Snob Media presents : Snob Talk
by Gianni Fiasche
Finding a comfortable face mask these days is like trying to find the Holy Grail. Most masks stretch out your ears, cut your breathing and are just plain uncomfortable. Until now; Halt mask is a stellar product from local Montrealer Michael Battah. Halt is created locally but the mask itself is made in Italy, continuing the ever long love affair between Montreal and Italy. The first ever doubly anti-microbial face mask in North America, Halt is on its way to becoming the go-to mask during this pandemic. I spoke with CEO Michael Battah about this great product and here’s what he had to explain:
Gianni Fiasche: As the CEO of Halt Mask, what made you want to work with Italy during a pandemic?
Michael Battah: I’m the creator of a shape wear product called Shape On which has always been manufactured in Italy. In February 2020 when Italy ordered all businesses be shut down unless you were making masks, so all the factories I dealt with started making face masks. I had the factories send me different masks, we decided on the one that was most comfortable and then had all the factories we work with make that same mask. In doing this we are able to produce over 5 million masks per week.
GF: Why the name Halt?
MB: We came up with the name Halt in order to “Halt the pandemic” but also to “Halt the spread of germs”. We thought it was clever.
GF: What is the fabric and contents of this mask?
MB: The fabric is a 96% anti-microbial Italian fabric and 4% elastane in order for the mask to stretch to your comfort. We found the stretch-ability to be most important because most masks on the market don’t stretch in every direction. The ear strings are also very comfy and soft. You don’t need to worry about your ears becoming like Dumbo or Prince Charles. The face mask is also super breathable and you will not feel suffocated. When we realized we couldn’t have a fully 100% anti-microbial mask, we decided to use an anti-microbial treatment, so this is the first doubly anti-microbial face mask in North America. We really want to halt this pandemic.
GF: How much does the mask cost?
MB: Its 19.99$ each on our website (haltmask.com), but the more masks you buy you receive a volume discount.
GF: What do you love about Italy and why do you continue to do business there?
MB: Oh man, you’re giving me goosebumps asking that question! I’ve been dealing with Italy for over 25 years and I love their work ethic and I love the people; it’s like family. The factories and workers are extremely efficient, creative and everything’s always on time. It’s an amazing country and the Italian people are simply incredible.
You can purchase your Halt mask on haltmask.com. Having been able to try one on, I can say that it is definitely the most comfortable face mask out there. Halt mask is available in different sizes for the entire family. Be sure to support a local company and a product made in Italy.