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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...

OCTO Safety Devices has been selected as a semi-finalist in the BARDA Mask Innovation Challenge, from a pool of over 1,500 submissions.

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. 

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... 

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... 

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...