Five years before the coronavirus pandemic, Bill Gates didn't mince words: "If anything kills over 10 million people in the next few decades, it& "So there's very little waste in this product — actually, less than a gram.". To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. Video… Bilio uses a process called zonal engineered knitting that, in the case of the mask, uses facial sizing data to inform the design. Another one of the Smith brothers' principles: sustainability. To pre-order, email: hello@bilio.com. The Bilio mask is made of recycled polyester, a ... NPR's Elizabeth Blair spent some time with two brothers who run a product design company and have been working to develop a cutting-edge mask - something durable, comfortable and technologically advanced - and that is an ambitious undertaking. Their clients include Allbirds and Steelcase. ELIZABETH BLAIR, BYLINE: Nick and Billy Smith have design in their DNA. Bilio uses a process called zonal engineered knitting that, in the case of the mask, uses facial sizing data to inform the design. Brothers Billy and Nick Smith have designed a reusable mask that's knit, not sewn. Masks for the Public. ", "What we heard as feedback three weeks ago is already different from what we're hearing now," he says. Nick Rubalcava/Bilio. 20% off (15 days ago) bilio mask discount codes → 20% Off in Nov '20 | Save $50. Mueller says, for the Bilio mask, "We came up with a mean particle removal efficiency of around 82%." Five years before the coronavirus pandemic, Bill Gates didn't mince words: "If anything kills over 10 million people in the next few decades, it's most likely to be a highly infectious virus, rather than a war," he said at the 2015 TED conference in Vancouver, Canada. Nick and Billy Smith have design in their DNA. Knit-to-shape. The Bilio mask is made of recycled polyester, a small percentage of spandex and nylon, and a silver-coated yarn called X-Static — which is also used in sportswear and medical supplies. Meaning the Bilio mask filtered out 82% of the particles in the room for the person wearing the mask at the time of testing. 100% "Knit-To-Shape" w/ Zero Waste. 20% off (15 days ago) bilio mask discount codes → 20% Off in Nov '20 | Save $50. Like so many of the coronavirus challenges, optimal face mask design is a moving target — and so the Smiths keep tinkering. 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With that challenge in mind, NPR tracked down two California brothers determined to create a mask that would fit well, be reusable, durable and incorporate advanced textile technology. Coronavirus FAQ: What Does It Mean If I Can Blow Out A Candle While Wearing A Mask? If 95% of people wear cotton masks when they're interacting with other people, it reduces transmission by 30%. We've done sleep masks. Bilio masks are currently produced at a knitting mill in North Carolina, and Billy says they're also exploring mills in Missouri and Los Angeles. Younger brother Nick remembers getting a set of power tools for his sixth birthday. Get to know your Bilio Mask by positioning it over your mouth and nose, with the loops secured behind both ears. Unfortunately I couldn’t find ratings for any commercially available masks (although they tested Bilio at NPR’s request). The brothers are pretty dogmatic about certain design principles. ELIZABETH BLAIR, BYLINE: Nick and Billy Smith have design in their DNA. "Somewhat safe power tools — to promote the wood-working," he says, but still: "At a very young age, I think it became very clear my parents were never going to be able to park in that garage," he laughs. "Billy contracted it first," says Nick. Nick says sentiments around how a mask should perform are "changing rapidly. We are determined to keep local healthcare workers safe. Smith went on to design for Apple where he's the co-inventor of five patents including one for a seamless, leather iPhone case. Seamless and sustainable, it's made from polyester, spandex, nylon and an antimicrobial silver-coated yarn. While X-Static fiber may be new, silver's antimicrobial properties are timeless, says Joel Furey, co-founder of Noble Biomaterials, the company that makes X-Static. Their clients include Allbirds and Steelcase. As Billy explains it, the materials they use in their products matter as much as the design. "I take a bit of offense to seams and stitching and sewing," says Billy, who believes the results with knitting are infinitely better at creating "uninterrupted surfaces" and "transitions.". "Billy contracted it first," says Nick. There's a lot to consider: breathability, comfort, adapting the mask to different climates, sizing. This means the Bilio mask filtered out 82% of the particles in the room for the person wearing the mask at the time of testing. For reference, Mueller says, the results for the more than 50 cloth masks they tested ranged from a low of 28% to a high of 94%. Also at the conference, the Gates Foundation invited attendees to don plastic boots, overalls, masks and gloves in a hands-on demo designed to help people experience how difficult it was for doctors — at the time fighting Ebola — to protect themselves while working. "We're using a process where we only knit what we need, which is different from a traditional die-cut and sew approach," says Nick. But, Furey asks, "What if the mask itself is contaminated and you're touching the mask?" Brothers Billy (left) and Nick Smith collaborate in the Bilio lab on iterations to current mask designs. Each one has an adjustable copper wire nose crimp and … Bilio uses a process called zonal engineered knitting that, in the case of the mask, uses facial sizing data to inform the design. Another one of the Smith brothers' principles: sustainability. So this one did fit in those areas without having to have a lot of surface area to the mask.". Bilio Mask is committed to providing the public with a better and more sustainable mask solution for long-term use. It's Harder Than It Seams . 45 talking about this. We are your Soft-To-Firm Goods industrial design, product development, and design for manufacturing partner. "We're also avoiding a lot of trouble having to ship things around the world.". Everyone was on board, Nick says. As Billy explains it, the materials they use in their products matter as much as the design. The Bilio mask is made of recycled polyester, a ... NPR's Elizabeth Blair spent some time with two brothers who run a product design company and have been working to develop a cutting-edge mask - something durable, comfortable and technologically advanced - and that is an ambitious undertaking. Brothers Billy and Nick Smith have designed a reusable mask that's knit, not sewn. We have tested three different brands of commercial surgical masks. Meaning the Bilio mask filtered out 82% of the particles in the room for the person wearing the mask at the time of testing. Another one of the Smith brothers' principles: sustainability. The Bilio mask is made of recycled polyester, a small percentage of spandex and nylon and a silver-coated yarn called X-STATIC — which is also used in sportswear and medical supplies. Since its knitted, she was able to mold it to her face. A User's Guide To Masks: What's Best At Protecting Others (And Yourself). Copyright 2021 NPR. But, Furey asks, "what if the mask itself is contaminated and you're touching the mask?" Get highlights, trending news and behind-the-scenes insights from Houston Public Media delivered to your inbox each week. Mueller says, for the Bilio mask, "We came up with a mean particle removal efficiency of around 82%." We asked researchers Loretta Fernandez and Amy Mueller at Northeastern University to test the Bilio mask. Unfortunately I couldn’t find ratings for any commercially available masks (although they tested Bilio at NPR’s request). With that challenge in mind, NPR tracked down two California brothers determined to create a mask that will fit well, be reusable and durable, and incorporate advanced textile technology. Two Brothers At Bilio Are Determined To Make A Better Mask - NPR sepaling.blogspot.com. Billy says it was one of the "biggest scares" he's ever had: "I was in the hospital for about two and a half weeks and I lost nearly 20 pounds," he recalls. So this one did fit in those areas without having to have a lot of surface area to the mask.". "We're using a process where we only knit what we need, which is different from a traditional die-cut and sew approach," says Nick. You won’t find a paywall here. Come as often as you like — we’re not counting. "It's had this magical quality to it since the beginning of recorded time. Want To Create A Better Mask? The Bilio Mask is composed of our proprietary SilverKiss™ antimicrobial technology featuring a knit blend of recycled polyester and silver yarns. Five years before the coronavirus pandemic, Bill Gates didn't mince words: "If anything kills over 10 million people in the next few decades, it& The only one in which to carry. Authentically Oakland. For reference, Mueller says, the range of results is from a low of 28% to a high of 94%. We asked researchers Loretta Fernandez and Amy Mueller at Northeastern University to test the Bilio mask. In 2015, Billy founded his own design and product development company called Bilio. While X-STATIC fiber may be new, silver's antimicrobial properties are timeless, says Joel Furey, co-founder of Noble Biomaterials, the company that makes X-STATIC. KN95 masks are respirators regulated by the Chinese government—similar to N95 masks, which are regulated by the U.S. Avilash Cramer, PhD, a recent graduate from the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program and a volunteer with PanFab, told NPR that it can be hard to detect a fake KN95 mask, but there are some steps you can take. Like so many of the coronavirus challenges, optimal face mask design is a moving target — and so the Smiths keep tinkering. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (one of NPR's funders) was posing a challenge to the conference attendees — founders of large tech companies, award-winning designers and inventors of all stripes — to take the possibility of a global pandemic seriously and solve the problematic limitations of PPE. Bilio masks are currently produced at a knitting mill in North Carolina, and Billy says they're also exploring mills in Missouri and Los Angeles. No better protection than well-made 2 layer diy mask.". Brothers Billy (left) and Nick Smith collaborate in the Bilio lab on iterations to current mask designs. Younger brother Nick remembers getting a set of power tools for his sixth birthday. “We have a limited time to change course.” The majority of Georgia Tech faculty wants the school to have autonomy to determine how best to reopen. He says he can't claim those wet suits prevented staph infections, but the process got him thinking a lot about how the quality of a product's design and material can help solve bigger problems. 3. "The nose tends to be where a lot of the air leaks out and then around the cheeks as well. Bilio uses a process called zonal engineered knitting that, in the case of the mask, uses facial sizing data to inform the design. Bear in mind that no mask offers full protection, nor should wearing a mask be seen as a substitute for physical distancing of at least 6 feet, frequent hand-washing and avoiding crowds. "It was in a wetsuit that I thought was mine. Another one of the Smith brothers' principles: sustainability. Mueller says, for the Bilio mask, “We came up with a mean particle removal efficiency of around 82%.” Meaning the Bilio mask filtered out 82% of the particles in the room for the person wearing the mask at the time of testing. Bilio uses a process called zonal engineered knitting that, in the case of the mask, uses facial sizing data to inform the design. They've been testing the performance of a range of various masks, measuring to see how well they protect the wearer from inhaling particles that may carry the coronavirus. For reference, Mueller says, the results for the more than 50 cloth masks they tested ranged from a low of 28% to a high of 94%. "As soon as I pinched it around my nose, the filtration efficiency boosted. Share Tweet Email. Five years before the coronavirus pandemic, Bill Gates didn't mince words: "If anything kills over 10 million people in the next few decades, it& Bilio uses a process called zonal engineered knitting that, in the case of the mask, uses facial sizing data to inform the design. Art & Design Morning Edition for July 6, 2020 The Coronavirus Crisis NPR Stories For Apple News Social Entrepreneurs: Taking On World Problems Art & Design Arts & Life Home Page Top Stories News Morning Edition. He still has a scar from an operation to treat the infection. "We've never done a mask before," explains Billy. It's seamless, sustainable, and made from polyester, spandex, nylon, and an antimicrobial silver-coated yarn. So between the knitted design and the materials, is the Bilio mask effective? toggle caption. "I take a bit of offense to seams and stitching and sewing," says Billy, who believes the results with knitting are infinitely better at creating "uninterrupted surfaces" and "transitions.". Gently form the copper wire of your Bilio Mask to the contours of your face, creating a snug seal around the nose bridge, cheeks, and chin. In other words, each infected person will go on to infect 30% fewer people. Nick handles business development and innovation for the company. Bilio Mask is committed to providing the public with a better and more sustainable mask solution for long-term use. Nick Rubalcava/Bilio. Their parents are architects; their grandfather was an engineer. Masks are made of an antimicrobial yarn blend that’s washable and reusable. Seamless and sustainable, it's made from polyester, spandex, nylon and an antimicrobial silver-coated yarn. First, they are knitting evangelists who shun the "cut and sew" approach. Mask is super hot to wear and with shipping is just under $50. The Bilio mask creates a seal, like a scuba mask, that directs airflow down, and away from your glasses. Growing up in Mill Valley, Calif., the brothers turned their parents' garage into an industrial arts paradise where they tinkered with all kinds of materials, including fabric, fiberglass and wood. Sustainable. KONKY Party Halloween Costume Latex Horror Clown Saw Mask Horrifying The Puppet Mask From Movie Jigsaw Full Mask Head Latex Masquerade Prop Christmas, Meets your SCARE criteria. "We're using a process where we only knit what we need, which is different from a traditional die-cut and sew approach," says Nick. toggle caption. SilverKiss™ Antimicrobial Technology. "Somewhat safe power tools — to promote the woodworking," he says, but still: "At a very young age, I think it became very clear my parents were never going to be able to park in that garage," he laughs. He still has a scar from an operation to treat the infection. "But we've done several different virtual reality headsets. ", Some have suggested that wearing masks keeps us from touching our face. Nick Rubalcava/Bilio hide caption. Mueller says, for the Bilio mask, "We came up with a mean particle removal efficiency of around 82%." Brothers Billy (left) and Nick Smith collaborate in the Bilio lab on iterations to current mask designs. Bilio Koala Face Mask. Five years before the coronavirus pandemic, Bill Gates didn't mince words: "If anything kills over 10 million people in the next few decades, it& ", Some have suggested that wearing masks keeps us from touching our face. Their parents … While X-Static fiber may be new, silver's antimicrobial properties are timeless, says Joel Furey, co-founder of Noble Biomaterials, the company that makes X-Static. Two Brothers At Bilio Are Determined To Make A Better Mask - NPR inginimbalan.blogspot.com. // Bilio, Nick Rubalcava. We've done a lot of technical garments and apparel. The article has a link to research done at Northeastern University on what types of masks (shapes, materials) are most effective, and ways to increase effectiveness, like wearing a nylon over the mask to close gaps. So I think that fit around the nose really does help," says Fernandez. Two Brothers At Bilio Are Determined To Make A Better Mask - NPR sambitasa.blogspot.com. "Even before the microbiology was known, people would use silver for its healing properties and its ability to prevent the growth of organisms in, say, drinking water or milk," says Furey. "So there's very little waste in this product, actually, less than a gram.". Another one of the Smith brothers' principles: sustainability. When the pandemic hit, they and a team of 12 designers and engineers got to work to create a face mask for the first time. The protocol was validated on N95 masks; for the well-fitted mask we record >99% particle removal efficiency, and for the poorly-fitted mask the mean removal efficiency is just about 90%. He says they're committed to domestic manufacturing and didn't even consider producing masks overseas where labor costs might be cheaper. Both surfers, the Smith brothers initially became interested in materials in 2005 when they both contracted MRSA, a type of staph infection. 20% off (10 days ago) Bilio Mask Promo Codes & Coupons, November 2020. This takes less than 2 hours to test a new mask design (n=3 masks tested, n=3 tests per mask). "We're using a process where we only knit what we need, which is different from a traditional die-cut and sew approach," says Nick. Five years before the coronavirus pandemic, Bill Gates didn't mince words: "If anything kills over 10 million people in the next few decades, it's most likely to be a highly infectious virus, rather than a war," he said at the 2015 TED conference in Vancouver. Bilio Mask Discount Code, 01-2021. Photo by Nick Rubalcava - Bilio Five years before the coronavirus pandemic, ... overalls, masks and gloves in a hands-on demo designed to help people experience how difficult it was for doctors — at the time fighting Ebola — to protect themselves while working. The Bilio mask is made of recycled polyester, ... NPR's Elizabeth Blair spent some time with two brothers who run a product design company and have been working to develop a cutting-edge mask - something durable, comfortable and technologically advanced - … Growing up in Mill Valley, Calif., the brothers turned their parents' garage into an industrial arts paradise where they tinkered with all kinds of material including fabric, fiberglass and wood. The Bilio mask is made of recycled polyester, a small percentage of spandex and nylon, and a silver-coated yarn called X-Static — which is also used in sportswear and medical supplies. First, they are knitting evangelists who shun the "cut and sew" approach. The brothers are pretty dogmatic about certain design principles. To pre-order, email: hello@bilio.com. Nick handles business development and innovation for the company. Another one of the Smith brothers' principles: sustainability. Bilio masks are currently produced at a knitting mill in North Carolina and Billy says they're also exploring mills in Missouri and Los Angeles. "There's really beautiful things happening in America around knitting," he says. "People that wanted a tight seal and wanted to make sure this thing hugged their face, now they're coming back and saying, 'Hey, I just want to be compliant so I can open up and be comfortable in my job.' By Elizabeth Blair and Nina Gregory/NPR July 6, 2020 | 11:42 AM 100% "Knit-To-Shape" w/ Zero Waste. ... NPR will be missing one signature voice come spring. Billy Smith counts rows in the knit structure of a mask to assure specifications for fit and sizing meet company standards. "There's a much more considered approach ... to feel and how things will react to your body when they're on your face or ... your hand or your foot," he explains. toggle caption. In 2015, Billy Smith founded his own design and product development company called Bilio. We've done footwear.". Fernandez says she was surprised the Bilio scored so well because it's smaller than many of the masks they've tested. 99 $23.99 $23.99. Video… Furey does not claim that a mask with Noble Biomaterials' silver-coated fibers will keep everyone 100% safe, but X-Static's antimicrobial properties are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Of the more than 50 different cloth masks they tested, the Bilio came in tenth overall and second for the masks they tested that have ear loops.