Ezy Wrap making protective masks

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. - Bryan Kilbey, who has business connections in Europe, knew what was coming to America because of the rapidly developing coronavirus sweeping that continent. Kilbey is CEO of a NW Florida-based orthopedic medical equipment manufacturer, Professional Products, which markets equipment under the name Ezy Wrap. “We’re a big little company,” Kilbey told the NW Florida Daily News. “We recognized we needed to be of help. ... (and are) trying to do the right thing.” Kilbey’s team began gearing up on March 12 to produce reusable protective masks to healthcare workers and first responders. On March 13, the team had a prototype ready for review by medical experts and patent attorneys. He switched 60 percent of his manufacturing plant to the production of making masks. By March 18, the first mask came off the line. The company already has orders from multiple hospital and university systems across the U.S. “There are a lot of back orders,” he said. The universally usable skin-tight masks, features a special fabric coated with a powerful antimicrobial agent, that sell for $5 apiece. Part of the proceeds are going to a non-profit providing COVID-19 relief, according to the Ezy Wrap website. The masks are reusable with gentle hand-washing, and are recommended for use no longer than a year, Kilbey said. The antimicrobial agent “will pretty much kill anything that lands on it,” he continued. Ezy Wrap masks have been reviewed by the federal FDA and EPA, and have successfully been used in the firm's orthopedic products for years. For now, Ezy Wrap masks are being offered as a general means of protection for healthcare workers and first responders. In the interim, Professional Products has geared up its production line for a 24/7 operation. (Source: NW Fla. Daily News 03/30/20) https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20200330/coronavirus-defuniak-manufacturer-working-to-fill-need-for-protective-masks?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NW%20Florida%20Daily%20News%20daily%202020-03-31&utm_content=INKA_FWN&utm_term=033120