MICRONET™ Filter Fabric: Reusable Protection from Extreme Weather, Pollen, Pollution, Dust, Microbes, and More
Invisible Air Pollution and the Technology to Fight It
With the increasing need for clean air, especially in urban environments, we are witnessing a rise in the demand—and need—for new, innovative technologies. The way we breathe, and the quality of the air we breathe affects our respiratory health and exercise in the short and long-term. In this piece, we take a look at how NAROO’s MICRONET™ filter fabric technology protects and benefits athletes in new, more efficient ways.
Are Face Masks Bad for Your Health and Performance?
The effects of a face cover on breathing have been a topic of hot debate, with Amy Norton, HealthDay Reporter, writing that fear-mongering rumors have been “…fueled in part by social media.” Norton also shares that medical authorities—including the World Health Organization and the American Lung Association—have already debunked those myths. Research shows that face masks do not reduce oxygen supplies, cause carbon dioxide “intoxication”, or weaken the immune system.
But what about professional and semi-professional athletes’ needs in particular? According to research done by the University of Saskatchewan, wearing a mask has “… no discernable detrimental effect on blood or muscle oxygenation, and exercise performance in young, healthy participants.” Face coverings are not only safe to use; they are an extra layer of security between us and harmful substances such as pollen, pollution, dust, insects, microbes, and more.
How Does Pollen Affect Our Health?
Now that we’ve cleared that worry, let’s talk about the two major enemies of your lungs, pollen, and pollution.
Pollen
Around 22% of the world population suffers from pollen allergies, while the prevalence of rhinitis in athletes ranges between 27% and 74%. Pollen allergies lead to nose congestion, watery eyes, and other issues which affect an athlete’s health, comfort, and their athletic performance.
Research also shows that the blockade of histamine receptors delivered by allergy medicine leads to exercise capacity, whole-body glycemic control, and vascular function being blunted.
Wearing masks to relieve symptoms associated with pollen and ragweed is not a new concept; prior to COVID-19, masks were used by people with severe allergies, but only occasionally, usually on days of extremely high pollen counts.
Pollution
While we tend to connect images of mask usage and air pollution to Asian countries, the 2021 ‘State of the Air’ report by the American Lung Association shows that “more than 40% of Americans—over 135 million people—are living in places with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution”. Europe is no stranger to these issues as well, with about 90% of those living in its cities exposed to pollutants at concentrations higher than the air quality levels deemed harmful to health.
These pollutants not only affect athletic performance, but they can lead to short-term and long-term health problems for athletes, such as upper and lower airway dysfunction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and more, while also significantly increasing the risk of a heart attack.
Can masks remove particles the size of pollen?
We already know that you don’t necessarily need a dedicated air pollution mask or a pollen mask to keep safe. Face coverings such as single-use surgical masks provenly block many inhaled airborne allergens, while even simple cloth masks can help relieve allergy symptoms. But what about your needs as an athlete, which go beyond protection and comfort? Running with an allergy is less than comfortable, after all. In fact, it can be a detriment to performance.
Pollen particles are quite large, so most masks capture a high percentage. Data shows that even surgical masks can capture up to 80% of small PM2.5 particles.
What is the best mask for pollen and pollution for sports?
Here's Where the NAROO MICRONET™ Filter Fabric Comes In
The NAROO MICRONET™ filter fabric mask block out the majority of particles as small as 1.7μm (40x smaller than a human hair). Aside from their solid protective qualities, however, all NAROO masks using MICRONET™ technology offer several other key benefits to an athlete.
- Breathable during exercise – While different face coverings have different degrees of comfort and breathability, research has shown us that sports masks are the most breathable type of face covering. The MICRONET™ filter allows you to breathe freely, even during strenuous exercise.
- Washable and reusable over 100 times – The MICRONET™ filter is incorporated into the fabric of NAROO masks, and can be washed along with the mask, without having its efficiency reduced or affected, making it a highly reusable filtering that’s breathable.
- No replacement filter needed, the special fabric and knit are the filter – While the options for mask filters are abundant in type and price, there’s an easier way to keep safe without having to deep-dive into your search engine or wallet. The MICRONET™ filter being woven into the mask means that you won’t risk running out or need to do extra work.
- Filters pollen, dust and other particles as small as 1.7μm (40x smaller than a human hair) – Most masks block particles over 2.5μm, therefore filtering out the usually larger particles of pollen, but the NAROO masks using MICRONET™ technology offer 1.7μm coverage, keeping you more than, well, covered! They eradicate the need for a dedicated mask for pollen or a pollution mask.
- Moisture-wicking and quick-dry in wet or conditions – With NAROO masks, harsh environmental conditions aren’t a problem. You are covered while sweating in the heat, or when in need of a balaclava with a filter fabric for the cold. Our masks are quick to absorb moisture, providing comfort and allowing you to focus on your performance.
Where Do I Find This MICRONET™ Filter Fabric Filtering Technology?
At NAROO we understand that the mechanisms of keeping you safe and at the top of your game as a hobbyist or athlete are multifaceted and complex. With that in mind we have utilized science, research, and innovation to bring you certified pollen-stopping sports masks held to the highest industry standards, such as the NAROO F Series. F Series masks filter out particles as small as 1.7μm, keeping even the tiniest specs of pollen out in the wild, and out of your respiratory system.
So next time you dread those outdoor activities during high pollen count, remember that you can always grab your NAROO mask and enjoy that fresh spring air.
“These aren’t just face masks. They’re breathing solutions with testing and technology behind them.” — MENAFN- GetNews
“(The NAROO F-Series) are easy-breathing and filter out environmental agents that cause breathing difficulties or trigger allergy.” — Allergy UK
“With NAROO sports masks, athletes with mild to severe allergic reactions can train outside and go on outdoor adventures even during the pollen season.” — Nadezhda Pavlova, Pedalnorth.com
The MICRONET filter fabric blocks pollen as well, giving this mask an added benefit for hay fever sufferers. — Nick Harris-Fry, Coachmag™
When they say breathable, they really mean breathable! — Jovi Figueroa, Metro.Style
This is effective on both pollen and dust, but will still keep out other harmful airborne pathogens such as coronavirus, even after 100 washes. — James Bickerstaff, OriGym
I suffer from hay fever, mild symptoms fortunately). I have to admit I wear my masks mainly as protection for the cold and rain. But in spring, a small, light mask (like F5s) does help to reduce my symptoms. I am very allergic to dust mites, maybe I should starting wearing a mask in bed 🙂
Because of my job I use to travel all over the world at least 4 months per year, and most of the times I travel to different countries where the weather and the conditions like pollution and dust are much higher. I started to use the F5 and F5s and this masks chawed my life !! This masks really helped me with my winter allergies and also helped me to protect against the dust and pollution !! It’s really easy to breathe using this masks even with harder efforts, whether running or cycling !!!