QuantaDose Press Releases

The “99 % Protection” Parade

How SafeSleeve, DefenderShield & others misuse lab numbers—and why consumers deserve real science

Quick‑read highlights

 

What you’re told What’s missing Why it matters
“Blocks up to 99 % of RF radiation.” – SafeSleeve & DefenderShield marketing That figure comes from a static lab coupon test of raw fabric, not a powered‑on phone in your pocket. In real use the phone senses blockage, raises its output, and reshapes its antenna pattern, often wiping out the advertised “protection.”
“FCC‑accredited lab tested” Labs measure shield attenuation on a flat sheet, not whole‑device exposure (SAR, power‑control feedback, near‑field reflections). A +30 dB attenuation coupon can still let a handset quadruple its peak power to find signal—negating the shield.
“Full‑spectrum 1 G–5 G, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth blocked” Biology is non‑linear; lower or intermittent doses can do more harm. The NTP rat study showed more brain tumours at 1.5 W/kg than at 6 W/kg. A single “percent blocked” tells you nothing about these complexities.

1 | Meet the claim‑makers

 

Brand Flagship claim Typical proof offered
SafeSleeve “Block over 99 % of RF (5 G, Wi‑Fi, cellular) and 92 % ELF” PDF of fabric attenuation graph; no whole‑phone SAR or dynamic‑power data. SafeSleeve
DefenderShield “Ultra Armor shields up to 99 % of wireless radiation to 90 GHz.” Lab coupon chart; general reference to “medical & scientific board.” DefenderShield
Other copy‑cats Similar “up‑to‑99 %” numbers lifted from the same textile suppliers Usually the same graphene‑nickel fabric spec sheet, re‑branded

Notice what’s missing: field data with a live handset, independent SAR before/after, or any discussion of antenna interaction.

2 | Why coupon tests don’t equal consumer safety

  1. Static vs adaptive
    Coupon test: plane‑wave generator → flat fabric → power meter.
    Real life: handset transmits → shield blocks primary lobe → base‑band chipset senses drop → phone ramps power & hunts for a new radiation path (often through gaps near the ear or camera cut‑out).

  2. Near‑field chaos
    At phone‑to‑body distances (< 10 mm) the field is reactive, full of swirling E & H components that a flat‑sheet test cannot simulate.

  3. Mismatch reflection
    Partial shields create an RF mirror; energy reflects back into the phone PCB, distorting impedance and amplifying localized hotspots.

Result: the “99 %” vanishes the moment the phone compensates.

3 | The non‑linear reality competitors ignore

Evidence #1 – National Toxicology Program (rats, GSM)

 

SAR (W/kg) Malignant gliomas (out of 90)
0 0
1.5 3 tumors
3 3
6 2

Lower power produced more tumors—the opposite of a simple linear dose model.

Evidence #2 – Wi‑Fi fertility study (PMID 40002366)

4 h exposure: peak oxidative stress & sperm damage
8 h → repair begins
24 h → further recovery

Short bursts can harm more than long ones. A single attenuation percent can’t capture this.

4 | Physics traps in popular “shield” designs

 

Feature competitors love Hidden hazard
Metal loops / magnet plates (for car mounts) Obstruct main antenna → phone maximizes power, sometimes +6 dB (4×)
Detachable magnetic flap Gaps when open; magnets alter local field → unpredictable hotspots
Thick multi‑card wallets Users answer calls with shield folded back the wrong way, nullifying attenuation
Omitted speaker grill shielding 5 G mid‑band (3–4 GHz) slips right through the hole

5 | How we solve—QuantaCase™ & RF Safe standards

  1. No metal, no magnets, ultra‑thin chassis to keep the phone at its lowest native power.

  2. Conductive mesh over every aperture—including the speaker—verified with an ohmmeter.

  3. Single RFID card slot so the flap always aligns correctly.

  4. Kick‑stand mode: adds distance; every extra inch can quarter your power density.

  5. User education built‑in: diagrams & videos that show correct orientation, SAR myths, and the bioelectric stakes.

6 | Beyond shielding: pushing the industry to Li‑Fi

Real 99 % reduction = remove the microwave source.

  • Patent US 11700058 B2 – zero‑SAR Li‑Fi with bio‑defense mode

  • Direct‑to‑Cell satellites move high‑power antennas off‑planet

  • Mandatory Li‑Fi in classrooms ends chronic RF drenching indoors

Until regulators catch up, honest engineering + savvy habits beat bombastic numbers every time.

7 | Consumer checklist

✅ Does the brand publish whole‑phone SAR tests before & after shielding?
✅ Are there no metal loops, magnet plates, or bulky wallets?
✅ Is the speaker grill visibly shielded?
✅ Do they teach you correct flap orientation and airplane‑mode habits?
❌ Bold “99 % protection” headline with no antenna discussion = walk away.

Bottom line: Any company touting raw textile attenuation as “99 % phone protection” either doesn’t understand RF physics or hopes you don’t. Choose science over slogans.
Be RF Safe to be sure.

Further reading

  • NTP Technical Report 595 – GSM/CDMA rodent study

  • Jamaludin N. et al., Andrology 2023 (PMID 40002366)

  • Wired: “Do These Gadgets Actually Protect You? We Asked the Experts”