In a bit of a strange turn, Health Canada has given a Montreal company approval to make a reusable, recyclable mask to help protect users from contracting COVID-19.
The invention is the brainchild of surgeon (and Dorma Filtration CEO) Rene Caissie who claims it is more efficient than the vaunted N95. According to the doctor, his mask filters 99 per cent of particles in the air, while the N95 masks only filter 95 per cent.
“I felt under-protected like most of my colleagues at the hospital,” he told CTV. “I felt there wasn't enough personal protective equipment available and I decided I'd build a few items to better protect myself and my family.”
"It had to be comfortable, breathe easily and with the National Research Council of Canada, we really wanted to build a mask that was eco-friendly,” he added.
Production will begin on the Dorma 99 masks later this week using Quebec materials.
According to the doctor, each mask can be safely sterilized up to 30 times.
A package of his Dorma 99 masks will cost $85 in stores and will be available at a bulk discount for hospitals.