MOST SPECIFIC POINTS:

Early in 2020 as Covid 19 cases began to rise, mask mandates were put into place. At that time, there was a shortage of masks (still is…if you consider the lack of properly performing masks). The masks that were available required that loops be placed around the ears (still do). It didn’t matter if they were cheap pleated surgical masks, commercially produced cloth/synthetic masks, or homemade masks. As a 63-year-old man, 6′- 4″ tall and weighing 275 lbs. (some would call me a large grumpy old man, but I swear I’m not that grumpy), I certainly didn’t want to contract the Corona Virus. I tried many different masks, because I could not find the correct one. I came to realize that there were, and still are, many critical and dangerous flaws in the masks I purchased – they deformed and hurt my ears.

I could not wear any single one of them for more than an hour or so before the discomfort was too much. I often took them off when I shouldn’t have. They would “cup” on the sides, allowing more unfiltered air in (and out). They would pull down off of my nose. It was nearly impossible for me to wear my regular glasses. When I took the mask off, I would often forget where I set it and lose it (oops…time for another mask!). I also had an absent-minded tendency to set my mask down anywhere, not knowing if that surface was contaminated or not (if I were infected, I could possibly spread the virus to that surface and then to others, shame on me).

It was clear that practically everyone else I spoke to or saw on social media, news reports, etc…had the same complaints. I started to review all of the “hacks” (a word I learned proving you can “teach an old dog new tricks”!) designed by others. The hacks ranged from impractical to absolutely ridiculous. I knew that something had to be done. So, over many restless nights and cups of coffee I did it; I started solving the problems.

I used the comments and recommendations of others, as well as engineering basics to help with my progress. (I won’t go into the force/load vector analysis that I used. That’s even boring for me.)

As I stated above, I am a handicapped veteran, an architectural engineer (thus the vector analysis comment), but most importantly, a new grandfather. I am a family man who has been involved with several charities and foundations throughout the years, representing childhood leukemia, Wounded Warriors, the Red Cross, etc. We lost our 12-year-old niece to leukemia. Life is precious, and I believe children’s’ lives are the most precious of all. I say this because, to protect children (and everyone) and as an engineer, I know the importance of a system’s performance. IT MUST PERFORM TO THE BEST LEVELS POSSIBLE.

As an engineer, the saying goes: “FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION” (protection, comfort, and adjustability are more important than pretty. Although, I will say our launched product is very good looking). As a veteran, I know the importance of a properly working mask (as I have been certified on combat gas masks). The masks we must wear now are no less important; they need to protect our children and us. As an older person, I know that if masks are uncomfortable we will not wear them correctly, or for the proper duration, and neither will our children.

So, I thought, if I could fix the major issues, everyone would be better off. Logic dictates…the more comfortable and adjustable a mask is, the longer a person/child would wear it. The longer they wear it, the better the odds that they would not be infected by the virus…thus saving lives. I did not set out to design a better mask for financial gain. The market is full of mask suppliers now, with very slick advertising. I will go out on a limb and say they entered the market with profit being their ultimate objective. I do not believe actual performance, let alone increased performance, was a top priority for most. Our masks, PROPERLY MADE MASKS™, were designed/developed to solve the genuine problems presented by other masks (I refer you to our “Comparisons” section where you can see for yourself).

My solution to the many problematic issues inherent in other masks may seem simple. You may ask…”why didn’t I think about this?”. Well, in reality, you might have. Someone had to, just as one industrious hairy caveman eventually created the first wheel. As simple as the solution may seem, I went through many different designs, 3D printing each, having my friend hand sew mask after mask (until she thought I was insane, but I still thank you Rachel). I would wear the designs, reject them until I finally reached what you see on this website. I wanted to stay within the KISS engineering principle.. KEEP IT SIMPLE…and SAFER!