HAMPTON, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Foss Manufacturing, a leading innovator and pioneer in the specialty fibers, non-woven and needle-punch fabrics industry, announced today that its one-of-a-kind, safe and natural FOSSHIELD® Antimicrobial Technology is now available to the commercial market and has been selected by Nexera Medical as the antibacterial technology in its new SpectraShield™ 9500 Surgical N95 Respirator Mask. The SpectraShield™ 9500 Surgical N95 Respirator Mask recently received FDA 510K and NIOSH clearance, making it the first antibacterial respirator mask of its kind to achieve FDA clearance in the United States.
Unlike other antimicrobial agents that are applied via topical coatings or include actual metals, the patented antimicrobial technology in FOSSHIELD® uses a silver and copper ion fiber system to deliver effective and permanent protection from microbes with no risks to humans or impact on the environment. The antimicrobial silver and copper ions capture and kill the microbes, and the FOSSHIELD® fiber can be blended into almost any fabric from cotton to nylon without changing its characteristics.
Harnessing the power of FOSSHIELD®, the durable SpectraShield™ mask is 99.99 percent effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria — including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is designed for use in surgical and medical settings and by first responders and the general public during emergency events such as a disease outbreak or full-scale pandemic.
"We are very pleased with the FDA’s and NIOSH’s recent commercial clearance of Nexera’s SpectraShield™ mask, which we believe validates our FOSSHIELD® technology’s ability to protect people from harmful germs, including some of the world’s most dangerous strains of bacteria," said A.J. Nassar, chief executive officer, Foss Manufacturing Company. "FOSSHIELD® is a technology with enormous potential, and we are currently working to bring its germ-fighting power beyond the SpectraShield™ mask to many other products across several markets, including automotive, apparel, building, and hospitality."
About Foss Manufacturing Company, LLC
Foss Manufacturing Company, LLC is a leading innovator and pioneer in the specialty fibers, non-woven and needle-punch fabrics industry. From raw fiber to finished fabrics, Foss provides solutions for automotive, apparel, carpeting, construction, medical, and many other industries throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 57 years, Foss has achieved many industry firsts and earned hundreds of exclusive patents. Its latest breakthroughs include FOSSHIELD®, the first antimicrobial fabric technology that is highly effective, 100 percent safe and environmentally responsible, and Eco-fi, a high-quality textile fiber made from UL certified recycled non-BPA plastic PET bottles. Foss’ umbrella also includes the well-known industry brands The Kunin™ Group, manufacturer of felt and fabric for the crafting market, and Ozite®, manufacturer of specially engineered fabrics for specific consumer, commercial and industrial applications. With headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Hampton, New Hampshire, all Foss products are proudly made in the USA.