Consumers : ‘Wet Towel’ Could Save Lives in a Fire

A new emergency smoke protection device, called “the ultimate wet towel” by its manufacturers, might be a life-saving product to have at home in case of fire. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for high rise office buildings and hotels, either.

The Jalypso Filter, a lightweight (6 ounce) pillow-like device, straps over the nose and mouth and filters out “a major percentage” of the smoke particles that can damage lungs. According to its Santa Ana manufacturer, Tiernic Sales International, it has been tested for two years by fire department personnel in California, New Jersey and Stockholm, Sweden, and proved to be effective protection against smoke inhalation.

The 9-inch-square, 4-inch-thick filter is made of oil beads covered by fabric. “As you breathe through it, the oil in the beads attracts the particles found in smoke during a fire,” according to a manufacturer’s representative. “It also does not impede breathing or speech and allows free use of your hands, unlike a real wet towel that you have to hold up to your face.”

The filter costs about $25, but will not be available in retail stores until next year. For information on how to purchase it now, call Tiernic Sales International at (714) 250-7371 or write 2923 S. Pullman, Suite C. Santa Ana, Calif. 92705.