Hickory Sun

Several North Carolina-based production companies joined forces to develop reusable copper facemasks, according to Area Development on April 8.

Conover businesses Nufabrx and Manufacturing Solutions Center are working with Bossong Medical to create TheraMasks. The products consist of CuTEC copper and are antibacterial.

“Tired of feeling helpless on the sidelines, we wanted to do something that would make a difference," Nufabrx CEO Jordan Schindler told Area Development. "With our Nufabrx technology, Bossong Medical and Manufacturing Solutions Center, everyone has linked arms and committed to help in this crisis.”

He added that TheraMasks is a pioneer in the industry and has received a tremendous response.

“TheraMasks is the first-of-its-kind, reusable, CuTEC copper-powered mask that lasts up to 30 washes. Already overwhelmed by inquiries, we will be prioritizing distribution to healthcare workers and first responders,” he said, according to Area Development.

The masks will benefit health care workers but also those who are said to be most adversely at risk by the COVID-19 pandemic. Facilities like nursing homes and senior living communities, as well as those who work in the home care field, will be able to take advantage of the masks.

For now, public service employees like police and fire departments in New York, EMS workers in Catawba County, and hospitals have begun using the products.

Company execs spoke on the benefit of using copper as the key product in TheraMasks.

They said, according to Area Development, “Copper has been shown to be a natural deterrent on bacterial growth. These medical masks are designed to help reduce the spread of germs through the natural benefits of copper; the fabric also creates a healthier environment for the wearer by reducing facial contamination. The products are durable enough to be machine washed and dried, or by hand with hot water.”

They are also eco-friendly and non-disposable.

 , which has a headquarters in Asheboro,