FAQs
COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Masks
Do face masks help prevent COVID-19 infection?
Social distancing is the most effective way to reduce the spread, but it may not be enough to prevent infection by droplets, which can travel up to 2m with a cough and 8m with a sneeze. As face masks protect the mouth and nose, they can play a significant role in stopping the spread of this disease.
Because COVID-19 symptoms do not show up right away, someone with no symptoms can be infectious, so it pays for everyone to be careful around other people.
While face masks do not guarantee 100% protection for the wearer, they can considerably reduce the likelihood of infection when used correctly.
We recommend Covaflu Face Masks.
What is the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask?
Covaflu Face Masks help prevent viruses from entering through the mucous membranes of the mouth and nostrils. This unique face mask has been specifically designed for the public to use in a pandemic virus outbreak such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
How does the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask work?
Designed to meet World Health Organization guidelines, the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask is made up of multiple layers of filter material which filter out at least 95% of small particles, including liquids. Covaflu Face Mask is therefore effective at helping to reduce the spread of virus-sized droplets.
How does the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask differ from surgical face masks?
The two main types of mask are surgical face masks (simple face masks) and masks such as Covaflu Face Mask.
Surgical face masks only offer protection against large-particle droplets and are unable to filter out smaller particles, such as the tiny virus-filled droplets spread by coughs and sneezes. In contrast, Covaflu Face Masks effectively help block out at least 95% of airborne particles and liquids, including small virus-filled droplets. Because we know that COVID-19 spreads through tiny virus filled droplets, Covaflu Face Masks are more effective than surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, Covaflu Face Masks offer a tighter-fitting seal than surgical face masks, which are not designed to fit closely to the face. As such, contamination due to lack of an effective seal is more likely with surgical face masks.
Is the protective function of the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask verified?
The protective function of Covaflu Face Masks is compliant with the KN95 standards according to the GB2626 2006 test method.
How much protection does the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask offer?
Not all masks are equally effective or suitable. Covaflu Face Masks have more filter material layers than surgical face masks, which means that they can filter at least 95% of small droplet-sized airborne particles.
Our masks meet all the requirements which outline the level of filtration that masks must have to be effective in protecting against viral infections.
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/documents/advice-on-the-use-of-masks-2019-ncov.pdf
A number of studies have shown that Covaflu style face masks with a fine particle filter offer protection. A study of 290 people showed that participants who wore a face mask around people infected with various types of respiratory viruses reduced their risk of catching an infection by 60% to 80%. This study analysed virus spread when one family member most often a child had contracted a virus causing cold or flu symptoms, and other family members wore a mask around them.
What are the advantages of the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask?
While face masks can feel uncomfortable, it’s important to avoid repeatedly adjusting the mask. Mask adjustment of course involves touching the face, which could lead to droplets being passed on to the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes.
We have therefore designed Covaflu Face Mask to maximise function and comfort. You can customise the fit when you first put it on so that it sits closely to your face, creating a tight seal to reduce your chances of exposure to droplets. Furthermore, the soft inner layer is designed with comfort in mind.
Unlike surgical face masks, Covaflu Face Masks use electrostatic technology to allow easy breathing while preventing particles from getting in.
When do I need to use the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask?
The World Health Organization’s guidelines on mask use:
For healthy people, wear a mask only if you are taking care of a person with suspected COVID-19.
Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning.
If you wear a mask, you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
Guidance is continually changing:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
How long can I wear the Covaflu Face Mask for?
The Covaflu Face Mask is designed for single use and can be worn for a maximum of 8 hours. After use, the mask must be removed carefully and disposed of. If you wore the mask for 2 hours, it would technically still have 6 hours use left in it; however we discourage ‘splitting’ the use period too much as the more you remove and refit the mask the more you touch your face.
How do I dispose of the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask?
These masks are designed to be disposable, so you can use it when at risk, for a maximum of 8 hours, then bin it.
To dispose of Covaflu Face Masks, untie the mask from behind and remove the mask by handling the ties only. It is very important to avoid touching the front of the mask. Throw the mask immediately into a bin which can be closed afterwards. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you have disposed of the mask.
What are the ‘holes’ in the mask?
The layers of the mask are ’sonically welded’ together and thus parts of the mask that appear to be holes are technically impermeable and there is no airflow through these parts of the mask.
This creates a transparent film-like appearance so that the mask can create a seal around the face and help protect the wearer.
Watch this video for more information:https://vimeo.com/500793790
Can I wash the mask?
We strongly recommend that you do NOT wash this mask. Covaflu Face Masks are designed for single use only. Washing the mask will most likely damage the filtration method and reduce your level of protection.
Can I return my order?
If for any reason you are unhappy with your purchase and would like to return the order please email us at info@covaflu.com
My Covaflu Mask looks slightly different?
The text on our masks is now being printed on the alternate side of the mask.
References
World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When to use a face mask. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks. 6 Apr 2020.