Zephyr N95 certified mask was not

In January 2021, while the world was still in the midst of a health crisis, Razer wanted to stand out by introducing an LED-equipped, N95-certified mask. The only problem: if there were LEDs, there would be no certification.

Razer will pay $1.1 million FTC fine, the US competition regulator, for misleading advertisements for the Zephyr mask. The manufacturer presented it as N95 certified (the American equivalent of the European FFP2), a standard that ensures the mask can filter at least 95% of airborne particles.

Razer does not admit guilt

But here’s the thing: Razer never submitted the mask to American medical authorities for certification. In early 2022, the company finally explained on the mask’s product page that the latter is not N95 certified and cannot be used in a medical or clinical context. However, Razer continued to ensure that the Zephyr filters were 95% effective against particles and 99% effective against bacteria.

A company may swear to its great gods about the effectiveness of its mask, but the latter cannot demonstrate certification. Hence this sanction from the Federal Trade Commission, which acts as a settlement agreement. Razer does not agree with the commission’s accusations and does not admit ” No mistakes “The company decided to sign the contract and check to avoid legal action.

In January 2021, Razer addressed the health crisis that was then in full swing by introducing the Zephyr, a futuristic-designed mask equipped with LED strips, because apparently it was necessary. Marketing at $100 apiece began in October. Then in January 2022, the manufacturer released a Pro model equipped with a voice amplifier, which sold for $50 more… but still without N95 certification.