New Research: Silk outperforms other fabrics including cotton and polyester

With the many benefits of silk to hair, skin, and health, it comes as no surprise to us at Mulberry Park Silks that scientists have discovered another great use for natural silk fabric: preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus commonly known as COVID-19.

Silk Face Masks Help Prevent the Spread of Virus Droplets

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control has recommended wearing masks or other face covering to prevent the spread of the disease. According to the CDC, "SARS-CoV-2 infection is transmitted predominately by respiratory droplets generated when people cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe." Masks help stop the transmission of the virus by blocking aerosol droplets from escaping, as well as protecting the nose and mouth of the wearer from inhaling the virus.

The most effective form of masks for preventing COVID-19 is an N95 respirator, which can be bulky, hot, and uncomfortable. In the beginning of COVID-19, N95 masks were in short supply, and reserved for essential workers. The general public improvised, using a variety of homemade face mask options made from common fabrics such as polyester or cotton material.

Studying the Effectiveness of Silk Masks

A team of scientists recently released peer-reviewed research about the effectiveness of common materials used for masks such as cotton fabric, silk, and polyester in the journal PLOS ONE. The researchers tested varieties of fabric masks with aerosolized spray and assessed water droplet permeability. Reported on by consumer publications and medical journals alike, the study found that, of those tested, a silk mask was the most effective barrier to droplets thanks to its ability to repel water (hydrophobicity) and anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and hypoallergenic properties. In fact, silk has been used in medical and surgical settings for stitches and other purposes for years.

They summarized their findings about silks masks:

Protective layers and face coverings made from 100% silk, a naturally produced commonly available material, are hydrophobic and can effectively impede the penetration and absorption of both liquid and aerosolized water droplets. The hydrophobicity of silk fabric is further enhanced when used in multiple layers, which when combined, are still thinner than most cotton materials and standard PPE such as surgical masks. Our results demonstrate that the greater hydrophobicity of silk relative to other fabrics, such as cotton and polyester, can make it more effective at impeding droplets, which is a common transmission pathway for the virus that underlies COVID-19...

For example, silk possesses antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties …

In short, the ability of our society to effectively combat the current COVID-19 pandemic and future public health crises should involve the incorporation of silk material in the development of the next generation of PPE.

Source: PLOS ONE, "A laboratory-based study examining the properties of silk fabric to evaluate its potential as a protective barrier for personal protective equipment and as a functional material for face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic," Adam F. Parlin, Samuel M. Stratton, Theresa M. Culley, Patrick A. Guerra, September 18, 2020

Silks Unique Natural Properties Are Well-Suited for Face Masks

These findings reinforce much of the information we've been sharing for years about the wonderful properties of silk. Silk's innate properties make it unique among all fabrics and fibers on Earth:

• Breathable
• Temperature-regulating
• Moisture wicking
• Antibacterial and antimicrobial
• Hypoallergenic
• Naturally moisturizing

That's why we've proudly produced a line of pure mulberrysilk face masks made from the same silk fabric used in our award-winningsilk pillowcase collection. Choose from four fashion forward colors designed to flatter any skin tone: Gunmetal, Silver, Steel Blue, and Pink. Handmade in Connecticut from the highest-grade silk, these silk face masks are the ultimate in fashion and comfort:

• Helps prevent skin irritation and mask-ne (acne from mask irritation)
• Great for prolonged wear; the soft feel of silk is an ideal alternative to scratchy disposable or abrasive cotton and polyester masks.
• Soft, comfortable, fully adjustable ear loops are generously sized and come with silicone stoppers to keep it securely in place
• Handmade in the USA of the highest quality Grade 6A, pure 22 momme charmeuse silk
• Contoured style rests nicely on the nose without the need for an uncomfortable metal wire
• Two layer design is breathable while not being flimsy (no filter pocket)
• Silk face mask can be worn alone or over a N95 mask or surgical mask
• Packaged in a ready-to-gift box and includes an organza pouch for safe and convenient storage
• Reusable silk face masks can be washed
• OEKO-TEX® certified to be free from harmful chemicals

For more information about our pure silk face masks or any of our silk products, feel free to reach out to our customer service team.

Stopping the Spread of COVID-19 With Silk Face Masks

We foundedMulberry Park Silks with one simple mission: to design the highest quality silk items in the market and offer them at an affordable price (this includes our silk face masks). And we've done just that, with a full range of silk products made from 100% pure mulberry long strand silk fabric. The silk fabric used for our sheets and pillowcases has also been OEKO-TEX® Certified (Standard 100) to be free of chemicals. Visit us online or call us at (800) 860-1924 to learn more about our silk sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers and shams, and accessories including sleep masks, travel pillows and hair scrunchies.

Note: Our silk masks are not designed or intended to prevent, mitigate, treat, diagnose, or cure any disease or health condition including COVID-19/Coronavirus, and have not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other governmental or administrative organization

Our silk face masks are non-sterile and are NOT surgical masks, personal protective equipment, or filtering respirators (such as N95 masks). Our silk face masks are intended for general public use only. They are not intended for use in any clinical or surgical setting; any setting where exposure to bodily or hazardous fluids may be expected; or where risk of exposure through inhalation is high. They are not intended to be worn near intense heat or flammable gas.

Our silk face masks are made from 100% pure mulberry silk, Grade 6A, and are washable and reusable. We recommend washing before first use to sanitize, and never sharing your mask with another person. Our silk masks are not a replacement for medical grade Personal Protective Equipment. The decision to use this silk face mask is solely your own. Using this mask is not intended or recommended to replace other recommended measures to protect from and stop the spread of COVID-19/Coronavirus. These measures include social distancing, washing your hands and refraining from touching your face. Follow the CDC guidelines and advice from your own health care professionals as to how best to keep yourself safe.

Stop using this product if you have difficulty breathing while wearing it. If you have an underlying medical condition such as emphysema, lung disease, like emphysema, or chronic heart disease, this mask may not be appropriate.

Children should be supervised by an adult at all times when wearing a face mask to ensure safety. By choosing to wear this mask, the user acknowledges and assumes all associated risks, known and unknown.

For the safety of all, we cannot accept returns of any silk face masks that have been opened or worn.