Poly cotton fitted masks:

Outer layer – The outer layer serves as the first barrier of protection. It is a 100% polyester woven fabric, with an antimicrobial and water repellent finish. The antimicrobial kills any mic robes that are deposited on the outer surface from touching or breathing, while the water repellent prevents water and oil droplets from penetrating through the outer layer.

Filter layer – The filter is a 2.4mm thick, 140gsm needle punched polyester nonwoven that provides the primary filtration of the face mask. The random orientation of the nonwoven fibres creates a fibrous web to trap particles and optimise filtration without impeding breathing. This nonwoven filter is traditionally used as one of the filtration layers in N95 masks.

Inner layer – The inner layer is a knitted polyester that has a soft finish to provide maximum comfort for wearing. It forms the third barrier of protection.

Yes, we have tested all MaskPac face masks for 30 Industrial Wash Cycles. The masks still performed as they are expected to very well. We would recommend replacing masks in less than 30-50 washes depending on condition.

The everyday mask features two layers. Our Hydrophobic mask features two layers with a pouch where a PM2.5 Filter may be added to provide extra protection, essentially applying three layers. Upon July 27 everyday masks will be upgraded.

Our cotton, poly cotton and silk masks are all made in Melbourne.  GALEGuard masks are made in Vietnam.  Lanaco BW KN95 tested masks are made in China from organic New Zealand wool fibres.  Our 3 ply disposable type III surgical masks are Australian Made.

Yes, our mask filters are washable upto 5 times each before they should be thrown away and replaced.

The World Health organisation states people should NOT wear masks when exercising, as masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably. Sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms. The important preventive measure during exercise is to maintain physical distance of at least one meter from others.

Currently we do not offer facemasks for children below the ages of three, in line with DHHS and WHO regulations.  . 

All facemasks, regardless of the material will provide some degree of increased inhalation and exhalation resistance. Facemasks are designed to create a barrier to limit airborne water particles from passing to or from your mouth or nose and this barrier will create some degree of increased airflow resistance. Multiple layers and greater filtration inherently means greater resistance to breath. A single layer paper surgical mask will for example have lower inhalation and exhalation resistance than a multi layer fabric mask. 

Your Facemask should provide a good seal on all sides to limit air from entering or escaping. If you have gaps and airflow through the side or bottom of the mask this means airborne water particles can also pass through these gaps. 

We do not recommend the use of valves for the prevention of waterborne particle protection. Valves are generally used in industry dust masks when the prevention of dust entering the mask is the goal. A valve however does not necessarily stop airborne water particles from passing out of the mask during exhalation. 

Breathing through your nose provides a powerful medical benefit that can help the body fight viral infections. The reason is that your nasal cavities produce the molecule nitric oxide, which chemists abbreviate NO, that increases blood flow through the lungs and boosts oxygen levels in the blood. Breathing in through the nose delivers NO directly into the lungs, where it helps fight coronavirus infection by blocking the replication of the coronavirus in the lungs. The higher oxygen saturation of the blood can make one feel more refreshed and provides greater endurance.

For more information go to: https://theconversation.com/the-right-way-to-breathe-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-140695

When using a mask it is important to try and breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. This will limit air turbulence and the potential for the mask to be pulled closer to the mouth.

Cloth face masks should be worn in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as in grocery stores and in areas of significant community based transmission. Masks are considered an additional measure and are not a substitute for other safe practises such as social distancing, proper hand sanitising and testing.

Sanitise hands before handling mask
Place mask over mouth and nose
Pull elastics over head for snug fit
Mould nose bridge to fit face
Do not touch your mask while wearing it
Remove the mask by lifting off without touching the front of the mask or your face. Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask. If you accidentally touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands. Wash in hot water with detergent between use and dry.

For more information on fitting masks and best practises head to the world health organisation page https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks)