# Bacteria-Filtrating Masks UNIQLO Launches the AIRism Mask to Protect Those from COVID-19 By Amy Duong | Published 2020-06-16 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airism-mask References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2020/6/uniqlo-airism-mask-release) & [uniqlo](https://www.uniqlo.com/jp/ja/contents/feature/airism-mask/) As the [COVID](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facebit)-[19](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artgrade) pandemic outbreak calls for a global response, [UNIQLO](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airism-bra-camisole) takes action by launching its new AIRism Masks. The Japanese lifestyle brand launches the mask as a part of its LifeWear line and is using its patent-pending three-layer AIRism structure. The exterior of the mask delivers UV protection, which is timely with the summer season upon us -- it protects from 90% of ultraviolet rays. The second layer behind this is a high performing filter that has 99% BFE, which is known as Bacterial Filtration Efficiency. This part blocks bacteria particles, water droplets, pollen, and virus particles. The last later is a non-woven fabric that wicks sweat to ensure that comfort for wearers. The mask can be washed in the washing machine and can be washed up to 20 times. Image Credit: Uniqlo ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Bacterial-filtrating Masks:** Creating masks with high Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) to protect against bacteria, virus particles, and other contaminants. - **Uv-protective Masks:** Developing masks with UV protection to shield against ultraviolet rays and provide added safety during the summer season. - **Washable and Reusable Masks:** Designing masks that can be washed in the washing machine multiple times, promoting sustainability and cost-effectiveness. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion and Apparel:** Integrating bacterial-filtrating masks into fashion and apparel lines, catering to health-conscious consumers amidst the ongoing pandemic. - **Health and Wellness:** Providing UV-protective masks to the health and wellness industry for professionals and individuals seeking added protection against sun exposure. - **Sustainable Products:** Collaborating with sustainable product brands to create washable and reusable masks, offering environmentally-friendly alternatives to disposable masks. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Copper-Infused Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aebl-epion.md) - [Customizable Style Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rpur-fiit.md) - [Air-Blowing Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-mask.md) - [Powered Breathability Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/performance-face-mask.md) - [Aerodynamic Filtration Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goa-face-protector.md) - [Wearable Allergy-Alleviating Purifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/respiray-wear-a.md) - [Wearer-Analyzing Respirators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebcare-mask.md) - [Virus Protection Air Purifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sensibo-pure-air-purifier.md) - [High-Tech Air-Purifying Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airpurifying-mask.md)