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Medical Accessories for Hospitality Workers

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Many Australian industries have been largely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, but among the top is Australia’s hospitality sector. Medical accessories for all hospitality workers are now the new norm, with “no face mask, no work” mandated across almost all customer-facing positions.

 

Service workers, such as baristas, waiters and fast-food attendants are at the greatest risk of both catching and transferring Covid-19. These workers are exposed to disease and infection because they are put in close physical contact with many others. Hence it is crucial to supply all hospitality workers with medical masks so they can work safely, and our stores can stay open and operational.

 

Of particular concern are those on casual contracts with lesser benefits. Usually, these lower-paying or gig jobs have no paid sick leave, forcing many workers to go to work even if they have flu-like symptoms or lose their opportunity for income. Additionally, the Australian Government has identified that younger Aussies (aged 18-30) are more likely to spread the disease. Importantly they are the age group that generally do casual, people-orientated jobs where workers are face to face with different customers every few minutes.

 

Wearing a face covering provides a physical barrier to block germs coming into your body through your mouth and nose. A medical face mask also works in reverse to protect any germs from your body being spread to others. It has been shown that a medical mask is a simple and effective way to prevent the spread of coronavirus, especially when compared to other coverings such as scarfs, bandanas and face shields.

 

At Biomed, we proudly hold one of Australia’s best medical grade textile ranges for reusable face masks. Using complex, sensitive fabric combinations, our designs provide maximum comfort and versatility to adequately meet the requests of any hospitality, retail or other customer-facing workers.

 

Most importantly, at Biomed, we understand many workers are required to wear face masks for long hours on their shift. Which is why we have highly tested and engineered our masks for superior quality and comfort. As a result, our masks are latex-free, allergen-free, antibacterial, breathable, stretchy and durable for maximum ease and reliability throughout the workday.

 

Our range of face masks fabrics are available 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

 

Biomed’s mission is to create high-quality medical textiles, which is why we ensure that our business operations always align with our ISO 9001 certification for quality management. Our dedication to strict Australian 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 antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties for safety and comfort. Through the prevention of germs and bacteria, the life of medical products such as CPAP masks can be prolonged, as the build-up of bacteria and germs can cause fabric that is 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 to supply medical grade fabrics for their products, which have offered superior patient comfort for decades. To find out more information on our full range of medical-grade fabrics, please contact our team of Biomed medical fabrics and materials experts on (02) 9758 3855.

How to Choose an Effective Face Mask

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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

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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.