FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When will my mask be shipped?

We’re aiming to ship customer orders in 1-4 Business days, and we are moving as quickly as we can to manufacture, package, and deliver every single order. Thank you for helping us make this possible.

How do I use the mask?

1. Insert a filter into the inside of your mask.
2. Pull the mask straps around your ears. 
3. A tight fit is a good fit. Check for excess airflow and tighten the mask as needed.
4. Replace the filter after each use; discard soiled filters.

Do I need to use a filter with this mask?

Definitely yes. Each kit includes 1 for starters, and you can get 5-pack refills from us right here too.

What are the specifications of the filters are we using?

MASKIN's masks are not medical devices. They are general-purpose masks.

Our filters are made from four layers of material: an outer spunbond nonwoven polypropylene layer to block initial large particles, dust, and liquid droplets. A double layer of very fine, electrostatically charged melt-blown nonwoven fabric to block finer dust particles, bacteria, and virus-carrying droplets, and an enclosing inner layer of spunbond polypropylene to block exhaled droplets.

Melt-blown fabrics are available in a variety of densities with different filtration efficacies. We require a >40g per square meter density for the double melt-blown fabric layer, which supports a PFE (Particle Filtration Efficiency) over 95% at 0.3 microns and a BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) over 99% for particles at 3.0 microns.

According to CDC guidance, SARS-CoV-2 (novel coronavirus) is thought to spread through person-to-person contact and through respiratory droplets. Though the size of the individual virus particle is about 0.1 microns, respiratory droplets are many times that diameter. Therefore, filtration efficiencies measured at 0.3μm PFE and 3.0μm BFE may provide acceptable protection against the spread of COVID-19. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA, and is intended as a general statement about filtration efficiencies rather than a statement of efficacy regarding any specific filter.

Furthermore, it is reasonable to assume that appropriately tested multi-layer nonwoven filters and non-permeable platinum silicone will provide superior protection to non-medical cloth mask barriers that the CDC is currently recommending for public settings.

PM2.5 filters pass the following test standards, with specific results listed below:
YY/T 0969-2013: BFE 99.7% filter efficiency
GB/T 32610-2016: PFE 92.6% filter efficiency for 1 layer (we are using 2 electrostatic layers)
GB2626: >95% at 0.3 microns

All of that effectiveness of course depends on a good fit, which is why we are including a clip to fit the mask behind your head if the fit of the mask behind your ears isn’t enough.

This is a general-purpose mask and filter and provides general-purpose protection. Please use your best judgment for wear and care. We are not medical professionals. We are doing our best to interpret, with no claims to medical accuracy or efficacy, the test results provided by our materials suppliers. We are seeking FDA evaluation of our mask kit, and until otherwise stated only offer this product as a general-purpose mask, not a medical device.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

What can I use if I run out of the filters? Can I make my own filters?

In moments like this, anything is better than nothing. We recommend using a certified filter wherever possible, but you can make your own filter out of HEPA filters, vacuum cleaner bags, or air purifier/conditioner filters. If you choose to use HEPA material to cut your own filter, please Google the latest research as some content is coming out that points to the possibility inhaling of harmful particles from certain HEPA materials. We're not doctors and we're just following what's being recommended by authorities. Two weeks ago, common thought was that some HEPA materials were good for homemade filters. Please use your best judgment and educate yourself. What we can promise is that the 99.7% BFE, >95% PFE filters we provide are lab-tested and certified. Beyond that, we're just offering helpful information with no claims to efficacy or implied expertise.

When/where should I wear this mask?

For the duration of the pandemic, you should endeavor to wear a mask when you’re outside, in a public place, or exposed to others. The CDC’s new guidance encourages individuals to wear masks or homemade face coverings in public settings like grocery stores; we’re all adapting to this as a society. Importantly, wearing a mask can prevent you from unknowingly spreading disease in public if you are infected but asymptomatic. You can read more here and reference the CDC’s latest guidance at their website here: https://www.cdc.gov/media/index.html

Can these be returned? 

These masks are personal use items and cannot be refunded, returned, or exchanged for any reason. Thanks for understanding!

How many times can I use a filter?

Use each filter once, and discard when soiled. The filter is good for a full day under normal conditions (e.g. not in a smoke storm), but use your best judgment; if you think you’ve been exposed, be conservative and discard the filter. If you’ve taken a morning walk down a quiet street, you can probably use it again to go to the grocery store later.

Is this mask one size fits all?

One size fits most, with the straps behind your ears. 

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