Indian origin researcher develops copper-infused mask for contact intensive service

An Indian American researcher has developed copper-infused face masks to help professionals of contact intensive customer service, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Ajay Aluri, founding director of the Hospitality Innovation and Technology lab at West Virginia University, and associate professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, has developed the Hygenmask – a three-layered facemask containing a copper-infused nano-coated fabric, a sustainable bamboo fabric and an ePTFE (a biomaterial) filter.

Users of copper-infused masks don’t have to worry about "elf ears" since the masks lack ear loops. Elastic head loops go over the head and can be tightened for a customized fit.

During testing, Ajay’s mask was found to block up to 93 percent of droplets being respired.