It’s hard to watch television or search the internet without seeing someone or something mention the pandemic of COVID-19. It’s in at least one-third of all television commercials. It seems to be in about half of the posts on social media. You can’t escape it. The recurring theme is how much it has affected everyone around the globe, and how our first responders cannot keep up with the demand in parts of the country.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic creating a short supply of protective equipment, SEA-LECT Plastics has begun manufacturing Montana Masks. We have the capability to rapidly manufacture these parts through in-house design, tooling creation, and injection molding capabilities. You can call it a response to the call for help, but we feel it is our civic duty to help where we can. We want to provide for those that are putting themselves at risk at the front of the effort.
SEA-LECT Plastics has joined the fight to ‘flatten the curve’ of infections and curb this pandemic. We are currently able to produce 75 masks per hour and will have two options available by the end of April 2020.
Option #1 – Masks only without straps or a filter ($2.00 each)
Option #2 – Masks including straps and a filter ($2.50 each)
These masks are reusable and sustainable, and they can be sterilized in an autoclave. They are authorized PPE for healthcare professionals, hospital workers, and first responders. We are currently producing two sizes: Small and Large. The large are a teal color, while the small are a purple color. These colors help distinguish easily which size they are, but custom colors are available. SEA-LECT Plastics is molding the masks with an FDA compliant TPE material, and a minimum order quantity of 250 each applies. The filters are interchangeable, and can come with an adjustable strap to accommodate multiple people. They can be customizable to anyone, which makes them perfect to get on the front lines of the pandemic.
Additional Filters: We have instructions for using and reusing surgical or N95 masks and precut filtration material, as recommended by the CDC, for use with Montana Masks. Flowmark provided the initial material for the filters, but have moved to only be providing it for frontline healthcare workers and hospitals. Instructions are available to use and reuse surgical or N95 masks and precut filtation materials for the Montana masks. There is also a video tutorial for modifying a surgical mask available here. The masks will be able to be used with new materials to keep everyone safe while we work through the current pandemic.
Straps: We are currently supplying a basic elastic band (two straps that are 24” in length) that can be machine washed. We are still looking for a better material as the most promising solution is using a silicone band that can be sterilized in an autoclave.
The Montana Mask is not an FDA or NIOSH approved N95 replacement. These masks are primarily intended for use past crisis capacity if there is no conventional and approved PPE available. Please closely read the information available on makethemasks.com to make an informed decision if they are right for you. SEA-LECT Plastics is producing the Montana Mask in accordance with guidance issued by the FDA on March 25, 2020 entitled, “Enforcement Policy for Face Masks and Respirators During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency (Revised).” The use of the 3D printed & injection molded masks, including those designed, made, and sold by SEA-LECT Plastics, has not been fully tested and has not been approved by federal or state authorities. Use of the identified mask or any information presented on this website for any purpose is at the user’s own risk.
Where Did The Montana Mask Idea Come From?
The Montana Mask was developed as a public service by three inventors in Billings, MT: Dr. Dusty Richardson, Dr. Spencer Zaugg and Colton Zaugg. They recognized the need, and developed a 3D model that could be shared and made quickly via rapid prototyping. From there the word spread that a suitable option had been tested and proved that it could be utilized for first responders if masks could be made. Other companies have joined the effort by producing injection molds, others have injection molded parts, and SEA-LECT Plastics is doing it all. We’re making molds, molding parts, assembling masks, and shipping them directly to those in need.
How You Can Purchase Montana Masks For Your First Responders
If you are in need of masks, please email us or call (425) 339-0288 with the following information ready:
- Hospital/Clinic Name
- Address to Ship Masks to
- Contact Person
- Contact Details (Phone or Email)
- Number of masks needed in each size and option
We also have an order form available that may be easier than sending us an email or using the phone to call. Please visit our order form here.
We have a long road ahead to slow the COVID-19 virus and the pandemic currently affecting daily life around the globe. SEA-LECT Plastics in Everett, Washington is committed to those that need our support most. We encourage you to share our information out to hospitals, clinics, and first responders that need personal protective equipment (PPE) to continue helping those in our communities. We will make it through these tough times, and SEA-LECT Plastics will be there every step of the way.