Reusable Antibacterial Face Mask

Face coverings and non FP1,2 and 3 face masks are not a prevention to catching COVID19.  The face coverings are designed to help protect individuals from larger respiratory droplets and help reduce the spread of the virus especially on public transport and in spaces where it is difficult to socially distance.

There are a wide variety of face masks now on the market and they tend to differ in quality and in comfort.  The key features of a mask/covering which will help the wearer in this current pandemic are:-

1/ they are comfortable- ideally breathable, anti-bacterial and cool to enable wear for prolonged periods

2/ Helps protect the wearer by fitting correctly

Features and benefits of an ideal manufactured face covering for everyday wear during the COVID19 pandemic.

The ideal face covering should be comfortable to wear and the user should be able to breathe easily through the fabric. 

The face mask should fit comfortably around the nose and under the eyes, and be easily adjusted if necessary.  The mask should fit underneath the chin and provide good coverage on the face, fitting snuggly under the chin and around he face so the mask does not move unnecessarily as it is been worn. Face masks or coverings with anti-bacterial features such as Silvadur ™ or triclosan will help kill bacteria on the material and provide the wearer with added protection.

The material of the mask should be soft and durable to enhance the comfort of the wearer. If the mask is reusable, then the material ideally should maintain its shape, to enable multiple washes, which will enhance the lifetime of the face mask.  The material ideally should be able to be washed at high temperatures and ironed if necessary.  High temperatures are better to destroy any bacteria on the mask or face covering.  Reusable masks come in a variety of different colours.

The material of the disposable mask should also be comfortable and easy to breathe through. The loops should be easily adjustable on the face and fit comfortably. The disposable masks come in different colours, generally in blue, green and white.

Examples of masks currently available to buy:-

1)The Medasun Marena, reusable, anti-bacterial and breathable face masks vhttps://www.medasun.co.uk/reusable-antibacterial-face-masks/

are made from Triflex™ material enabling the wearer to breathe easily, and keep cool, whilst wearing the mask, due to the unique nature of the fabric and its Coolmax™ rating. The material is protected from bacterial growth with Silvadur™ integrated into the fabric.  The masks are durable and can be worn comfortably for long periods- ie during an 8 hour day 1 mask would be fine to wear all day.

The Marena reusable washable and anti-bacterial masks are designed from a unique material which can sustain multiple washes without losing its shape or properties. This means the masks will last a long time even after washing following wear.  It is recommended the user purchase 2 masks, one to wash and one to wear.

The material can be ironed and washed at high temperatures. https://www.medasun.co.uk/reusable-antibacterial-face-masks/

Disposable face masks are made either from an elastic or other textile material.  These masks are designed to be disposed by the wearer after wearing in  an appropriate waste disposal bin. Manufacturers with ISO ratings are preferred and those with a CE mark show that they have passed certain criteria for quality standards.

Disposable masks can only be worn for a limited amount of time- generally 3 hours, as the moisture from normal breathing can saturate the mask and render it ineffective.  These masks are generally bought in boxes of 50 at a time, and it is recommended that the wearer carry enough masks to cover the period of time that they are in a higher risk environment.  For example if you were on a 12 hour flight the minimum requirement would be 4 disposable masks, for the journey.

3) Make your own face coverings. There are many varieties of home-made masks and instructions on You Tube. Here is one of them- Jan Howell has produced a video on how to make your own mask out of T shirts which can be found here:- https://youtu.be/r51YroAFPds

Looking at all ear loop face masks the same procedure should be followed by the wearer.  The ear loops should be placed carefully over the ears and the mask adjusted to fit on the face with the front folds facing downwards.  The mask should fit snugly on the nose and under the chin.  The ear loops can be adjusted by crossing the material on the ear loop before fitting on the ears. 

It is important to remove the mask carefully after wearing, only by the ear loops. The wearer should avoid touching the front of the mask. Following wear, the mask should be placed, preferably on its own, in a sealed bag, via the ear loops, and then placed in the washing machine on returning home.

Remember to:-

#Stay Alert #Control the virus #Save Lives