The #SpreadLove Face Mask FAQ

With our combined 20+ years in textile manufacturing, design-thinking and product development and with approval from our network of doctors from highly esteemed hospitals we have developed a mask for everyday use to help potentially curtail the spread of person-to-person droplet transmission. Please note that a fabric mask is not meant to replace the efficiency of a N95 mask, however there are some studies that show wearing a fabric mask can capture up to 69% of 1 micron viruses.  Doctors in Asia have highlighted the fact that universal mask wearing had helped curtail the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Let’s do our part as a community to stop the spread of germs and #spreadlove instead. With each mask you buy we will donate a mask to our local hospital that is in need of a PPE.

FAQs

  • How do I use this mask? 
    • Insert a filter : insert a disposable HEPA filter into the pocket of the mask. You can find them easily accessible at a home-goods store. 
    • Adjust for fit: for a true seal to work, use double sided tape on the edges to ensure that air flows through the mask and not seep through the edges. 
    • Clean & sanitize: dispose of the filter after each use and wash your mask in hot water and tumble dry low. 
    • Do I need to put a filter in the mask? This is strongly recommended as fabric masks only protect you from spreading your germs to the public and from touching your face if you touch an infected area. 
  • What kind of filter should I use? You can find HEPA filters (make sure they are not made of fiberglass) at your local hardware store, a vacuum bag, even a coffee filter can work. This can provide an extra layer of filtration, see this link here for a study. Also this basic study on HEPA filters has a lot of great knowledge on what type of particulates work for a HEPA. The Covid-10 virus is 0.125 microns in size this study done by NASA shows the graph on page 7 and the preceding paragraph do a good job of explaining why HEPA filters are actually most efficient—almost 100 percent at 0.01 micron—at capturing ultrafine particles below the 0.3-micron HEPA test standard.

MORE RESOURCES FOR FURTHER READING

  • Best Materials for DIY Fabric Masks
  • Make your own DIY Fabric Mask
  • CDC Optimizing Supply of Masks through Fabric Masks
  • ASTM Standards for Medical Grade Masks
  • Alternative Filter Insert Options
  • Type of Mask Penetration Studies
  • Testing the Efficacy of Homemade Masks