Posts

How to Choose an Effective Face Mask

/in /by

Face masks/healthcare masks help to prevent the spread of bacteria and respiratory infections and have become crucial in reducing the spread of Covid-19. The Victorian Government along with many retail stores, in some states, have now made it mandatory for people to wear face masks, in an effort to slow the spread of Coronavirus.

 

Not all face masks are the same, with different types offering different levels of protection. So how do you choose a face mask and what makes a face mask effective?

When selecting the best face mask, it’s important to first understand what the purpose of wearing a face mask is? Respiratory illnesses such as Covid-19 are spread via coughing, sneezing and speaking. The particles that are released into the air and onto surfaces are highly contagious, meaning that people are able to contract the virus through close interaction with someone who is infected, or via touching a surface that has been contaminated with the virus. The role of a healthcare mask is to prevent people who have contracted the virus from spreading it within the community, by forming a barrier that limits the amount of particles released.

In the case of Covid-19, carriers of the virus are not always aware, with some people proving to be asymptomatic. This means that they do not experience any symptoms to alert them to the fact that they are ill. Therefore, wearing a healthcare mask is highly beneficial in slowing the spread of Covid-19, as anyone could be carrying the virus.

 

What type of mask should you use to protect you from coronavirus?

When choosing the best face mask, you should consider the following factors:

  • Is the face mask the correct size? Healthcare masks generally come in different sizes, ranging from small through to large. It’s important to choose the right size for your face so that you can achieve a snug fit. If the face mask is too small, it may not cover your mouth and nose effectively. Whereas, if the mask is too large, it will allow particles to escape, which could potentially spread the virus.
  • Is the fabric breathable? For a healthcare mask to be effective, users must keep the face mask on. However, this won’t be possible if the fabric isn’t breathable, therefore rendering the mask ineffective.
  • Is the fabric medical grade? Medical grade fabrics have antibacterial properties, making them suitable for use over long periods of time. Medical textiles are also designed to be breathable and comfortable to wear.
  • Is the face mask reusable? Rather than having to throw away your face mask after each wear, which negatively impacts the environment, it’s a good idea to find a reusable face mask. Reusable face masks can be washed multiple times, making them a more environmentally friendly and convenient option.

 

Biomed is a leading medical fabrics company, who has been providing quality medical textile products for decades as well as many other industry sectors. We understand the importance of robust and safe fabrics which ensure maximum comfort and reliability. For more information on our range of medical textile applications and reusable face masks, please do not hesitate to contact the Biomed team on (02) 9758 3855.

Reusable Face Mask FAQ’s

/in /by

Face Masks are now becoming more commonplace, with many places and some governments now making it mandatory for people/visitors to wear a mask. If you are new to wearing a Face Mack, you may have some questions about how to best maintain your mask. Below are some commonly asked questions in regards to Reusable Face Masks/ Anti bacterial Face Masks:

How do I clean my Reusable Face Mask?

There are different cleaning requirements for different types of Reusable Face Masks. Outlined below, are the cleaning methods for Biomed’s range of Reusable Face Masks. If you have obtained a mask from another manufacturer, then it is best to check with them which cleaning method is most effective for your mask.

It’s important that you clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser, both before and after touching your Face Mask.

Bioshield-05 & Anti bacterial Face Mask

To clean your Bioshield-05 Reusable Face Mask or Anti bacterial Face Mask, first boil some water (enough to cover the entire Face Mask). Then submerge the mask in the boiling water for three minutes. Be careful not to come into contact with the water as you may burn yourself during the process. Then wait until the water has cooled down before removing the mask from the water. Air dry the mask once it has been cleaned.

3 Layer, 5 Layer & 7 Layer Reusable Face Mask

When cleaning your 3 Layer, 5 Layer & 7 Layer Reusable Face Mask, be sure to not rub the mask whilst cleaning it, as this can cause the n-PTFE to burst. To wash the mask, spray 75% alcohol on the front and back of the mask. Leave the alcohol spray on the mask for a period of 15 minutes and then wash the Reusable Face Mask either by hand or in the washing machine with antimicrobial washing detergent. If you choose to wash the mask in the washing machine, place the mask in a 3D Laundry Net for protection. Once washed, dry the mask in the shade and avoid contact with sunlight.

How often should I wash my Reusable Face Mask?

If you are feeling sick with hay fever, cold or flu symptoms, you should wash your Reusable Face Mask every day. If you are feeling well, then it is fine to wash your mask every 3 days. It is important to note that each Reusable Face Mask can only be washed a certain number of times. Be sure to check how many times your Face Mask is able to be washed before disposal. Once you have washed your Face Mask for the final time, you can wear the mask for another 3 days if you are feeling well. If you are experiencing hay fever, cold or flu symptoms, only wear the mask for 1 day after the final wash and then move on to a new Reusable Face Mask.

How do I take my Reusable Face Mask off and put it on?

Before touching your Reusable Face Mask, ensure your hands have been washed with soap and water or hand sanitiser.

With clean hands, hold the ear loops and place the mask on your face so that it covers your mouth and nose. Then secure the ear loops around your ears. In order to be effective, the mask should fit snugly with no gaps.

Whilst wearing a Face Mask, be careful to not touch the mask, as it may be contaminated. If you accidentally touch the mask, wash your hands.

When removing the mask, be careful not to touch the front of the mask which may have been contaminated. Hold the mask by holding the ear loops and then lift the mask up and remove it. After removing the mask, wash your hands again.

How do I store my Reusable Face Mask in between use?

When storing your Reusable Face Mask in between usage, be sure to fold it in half so that the inside of the mask that touches your face doesn’t come into contact with other surfaces which may have been contaminated. It’s best to store your mask in a dry place that has good ventilation, such as a paper pag.

Biomed is a leading medical fabrics company, who has been providing quality medical textile products for decades as well as many other industry sectors. We understand the importance of robust and safe fabrics which ensure maximum comfort and reliability. For more information on our range of medical textile applications, please do not hesitate to contact the Biomed team on (02) 9758 3855.