We were too late to the first batch of the Sportsmask, Under Armour’s facemask offering for the Covid-19 Pandemic that is aimed at athletes and active people. When we heard about this, we tried ordering for ourselves, but it was out of stock, just a few hours after it was announced by the company.

In a news release last 11 June, the company highlighted the features and benefits of the Sportsmask that led to it being snapped quickly by customers:

The UA SPORTSMASK is a reusable, water-resistant performance face mask designed for maximum breathability by Under Armour's innovation team in record time. This first-of-its-kind mask functions to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets by the wearer. The top of the mask features a moldable nose-bridge to help secure it in place and mitigate airflow to the eyes, helping to prevent glasses from fogging. It can also be washed and dried, making it more eco-friendly than many single-use, disposable options.

The UA SPORTSMASK features a unique, three-layer model engineered for athletes during performance:

LAYER 1: SPACER FABRIC - It is light but has air pockets for structure, so it stays off the mouth and nose for better airflow.

LAYER 2: OPEN-CELL FOAM - The breathable middle layer lets air through but makes it hard for moisture and sweat to pass.

LAYER 3: UA ISO-CHILL - This fabric feels cool against the skin, stretches, and is treated with PROTX2™, a non-metal anti-microbial technology which inhibits growth of bacteria on the mask.

PROTX2 has been shown in laboratory tests to destroy COVID-19, and is being reviewed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to confirm the efficacy of the substance as it is applied to the UA SPORTSMASK. Under Armour also has a patent pending on its design and construction of the mask.

The Sportsmask ticks a lot of boxes though the PROTX2’s promise still remains to be confirmed if it does kill Covid-19 so right now it is best to assume that it does not guarantee protection from the virus. Unlike disposable masks which can lead to more polluting materials, the Sportsmask is reusable and washable which for its price US$30.00, which at first looks to be an expensive face mask, is justified for its reusability and no need for other filters just use it.

Since it is designed for athletes, it can be used by airsoft players due to its breathability. If airsoft game fields require players to wear face masks before being allowed to play, then having the Sportsmask sounds like a good investment.

Here is the complete list of features:

• Made with high-performance UA materials, designed to be worn all day & when playing sports
• Structured design sits up off the face & lips for added comfort & breathability
• Water-resistant outer shell features smooth, breathable spacer fabric
• Anti-microbial treatment on the inside layer to help keep mask fresh
• Polyurethane open-cell foam lets air through but makes it hard for moisture & sweat to pass
• UA Iso-Chill fabric on interior lining & ear loops feels cool to the touch for as long as you wear it
• Fabric is soft & smooth for next to face comfort & moves moisture from your mouth to the insert layer
• Lining fabric extends up & is strategically shaped to lay flat across the bridge of your nose
• Soft, adjustable nose bridge to secure it across the face
• Stretchy ear loops & side panels for a more comfortable fit
• Includes washable, anti-microbial carrying pouch with locker tag to mark your name or number
• FIND YOUR SIZE: Use a flexible measuring tape to go from the bridge of nose to just past the ear canal
• Hand wash & lay flat to dry
• Intended for daily wear & use in sports by healthy individuals
• Non-medical & non-surgical mask, does not protect against viruses
• 3-layer system meets WHO recommendation for fabric mask
• If you feel uncomfortable while wearing: stop exercise, remove mask & if needed, seek medical attention
• All sales are final
• Outer layer: 100% Polyester
• Insert: 100% Polyurethane
• Interior/ear loops: 77% Nylon/23% Spandex
• Imported

In its release, Under Armour gave the Sportsmask to student athletes around the world for free. But for those interested in getting one, they will have to wait for the next batch which will be released on or before August 17. It is available only in Black/Charcola for the meantime with sizes at S/MM/LL/XLXL/XXL.