NICK GRAHAM DEBUTS NEW HEALTH AND WELLNESS BRAND

Nick Graham has launched Airband, a new health and wellness brand that he describes as “focusing on the intersection of style and science by using advanced technological innovations in textiles and materials.”

The company is initially launching with two styles of protective face coverings: masks and gaiters. These face coverings are hand-washable up to 50 times without having to remove the filter and with no degradation of filtration. The products are made of 95 percent polyester and 5 percent spandex for a comfortable fit and are 100 percent recyclable in communities that have recycling facilities available.

Each Airband comes with a built-in filter made with Airband RX99, an innovative membrane that offers 99.9 percent particulate filtration down to .01 microns in laboratory conditions.

Airband’s RX99 membrane fabric has been tested to a standard that demonstrates that it can mechanically stop smog (PM2.5, PM1.0) dust, pollen, mites, and spores. All proven in laboratory conditions. The membrane testing also suggests it reduces viruses, bacteria, and mold spores with an efficiency of 99.9 percent. The laboratory testing focused on one bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus. Note: The membrane fabric when used as a filter against COVID-19 in this mask has not been tested.

“Between the effects of climate change and population growth, global respiratory issues are rising and Airband is committed to exploring technologies and solutions to mitigate the health effects of a changing planet, while at the same time creating longer life cycle products that have less environmental impact,” Graham said.

Masks retail for $12.99 and gaiters for $14.99 and come in a range of colors and prints in men’s, women’s, and children’s designs. Initially available online at airbandmask.com, the products will also be available through retailers nationwide. In September, the company is launching automated retail vending machines to be placed in transportation hubs, malls, and hospitals.

The company also announced that science educator Bill Nye will launch a collection of masks featuring designs inspired by Nye’s passion for science and space. Nye will be donating the profit on sales of his masks to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine.

“When we’re out in public, we all have to wear face coverings to protect against the spread of the virus,” said Nye. “I’m very happy to have teamed up with my friend Nick Graham to help design these new Airband face masks. I’m also pleased that each mask purchased from my collection will contribute to research to help us better understand this pandemic and take science-based steps to keep us all healthy.”

Airband will be expanding the collection this fall with new products designed by Graham.