learn more about how to get your hands on the OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM), the best mask for wildfire smoke.
Other items to consider: Extra cash, eyeglasses, prescription medicine (request an emergency supply from your doctor or pharmacist and check bags regularly to replace medications and avoid issues with expiration), first aid kit, a multi-tool, headlamp or flashlight (check and change batteries regularly), toilet paper, hand or alcohol wipes, standard or solar cell phone charger, portable radio, and a map of the area. Finally, if you own pets, including supplies for safe keeping (portable water/food bowl, pet food and treats, ID tags) should also be included.
Emergency situations happen without warning, especially those tied to nature. Living in areas where natural disasters repeatedly occur make it even more important to prepare for the worst. Advance preparation helps reduce in-the-moment anxiety and is easily executed by creating a bug out bag.
See how OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) provides clean, non-toxic and breathable air.
]]>Corner stores everywhere are flooded with seemingly inexpensive disposable masks. While we’re no longer experiencing a severe mask shortage similar to the onset of the pandemic, there’s still a major problem with mask accessibility.
Finding cost-effective (and eco-friendly) mask solutions is difficult among the sea of options available. Disposable N95s, surgical masks and fabric masks might seem like an easy short-term investment – but the cost per wear really adds up...
]]>Finding cost-effective (and eco-friendly) mask solutions is difficult among the sea of options available. Disposable N95s, surgical masks and fabric masks might seem like an easy short-term investment – but the cost per wear really adds up.
Instead of looking at the retail price of a mask, it’s important to consider the cost per wear. Those cheap disposable face coverings and masks could actually be burning a hole in your wallet.
When it comes to N95 masks, which provide a relatively higher filtration efficiency, the cost per wear varies between $1.16 – $2.50. Surgical masks, however, provide very low filtration efficiency and the cost per wear is between $0.26 – $0.50.
If you want an elastomeric respirator mask that will provide maximum filtration efficiency and affordability, that’s where the OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) comes into focus. Filtering more than 95% of particulates, OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) breaks down to just $0.20 – $0.68 per wear.
Casual wearers who need a mask for occasional shopping, commuting and casual interactions can wear OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) for up to two years. That equates to about four hours of use per week, at $0.21 per wear.
Commuter wearers can rely on OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) for a full year whenever they’re running errands, commuting, or engaging in up to five interactions per wear. This equates to about 15 hours of use per week, at $0.34 per wear.
Frontline workers who come in close contact with colleagues and the public can wear OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) for up to six months. These are people who work long shifts and come in close contact with colleagues and the public, and/or live or work in low-ventilation locales. Averaging about 40 hours of use per week, the cost per wear for frontline workers is $0.78.
Regardless of your reason for masking up, OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) has a whopping 10-year shelf life. That means you can safely store it away, then whenever you need a mask to keep you safe from airborne particulates, it’ll be easy to grab OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) stay protected.
Not only is the cost per wear less expensive overall, but the reusability, sanitization capabilities, durability, shelf life and other features all outperform the most common masks.
See the full breakdown below of OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) versus N95 and surgical masks. Then give your bank account a break and invest in OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM), a true inexpensive investment for long-term safety.Edited 7/20/2021: Adjusted cost per wear to retail pricing of $89.00. Frontline worker discount is not reflected in this calculation. The frontline worker discount breaks down to just $0.13 – $0.43 per wear.]]>
To support the mass development of mask designs that meet stringent, pre-defined performance standards and provide increased comfort and durability for the average consumer, United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), partnered together to create the Mask Innovation Challenge: Building Tomorrow’s Mask.
]]>To support the mass development of mask designs that meet stringent, pre-defined performance standards and provide increased comfort and durability for the average consumer, United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), partnered together to create the Mask Innovation Challenge: Building Tomorrow’s Mask.
The last year revealed the benefits of preventative mask-wearing to maintain health in the presence of a risk of airborne pathogens. Unfortunately, the challenges of mask wear were also highlighted, including contact dermatitis with prolonged wear, fogging of eyeglasses, reduced speech intelligibility, and sizing/fit issues. In addition, some currently available masks touted claims unsupported by scientific evidence, causing market confusion, and ultimately, distrust—leading to an urgent need to develop better designs, materials, and technology.
"We know that properly and consistently worn face masks help reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory infections, but many people are reluctant to wear them for a variety of reasons," said Nikki Bratcher-Bowman, the acting assistant secretary for preparedness and response at HHS. "With this mask challenge, we want to get people across the country involved in developing new masks that are both effective and comfortable. This will help us control COVID-19 and be better prepared for future public health emergencies."
To address these issues, the Mask Innovation Challenge: Building Tomorrow’s Mask invited mask designers to submit a product that improves comfort and utility of daily mask wear while also providing protective capabilities against respiratory pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. The masks are being judged by filtration efficiency, inhalation airflow resistance, fit and other test methods depending on the design.
OCTO® Safety Devices ORM2 Respirator Mask Selected for Semi-Finals
The ORM2 was initially conceptualized and developed prior to the pandemic for individuals working in jobs where toxic or contaminated air is present, such as construction, industry, manufacturing, healthcare, etc. OCTO Safety Devices’ founders Natasha Duwin and Tobias Franoszek began their journey to create the most effective elastomeric respirator mask possible several years before the emergence of COVID-19.
They were spurred to action when they encountered the federal government’s 2009 B.R.E.A.T.H.E. Report, which urges 28 specific recommendations to improve respirator masks, and they realized that mask manufacturers had hardly incorporated any of them into their products. They set about designing a device that would address these recommendations, and the OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) is the result of their efforts. Offering true bi-directional protection to keep both the wearer and those around them safe, OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) also provides active protection by killing pathogens on contact with advanced silver-bonded filter material. With easy disinfection and sterilization, OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) is designed for long-term use and shelf life, it surpasses N95 standards and it is simple and robust, thereby offering few potential points of failure.
“Most face masks and respirator masks on the market lack sophistication in terms of providing true protection, practicality, comfort and longevity of use,” said Franoszek. “Everyone deserves access to clean air and we’re driven to produce a high-quality solution that negates existing challenges and provides optimal protection for all.”
Upon debuting OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM), the company immediately sold out its inventory, shipping masks to essential workers all over the world. OCTO Safety Devices aims to introduce their next-generation device, the ORM2, before the end of 2021.
To learn more about the critical differentiators of OCTO Safety Devices’ ORM, view “The Octo 8.” video.
As the summer months and sunshine-filled outdoor activities loom, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared optimistic guidance concerning mask wearing. As more Americans choose to get vaccinated, COVID-19 numbers (cases and deaths) continue to slowly decline, precipitating a desire to ditch face masks altogether.
But wait! Not so fast...
]]>But wait! Not so fast.
Beyond the very real human psychology that will drive plenty of Americans to continue mask wearing even if outdoors and vaccinated, there exist several reasons to keep your face mask handy:
Face masks provide a valuable layer of year-round protection against disease, natural disasters, and hazardous jobs, yet for those who rarely used them prior to the pandemic, “face mask fatigue” has become a very real issue. The last year has anecdotally proven the benefit of face masks to reduce contraction of flu, basic colds and viruses through the filtering of dangerous and toxic air. OCTO Safety Devices developed the OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM), a reusable elastomeric respirator mask believing that clean air is not only a right, it is a necessity—not just against a pandemic—but for anytime use.
]]>A company's excellence out in the world starts from within. We hire the best, brightest minds we can find — and we take care of them to the fullest extent possible. Team OCTO® is diverse, savvy, dedicated, highly skilled, and supremely passionate. And you should meet them. So, we're introducing you to the team with a new Staff Spotlight interview series.
In honor of Nurse's Week, let's kick this off with our very own in-house nurse and medical technology and operations expert Melanie Orel...
]]>In honor of Nurse's Week, let's kick this off with our very own in-house nurse and medical technology and operations expert Melanie Orel.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I think happiness is what you feel when your relationships are fulfilling and your life is balanced and harmonious with nature.
What is your greatest fear?
I’m an ambitious person, so I tend to get anxious if I think I won’t achieve the goals I set for myself in life.
What is your greatest extravagance?
A quiet space. That might not seem extravagant to some people, but when your life is as busy as mine can be, you definitely learn to appreciate the quiet moments!
What is your current state of mind?
Right now, I’m feeling very balanced and confident. The past year has been rough on so many people due to the coronavirus pandemic, but with vaccinations being rolled out to more and more people, we’re finally seeing the light at the end of a very long tunnel. Plus, the progress we’re making at OCTO® is giving me a lot of hope for the future. I think people will come out of this pandemic feeling more prepared in the event of a future epidemic or pandemic. That’s something to feel good about.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I say the words “vegan” and “I wish” all the time. I can’t help it!
Which talent would you most like to have?
I think it would be really cool, and helpful, if I could see into the future. It might take me out of the present moment, so I’d need to be careful with it, but it would be great to be prepared for whatever’s coming next in any given scenario. I’d also like to have a better technical understanding. I’ve learned a great deal becoming a nurse and now working at OCTO®, but technology and its many intricacies can be hard to wrap your mind around.
What do you most value in your friends?
I appreciate my friends as they are, and they’re all so different. But there are a few common threads between most of my friends. They’re down to earth, honest, open minded, supportive, and they all genuinely try to be good people in the world.
What is your motto?
I have two. The first is to stay open minded. When your mind is open, you’ll learn so much more in everyday life, and you’ll be able to take advantage of opportunities that come knocking on your door. If your mind is closed off, you might never see the potential of where your life can go. And second, I believe you have to do better today than you did yesterday. Your past might explain your current circumstances, but your past doesn’t have to define your future. Strive to do better every day, and you’ll grow into a better life all around.
About Melanie Orel
Melanie Orel, born in Austria, current Principal of Operations at OCTO® Safety Devices , responsible for day to day operations, product quality and R&D, prior VP of Support and QA at CareCloud/ MTBC and VP of Client Operations and KIPU Health. Registered nurse (BSN equivalent), worked in ICU, post Op and maxillofacial surgery before moving on to IT nursing. Worked in health care IT and health care documentation quality for over 15 years. Animal lover, vegan, and environmentalist.
]]>Throughout most of the pandemic, remember how uncomfortable it felt to be near strangers who were sneezing or coughing? It’s human nature - we couldn’t help but wonder, “Oh no, does that person have COVID?”
Now, we have allergies to worry about.
Now, we have allergies to worry about. Don’t get us wrong — the pandemic is still in effect, even while millions get vaccinated. In some places, cases are actually rising right now. But our newest wellness hazard has already begun popping up: allergies.
Wearing an OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) won’t necessarily protect you from having an allergic reaction, but it does protect you from many common allergens. Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions. And they love the Spring.
We’re talking pollen, dust, mold, bacteria, smog and air pollution. All of these contain tiny particulates which we can easily breathe in without realizing because the naked eye can hardly see them. As these allergens enter our body, they can cause all sorts of health problems. Early symptoms typically include a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. In some cases, it can be noticeably harder to breathe. Itchy and watery eyes are also common. In rare and typically untreated cases, inhaled allergens like pollen can develop into severe reactions.
Given that we’ve seen a massive decrease in travel during the pandemic, air pollution has gone down. With vaccinations rolling out in full effect and the world slowly but surely loosening lockdown restrictions, there’s likely to be more travel again - and thus, more air pollution. This is one reason why the upcoming Spring allergy season could cause some issues. After a year of somewhat cleaner air (not including coronavirus, of course), it could be jarring to suddenly breathe in a lot of smog and air pollution again, especially for those living in densely populated cities.
OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) helps greatly where allergens and particulates are concerned. If you’re feeling a tickle in your throat, or a slight runny nose, or your sinuses feel enflamed, OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) can help filter the air masterfully.
If you or someone you know has had issues with allergens in the past, please consider the next few months carefully and purchase an ORM, even if you just keep it on hand for future use as needed. It’s exciting seeing the world get vaccinated - but that doesn’t solve our respiratory problems for good!
]]>It’s not if, but when, the next pandemic will hit. Whether that’s in five years or another 100 years (if we’re lucky), COVID-19 taught all of us lessons on how to prepare.
The scary, predicted food shortages we dreaded never came to full fruition. But you may recall toilet paper, paper towels, disinfectant, and other household goods were picked clean from grocery store shelves every day...
]]>The scary, predicted food shortages we dreaded never came to full fruition. But you may recall toilet paper, paper towels, disinfectant, and other household goods were picked clean from grocery store shelves every day. In some places, they’re still hard to come by.
There are numerous personal steps we can all take to prepare for a future pandemic. Sure, COVID-19 isn’t over quite yet, but consider stocking up your pantry with nonperishable food and water, make a plan with your family on steps to stay safe, and have a “go bag.” Of course, you’ll want a face mask to protect you, and we mean that beyond any pandemic, because masks like our OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) can save lives in by protecting against wildfire smoke, air pollution and other disasters.
Beyond personal considerations, there are ways for your community, city or state to be prepared, too. Leadership needs to step in and step up for the next time. A global pandemic hit an entire world that really didn’t know what to do, but after the initial shock wore off, many of us were left wondering why leaders weren’t more prepared. Here are three ways to urge or prod your leaders, whether on a national or local front, to prepare for next time, especially when it comes to stockpiling face masks.
Call or write your senator/councilperson
This one’s pretty standard, but it can’t hurt to send an email or call your local senator or even councilmember or local commissioner and ask what they plan to do in the next emergency. Is there a plan? What are the next steps? How are they preparing your community? Do they have a local stockpile of masks ready and a safe distribution strategy in place?
Write an op-ed, letter to the editor, or comment on posts
Write an op-ed piece for your local paper or a letter to the editor on how leaders can be urged to take more action for the future. This might be considered old school, but plenty of people still read the opinion pages of newspapers and letters from readers. Elected officials certainly care about the opinions of their constituents, and this is one of the best ways to catch their attention. Don’t have the time to compose an article or a letter? Leave comments on articles posted by news organizations or engage on their social platforms when they post stories that relate to COVID. Tag your local leaders in the posts.
Attend meetings
Any good politician will hold town hall meetings to meet with constituents. True, these are mostly online for the time being, but there’s always time carved out for comments. Ask questions about preparedness. Are there enough masks stockpiled? How will these be distributed? Keep it civil and merely ask. Listen, but also make your voice heard.
Urge your leaders to be prepared and push them for a national plan for stockpiling face masks and respirator masks.
Though we began our journey of creating OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) long before COVID-19 was an issue, we believe our elastomeric respirator mask can be the lynchpin (and an effective one!) to a solid plan that will keep our cities safe for the next disaster.
]]>It’s a scene all too familiar since last March: Like tumbleweeds rolling down the street, the omnipresent tossed or dropped light blue disposable facemasks flapping in the wind or piling up in public trashcans are becoming a common sight in every town and city.
It gets worse. Double worse...
]]>It gets worse. Double worse.
Recent studies show that we use an astounding 129 billion face masks globally every month. That’s 3 million a minute. Most of these are disposable face masks made from plastic microfibers. That’s a problem.
These disposable masks are technically considered plastic products, so they can’t biodegrade and may fragment into smaller plastic particles that are becoming widespread in earth’s ecosystems. From sea creatures eating the plastic particles and dying, to land mammals like birds getting tangled up in the straps, it’s a dire situation – and sadly more than just an unsightly street scene.
Add to that the double-masking trend encouraging the use of two masks to stay safe, and we find ourselves adding more plastics to our landfills and oceans. If disposal masks are the only option you have, though, we don’t want to discourage or shame you from wearing them.
However, we do recommend that there are less costly and more environmentally friendly options out there—like our OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM). Our elastomeric respirator mask offers a year-long lifespan and a decade of shelf life. It’s reusable and can be easily disinfected and sterilized. It also performs exponentially better than disposable face masks because the technology behind our filter is unmatched, allowing for more space and effortless breathing, and OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) even starts killing viruses and pathogens on contact.
Join us in our fight to keep everyone – including the environment and all the animals living here with us – safe.
Happy Earth Day from all of us at OCTO® !
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Did you catch the Grammys recently? Celebrities are officially masking for fashion – and to be honest, we kind of love it. After a year of widespread masking, it’s refreshing to see people with great influence having more fun with it. Now we’re excited to see what masks will rock the red carpet at the Oscars on April 25!
It does have us thinking though: why don’t celebrities and politicians wear respirator masks, like our OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM)? Disposable and fabric masks aren’t nearly as safe or sustainable as the OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM). And as we’ve already seen, it’s easy to turn your ORM into a unique fashion statement – all it needs is the wearer’s creativity! So, if it’s clearly not a fashion problem… then what’s going on? Why aren’t the bigshots in elastomeric respirator masks?
There are numerous reasons why society’s luminaries aren’t sporting the best of the best when it comes to masks, no matter how stunning their mask designs may appear. We discuss this in our OCTO® Unfiltered video – watch now:
]]>This April Fool’s Day, we’re going to skip the gimmicks. It’s true: The world is opening back up. Yet another thing is also true: We’re still in a global pandemic.
With Spring in full motion now and Summer around the corner, everyone is itching to get back to “normal.” But what even is normal? If normal means going back to “the way it was before the pandemic” – well, then we’d say “normal” is foolish. Because we weren’t ready for a pandemic before it hit...
]]>With Spring in full motion now and Summer around the corner, everyone is itching to get back to “normal.” But what even is normal? If normal means going back to “the way it was before the pandemic” – well, then we’d say “normal” is foolish. Because we weren’t ready for a pandemic before it hit.
The most foolish thing we can do right now is go back. Go back to pre-pandemic thinking, go back to not wearing masks, go back to not using caution in our interactions with others. Frankly, there is no going back from this. Not when 2.82 million (and counting) people have died. Not when 129 million (and counting) people have been infected.
Instead, we need to finish out the remaining weeks strong while millions of people continue receiving vaccinations. We need to prepare ourselves for what might come next, because history repeats itself and there’s always a next time. Get your OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM), a reusable elastomeric respirator mask. Be ready and be safe. We need to mask up.
Many foolish things have happened since the dawn on the pandemic. So, on this April Fool’s Day, all we have to say is: Please, don’t be a fool.
]]>The COVID-19 vaccine has seen miraculous progress. Not only was it created with historic haste in response to the deadliest pandemic we’ve ever experienced, but the vaccine rollout efforts are well underway – and continue opening up to more people every day.
But does the vaccine mean masks will simply…go away?
]]>But does the vaccine mean masks will simply…go away? We don’t advise that. The pandemic has highlighted a greater need for masks. Everyone should always have a highly effective elastomeric respirator mask, like the OCTO® Respirator Mask, on hand in the event of future pandemics, natural disasters, or even just for working in places where air can be contaminated. ORM is an easy, compact addition to your emergency go-bag as well.
It’s important to remain conscious of the need for quality, because now we know all-too-well how much they can come in handy – and save lives.
If you’ve been vaccinated, or are planning to get vaccinated, don’t toss out your mask just yet. If anything, invest in a more sustainable mask. OCTO® Safety Devices' co-founder Natasha Duwin explains more:
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For the past year, masks have demanded our attention in news and daily life. However, much confusion remains: What kind of mask works best? When and where should you wear a mask? Is double masking worth it? Should masks be worn if you’ve already received the vaccination?
We’re answering some of these questions – and many others – in our new video Q&A series, OCTO® Unfiltered. But before we dive deeper, it’s important to understand the basics of how to wear a mask, regardless of which mask you use.
Let’s break down three key tips to ensure you’re getting the best fit possible...
]]>We’re answering some of these questions – and many others – in our new video Q&A series, OCTO® Unfiltered. But before we dive deeper, it’s important to understand the basics of how to wear a mask, regardless of which mask you use.
Let’s break down three key tips to ensure you’re getting the best fit possible:
In order to achieve maximum protection, your face mask needs to create a perfect seal on your face, covering both your mouth and nose. Almost all surgical masks, fabric masks, disposable masks, bandanas and similar styles do not create a perfect seal. This means contaminated air can still be inhaled and exhaled through your mouth and nose. We created the OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM), a reusable elastomeric respirator mask, so it would make a perfect seal to nearly every person’s face, dramatically increasing protection. Here’s a simple hint: If you wear glasses and they get foggy when you wear a mask, then your mask isn’t creating a perfect seal. OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) and any other mask that creates a perfect seal will never fog up your glasses.
Most masks come with straps that wrap around your ears. In OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) case, we created straps that that wrap around the back of your head. It’s necessary to understand how to properly wrap the straps around your ears or head, because this helps create the perfect seal that’s needed to protect you against contaminated air. Straps can be finicky depending on the type of mask you’re wearing, so be sure to try on your mask at home before you actually have to wear it while out and about.
This might feel like common sense, but it’s important to reiterate. Wearing a mask is always going to be less comfortable than not wearing one. If your mask is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, then that’s an added bonus – which is exactly why our OCTO® Respirator Mask (ORM) has an incredibly soft silicone skirt. But ultimately, any mask’s primary purpose is to keep you protected, not make you feel more comfortable. Do not feel tempted to think that your mask isn’t working correctly just because it doesn’t feel comfortable to wear.
If your mask creates a perfect seal, you’re wearing the straps correctly, and you’re aware that the purpose of masks is to protect you rather than make you feel more comfortable, then you’re on the right path.
We’d love to hear from you if these tips were helpful, or if have questions about how to properly wear your mask. If you have any other questions that you’d like clarity on, please contact us and we’ll do our best to respond. Maybe your question will even make it to the new OCTO® Unfiltered video series!
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