Information Regarding Covid 19

COVID-19 has impacted us all - as humans and as a community. Our sympathies and thoughts are with those who have been infected and affected by the virus. 

Due to the COVID-19 virus affecting large areas of the world, the demand for masks have spiked. At this moment we are doing everything we can to be able to provide products as soon as possible, so we can help more people around the world feel safer. We also would like to address some of the questions that we have received from customers and our community. 

Below you will find information that we hope can be helpful at this difficult time.

 

Will a mask protect you? 

Wearing a face mask is certainly not a guarantee that you won’t get sick – viruses can also transmit through the eyes and viral particles, known as aerosols, can penetrate masks. However, masks are effective at capturing droplets, which is a main transmission route of coronavirus, and some studies have estimated a roughly fivefold protection versus no barrier. If you’re showing symptoms or have been diagnosed, wearing a mask can also protect others. 

Masks are therefore crucial for health staff looking after patients and are also recommended for family members who need to care for someone who is ill – ideally, both the patient and carer should have a mask.

 Source: University of California San Francisco

 

What mask to wear? 

Most of the masks available to the public are either surgical masks or respirators. The former is intended for medical use and has the purpose to avoid airborne particles to be spread and directed away from the patient i.e. it is to prevent the direct spread. However, it does not provide the wearer with a reliable level of protection from inhaling smaller airborne particles and is not considered respiratory protection.

The latter are more industrial type masks intended to seal and properly filter out tiny particles that the wearer inhales. To protect yourself and filter airborne particles, the respirator is the way to go. 

Respirators are more industrial type masks intended to seal and properly filter out tiny particles that the wearer inhales. To protect yourself and filter airborne particles, the respirator is the way to go. N95 or higher rated filtering capacity masks reduce the wearer’s exposure to particles including small particle aerosols and large droplets (only non-oil aerosols), and filters out at least 95% of airborne particles. When properly fitted, minimal leakage occurs around edges of the respirator when the user inhales. 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Does the Urban Air Mask 2.0 protect you from being infected? 

The Airinum mask is KN95 certified (similar to the American N95) and has 98% filtering efficiency against particles down to 0.3μm in size. As such, our mask is highly effective at protecting against airborne particles. The Polygiene treatment gives additional protection as it reduces bacteria and virus in the mask material by over 99%. Yet, we want to be clear and transparent that we do not guarantee full safety against viruses. 

 

When to wear a mask?

• A mask should be worn by people who are concerned about what they are breathing and want to take higher precaution. Masks are used to filter out unwanted particles in the air, such as pollution, allergens and other airborne bugs. It is not needed to wear a mask at all times but it is a good item to wear when you are in a space with loads of other people e.g. buses, trains, flights etc. where social distancing is not easy.    

• Moreover, it is a good gesture to wear a mask to avoid spreading airborne droplets to others, especially if you are coughing or sneezing.
• Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

 

 How to use and wear a mask?

• Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• Cover mouth and nose with the mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
• Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask); if you are using a single-use mask discard immediately in a closed bin. If you are using an Airinum mask or another reusable mask wipe the filter with a tissue and place it in a storage pouch; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Source: World Health Organization