Autogem has created a triple-layer, reusable anti-bacterial facemask in a swift response to meet the needs of customers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

As specialists in TPMS and workshop consumables, we have added the exclusive ‘gemCare’ masks to our portfolio, which have been anatomically designed by medical professionals. Crucially, they are non-medical grade and will not affect the supply chain to the NHS – nor are they intended to replace protective measures such as washing hands and maintaining social distancing.

They are seen as a significant upgrade on disposable, single-use surgical masks which can be loose in fitment offering only basic protection. They also compare favourably to KN95 versions, which are also disposable items.

And because they can be used multiple times, their daily cost of use is significantly less than these two disposable alternatives.The gemCare masks are made from stretchable material, making them easy to fit and comfortable against the face, with the triple layers incorporating anti-bacterial, anti-UV and water repellent protection.

The coatings have been laboratory tested, with the anti-bacterial properties of gemCare masks deemed to be more than 99.9% effective for up to 30 washes. Autogem’s managing director Prashant Chopra said that even after a 30 wash cycle, the mask would still act as a basic face covering once the anti-bacterial properties eventually degrade.

Prashant said: “We have been inundated with enquiries about face masks since the coronavirus outbreak first hit, so we began working on a solution as soon to we could to help meet our customers’ needs.

“We believe that our triple-layered gemCare masks are more robust and durable products than the vast majority of alternatives on the market. They are reusable and will not only offer extra-protection to technicians wearing them, but also a premium sense of best-practice in front of their own customers.

“In addition, as they can be used multiple times, they are much friendlier to the environment. We also want to stress that they are non-medical grade and are independently manufactured to the NHS supply chain.

“They represent a high-quality solution and we are pleased to now be in a position to offer them to the industry.”

Prashant added that by introducing the masks to the market, we are helping to keep customers’ consumables costs low, which was the very essence of what a trusted consumables supplier should do.