Frequently Asked questions (faQ)

Are There Any Special Instructions For Wearing the Mask?
  • Make sure your mask fits snug around your nose and mouth.
  • Make sure you wash it regularly and wear it for no longer than a few hours at a time.
  • Do not wear your mask while it's wet.  Even if they get damp just from your breathing, they are less effective.
How are the Masks Constructed?

Our masks follow these guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) for proper alternative PPE. As stated by CDC, cloth face coverings should—

  • fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
  • be secured with ties or ear loops
  • include multiple layers of fabric
  • allow for breathing without restriction
  • be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

This diagram image illustrates the construction of our cloth face masks. The front layer features a moisture-wicking, stay-dry polyester microfiber. Microfiber is a tight weave made of man-made fibers spun into a very fine yarn, which creates an ultra-soft finish that is also allergen-proof. This is the same fabric used in high thread count bedsheets and pillowcases.

The second layer is a cotton/polyester blend of fabric that is lightweight and comfortable. An inner filter pocket is also provided, allowing filters to be inserted through either side of the mask to allow for additional protection.

Filters such as folded tissue to HEPA filters, can increase protection based on the type of filter.

How Effective is the Mask at Blocking Small Particles?

In general, here is a great video that visually demonstrates What Face Masks Actually Do Against Coronavirus:

Now that you understand the importance of wearing a face mask, how effective are the materials used in Maskara masks?  

Maskara masks are are constructed of an outer layer of polyester microfiber and an inner layer of polyester cotton blend. Microfiber is a tightly-woven fabric, similar to a high thread count bedsheet or pillowcase. The table below is from Smart Air engineers, and demonstrates the effectiveness of various materials against microscopic particles.

As shown in this table, pillowcase fabric had over 60% effectiveness in blocking 1-Micron particles.  These same researchers went on to find that:

Our face masks use polyester microfiber (same fabric as a high thread count pillowcase) for the first layer, and a polyester cotton blend fabric for the second layer, which are highly rated for both filtering particles and breathability.

Add a filter in between the two layers and your protection increases further.  According to research by Smart Air engineers, effective, breathable filters include HEPA filters, paper towels and shop towels were both effective add-on filters and easy to breathe through.

 

Is it Hard to Breathe Wearing These Masks?

Microfiber is extremely breathable, which is one of the reasons why it is great for use as a face mask. Researchers found that pillowcase material ranked the highest in terms of breathability, as compared to other fabrics found in the home.

How Do I Care for the Mask?

Instructions for Washing at Home:

  • Wash with gentle soap and warm or cold water.
  • Like anything you wash, be sure to separate your white or light colored microfiber from your dark colored microfiber.
  • If you hand wash, wash in hot water with mild detergent and use a soft bristled brush if necessary–rinse thoroughly.
  • To ensure the longest lasting microfiber, air dry is best. You can wash it at night before you go to bed and it should be dry in the morning as microfiber dries relatively quickly.
  • If you use a dryer, set it on low heat or no heat to ensure longevity of the elastic.