Busting Face Mask Medical Myths | Medical Masks

Biomed has assisted many Australians through the COVID-19 pandemic by distributing high-grade medical masks, fabric manufacturing and providing correct medical information to our customers with the help of medical professionals.

In this article, we focus specifically on busting some of the medical myths that have been wrongly spread and have led to the circulation of confusing misinformation. So, we took some frequently asked questions about the medical nature of face masks and addressed them.

Want to learn more? Check out our previous article, where we Busted Some of the Legality Myths surrounding face masks – including if masks infringe on human rights, can businesses legally refuse entry for maskless customers and are other face coverings more effective than face masks.

Do Face Masks Cause CO2 Poisoning?

No, “Surgical masks and even proper respirator-type masks are designed to be worn for long periods and offer very low breathing resistance,” Says Ben Mullins, an associate professor at Curtin University’s School of Public Health, in his article on the ABC.

Face masks are designed to be worn in industrial settings and during surgeries for long periods. Many Front-Line Workers wear face masks for at least 12 hours a day and have never had any issues. Hence there is no evidence of any harm and certainly no problems with elevated CO2 when wearing a face mask.

At BioMed, we understand that face masks are worn for long periods, which is why we have thoroughly tested and engineered our masks for superior quality and comfort. As a result, we have marketing-leading fabric manufacturing methods which ensure the highest quality healthcare fabrics for use world-wide.

Our fabric manufacturing methods produce Healthcare Fabrics – sometimes referred to as healthcare textiles or biomedical textiles – which are a branch of Technical Fabrics, in which function is favoured over aesthetics. These healthcare fabrics are used to provide medical benefits and are used for hygiene, health and private care purposes, as well as implantable or extracorporeal devices.

Even the slightest variation in such healthcare fabrics can have a significant impact on health. Therefore, the implementation of high-quality healthcare fabrics is imperative for effective treatments.

Our face masks have some of the most impressive features on the market, including: latex-free, allergen-free, anti-bacterial, breathable, stretchy and durable for maximum reliability throughout any daily activity.

Are Face Masks Safe for People with Asthma?

“Most asthmatics shouldn’t have any issues wearing a mask, and most asthmatics are good at managing their own condition,” Says Doctor Mullins.

Most medical experts agree wearing a mask should not be a problem for most people with asthma, notably people with very mild asthma or well-controlled asthma. But in severe asthmatic cases, individuals may find breathing more uncomfortable.

What is for sure is no current evidence suggests wearing a Face Mask will worsen a person’s asthma.

There are a few lawful excuses in Australia that allow people with specific issues to not be legally required to wear a mask. Including individuals affected by medical conditions, like breathing problems. If anyone is experiencing difficulty breathing when wearing a face mask, they require an asthma control review.

How Often Does a Face Mask Need to be Washed?

Face masks collect germs from sweat, saliva, make-up and other liquids and substances, so it is essential to throw away disposable masks after one use, and regularly wash a reusable mask as soon as possible. Otherwise, your mask may become mouldy. It is best practice to store your dirty or wet masks in a sealed plastic bag until you can wash them.

For reusable masks, it is safe to include your masks into your regular washing machine laundry or wash your masks with hot water and soap by hand.

Are Masks with Valves Instead of Filters Useless?

While any mask is better than no mask, masks with exhalation valves should be avoided if possible because they are far less effective in limiting the spread of potentially infected particles. As masks with exhalation valves protect the wearer well, but it does not stop the wearer from transmitting germs to other people.

Instead, medical masks will limit more droplets than an exhalation valve mask does. In general, the best option for a face covering is a medical mask. Medical face masks – produced by market-leading Fabric Manufacturing facilities – provide a physical barrier to block germs coming into your body through your mouth and nose, while also preventing any germs from spreading from your body to others.

At Biomed, we proudly hold one of Australia’s best medical grade healthcare fabrics for reusable face masks. Our fabric manufacturing facilities produce complex and sensitive fabric combinations which have anti-bacterial properties. Our designs provide maximum comfort and versatility, perfect for any age to wear comfortably. Our highly tested and engineered masks provide maximum comfort and versatility, perfect for any age to wear comfortably.

Our fabric manufacturing facilities can produce a range of face masks fabrics in a variety of sizes, layers and specifications. Biomed can assist any customer with custom designs such as logos. We offer five reusable medical masks which suit different price ranges and different usages;

Bioshield-05
5-layer face mask
7-layer face mask
Anti-bacterial face mask
3-layer face mask

Stay Safe with BioMed

At Biomed, our Mission as professional fabric manufacturers is to create high-quality healthcare fabrics and produce superior fabric manufacturing, which is why we ensure that our business operations always align with our ISO 9001 certification for quality management.

Our dedication to strict Australian fabric manufacturing standards demonstrates the reliability of our products and our commitment to providing our customers with superior products that offer a high level of comfort through the minimisation of skin irritations, alongside anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic properties for safety and comfort.

Through the prevention of germs and bacteria, the life of medical products – such as CPAP masks, CPAP Chin Straps, Back Support Braces and many more CPAP Accessories – can be prolonged. As the build-up of bacteria and germs can cause fabrics that are not of a medical-grade, to deteriorate over time and become unsanitary and uncomfortable to wear.

At Biomed, we have a longstanding partnership with ResMed CPAP Supplies to supply medical grade healthcare fabrics for their products, which have offered superior patient comfort for decades. To find out more information on our full range of CPAP Accessories and Medical-Grade Healthcare Fabrics, please contact our team of Biomed medical fabrics and materials experts on (02) 9758 3855.