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FAQ - Face masks - Coronavirus

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use a mask?

There are four solid reason why a mask is an excellent idea. Read the full explanation here.

How effective are these masks?

In 2009 after the bird flue crisis, the University of Cambridge did an elaborate study on the effectiveness of cloth face masks. They turned out to be surprisingly effective. Read the full summary here.

Is this face mask perfectly airtight?

The masks come in 4 different sizes to ensure a very good fit on all face sizes. The seal is not 100% airtight (nor is it on most of the masks used in the medical sector). Since the virus is not an aerosol suspended virus, but instead mainly transmitted via droplets, the masks offer very good extra protection.

Read all about the reasons to use a face mask here and do not miss the summary at the bottom of the page.

FFP2 filters – what are they and why are they effective?

FFP2 filters are filters which filter out the vast majority of extra fine particles and germs. These are helpful in protecting against the corona virus. Many other filters on the other hand are not effective. Please read here for more information.

How often should the filter be changed?

In the medical sector, FFP2 and FFP3 filter face masks are changed frequently – a few times per day.

When masks are used in dusty production processes they are changed much less frequently. Usually this is done when the filter is full with dust and breathing becomes noticeably heavier.

We would recommend to exchange the filter every few hours in the same frequency as your institution recommends for disposable one-piece FFP filters.

For use and cleaning of the mask, please refer to our user instructions here.

From where will the face masks be delivered and what is the delivery time?

Preparation of all orders is done by our lab in Wuppertal, Germany. Shipping is done by DPD with a tracking number. 

How many face masks should I buy?

Assuming a face mask is washed once per day, it may make sense to buy at least two, so there is always a clean one available.

Shipping fee 

The shipping fee is a fixed amount per order.

Are the face masks approved under EU regulations?

Items sold as Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) officially needs to go through a long and laborious CE approval process which involves testing and certification by a notified body. There is simply no time to do so in today’s crisis situation.


The German government has contracted companies in Germany to produce cloth masks (of a less effective model and without FFP2 filter) for use in the medical sector in order to alleviate the exposure of medical staff who need to work without the official, approved types of face masks (since none are available).


To be legally on the safe side, we are explicitly stating that the face masks and filters we are offering are not PPE under the EU regulations. Even though based on the study of Cambridge University and the reality of the German government authorizing these face masks, we are confident that these add significant extra protection against Corona COVID-19.

How to handle replacing the filter

Our recommendation is to wash your hands well, before touching the inside of the face mask.

After removing the filter, immediately dispose of the filter. Do not put on a surface which might get contaminated by the filter.

Before inserting a new, clean filter:

1. Wash the cloth face mask 

2. Before inserting a new filter in the cloth mask, wash your hands carefully.

3. Take the filter from the packaging and immediately insert into the mask, to avoid any risk of contaminating the filter.

Cambridge university study

In this link, the results of a 2009 study done by the University of Cambridge are presented regarding the effectiveness of cloth face masks.

Another similar study was done by a research group in the Netherlands in 2008. Those results can be viewed here

Both studies were performed as a result of the bird flew crisis at the time.

Short conclusion: both studies confirmed that the cloth face masks work quite well! As stated by the Dutch research group: “It is also clear that home-made masks such as tea-cloths may still confer a significant degree of protection, albeit less strong than surgical masks or FFP3 masks. “

Using a cloth face mask is much preferred over not using any mask at all.

 

I have a business where I will offer these masks. Do you offer retail business discounts?

Yes. We offer an extra discount if you purchase these face masks and FFP2/KN95 filters for re-sale purposes. Click here for more information.

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