What material is the mask fabric made of?
The reusable protection mask is made with 100% Meryl Skinlife Force fabric, a special fiber that, in addition to being very resistant, is very adaptable. In addition, it is tested according to EN ISO 20743: 2014 and complies with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Standards, which ensures that the material used does not contain any hazardous substances. All masks are delivered steam sterilized at 100ºC.
What is the internal filter made of?
The single-use filter replacement is made of certified paper according to the EN 14683: 2019 + AC: 2019 standard and meets all technical requirements for bacterial protection.
Are the facemasks certified?
The masks are certified by world-class laboratories. They are tested according to EN ISO 20743: 2014 and have a virus and bacteria filtration efficiency of 98.4% as tested in the EURECAT laboratory, thus offering a very high protection. Furthermore, the mask's resistance to splash and pressure is certified by the the textile laboratory AITEX. In addition, the mask offers a breathability, expressed in pressure difference, of 48.1Pa/cm2 as accredited by APPLUS laboratory. Thus, the protection masks comply with the properties required for a TYPE IIR level surgical mask. Also, they posess several advantages to common masks such as comfortability during prolonged wear, better fit and adaptability to the face which, in turn, prevents possible ways of entry for viruses and bacterial agents.
What level of protection do masks offer against viruses?
The World Health Organization recommends, for confinement protocols with possible air transmitted infectious diseases, the use of filter masks with a filtration efficiency of at least 95% for particles of 0.3 micron in diameter. Our masks have a certified filtration efficiency of 98.4% against viruses or bacteria particles of 0.3 micron in diameter. Thus, they are effective against the coronavirus since "it is transmitted mainly by respiratory drops of more than 5 microns," according to the health authorities.
Laboratory tests are done from the inside out but the manufacturer guarantees that the layers of the mask are the same in both directions. As health officials indicate, the most important thing to avoid contagion is to keep the safety distance at all times and wash your hands frequently.
Why is the mask textile material antibacterial?
The masks are made of a fabric that has an antibacterial treatment with silver ions. According to
biosafety studies, viruses are not the only risk when wearing masks. By absorbing moisture, pathogenic bacteria can grow, directly in front of our airways. Tests reveal that the outer face of surgical masks worn by dentists, for example, those who do not normally work with infectious patients, are easily contaminated with streptococci, staphylococci, and other potentially dangerous microbes.
Studies indicate that this secondary effect is worse in plain cloth masks. However, this can be avoided thanks to the fabric with silver ions that prevents the proliferation of bacteria.
Is it easy to breathe with the mask on?
The breathability of the masks has been certified by Applus and is 48.1Pa/cm2, which is very favourable considering the high level of particle filtration. This is the reason why wearing the mask does not feel like a nuisance, particularly for children.
What size should I choose?
The masks are available in three sizes by age group: for 3 to 5 years olds, for 6 to 12 years olds and for adults. It is recommended to use the indicated size for each age. The size for 3 to 5 year old children covers approximately 16 cms of face (not counting the ear holders) and the one from 6 to 12 measures 18 cms. The masks are made of elastic fabric and, therefore, they adapt very well to the shape of the face for full a coverage of the nose, mouth and chin. It also includes a nose support that can be placed inside the mask if necessary. Due to hygienic and security reasons, returns of used or opened products will not be accepted.
What are the advantages of using reusable face masks?
Using reusable masks saves money. After 8 hours of use, simply remove the filter and dispose of it, wash or iron your mask to disinfect it and put on a new filter. After using it for two months, the cost amount to only 0,46 € per day.
How do I disinfect the mask?
Remove the filter after each 8hr use and dispose of it as any sanitary waste, it is recommended to wash the mask between 40 and 60º with clothing soap. It can also be washed at higher temperatures taking into account that the wear and tear of the fabric may be greater. To disinfect it, the mask can also be ironed, either as an alternative, or in addition to, washing it.
How many hours can I wear them?
It is a matter of comfort and hygiene since some paper masks can be moistened, for example. In the case of the masks that you can find at Stikets, they can be worn for 8 straight hours without any discomfort due to their great breathability attributes. Also, due to their antibacterial quality, the masks are not damaged by humidity. In any case, it is important to assess the type of use for which it is intended. If you have touched your face, you have been in a very polluted environment, or the mask has simply gotten dirty, you should wash it and change the filter.
Where are they made?
The masks that Stikets distributes are the result of a collaboration project between members of the Barcelona College of Engineers and two companies dedicated to the production of specialized textile articles and distribution. All fabrication and packaging of the masks is made in Europe.