UF Health says its patented masks 4% more effective than N95

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UF Health’s department of anesthesiology in Gainesville, FL has developed and patented two prototypes for masks.

The department says the masks are more protective than N95s.

“It blocks 99.9% of particulates,” the department of anesthesiology says on a UF Health website. “... Making the masks about 4% more effective at blocking particulate material than the N95 masks, according to Bruce Spiess, M.D., a professor of anesthesiology in the UF College of Medicine, who made that calculation based on the manufacturer’s specifications.”

According to UF Health’s department of anesthesiology:

• The masks are made from Halyard H600 two-ply spun polypropylene, and can’t be penetrated by water, bacteria or particles.
• The prototypes are being fit tested.
• Designs are being refined to determine which of the mask designs are better for different types of faces.
• Instructions and supplies list for members of the public looking to make the masks: https://anest.ufl.edu/clinical-divisions/alternative-n95-mask-production/

How you can help UF Health Jacksonville:

• UF Health Jacksonville is accepting monetary donations to assist in the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), improving access to telehealth services and providing meals for medical staff.
• UF Health Jacksonville is also accepting Clorox wipes (or equivalent), thermometers (in-ear) and medical grade, CDC-approved masks (not homemade).
• To donate supplies, please call our Volunteer Services department at to coordinate delivery at 904-244-4271.
• Supplies may be dropped off at: UF Health Jacksonville Clinical Center’s Main Entrance (655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209) or at UF Health North Medical Office Building’s Main Entrance (15255 Max Leggett Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218)

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