FAQ - Medical Face Mask

How do I know if a face mask is medical grade?

To be considered medical grade face mask, the mask must display an indication stating this. For example, a surgical mask or a respirator mask plus the standard it is lab-tested against. 

The Keep surgical mask is tested according to EN 14683:2019 + AC:2019.

 

What is a Keep surgical face mask made of?

The raw material is polyester PET, woven in a special way and turned into a medical, technical textile called PolyBiotech. The treatment is our secret sauce and has been developed over a year, with several laboratory tests qualifying it as a TYPE II surgical mask.

Traditional medical masks (also known as surgical masks) are:

• composed of 3 layers of synthetic nonwoven materials
• configured to have filtration layers sandwiched in the middle
• available in different thicknesses
• sold with various levels of fluid-resistance and filtration

Respirators (also known as filtering facepiece respirators – FFP) are available at different performance levels such as FFP2, FFP3, N95, N99.

Medical masks and respirator masks are similar in their protection value. However, respirators are specific for certain procedures and instances because they have a tightly fitted component to them. Respirator masks are designed to protect healthcare workers who provide care to COVID-19 patients in settings and areas where aerosol-generating procedures are undertaken. Healthcare workers should be fit tested before using a respirator to ensure they are wearing the correct size. Wearing a loose-fitting respirator will not offer the same protection to the user and may allow small particles to get inside the mask through the sides.

 

How effective is a Keep surgical face mask?

The Keep surgical mask is a TYPE II, lab-tested mask according to EN 14683:2019 + AC:2019 and complies with EEC 93/42 MDD council directive.

 

Should I wear a face and nose cover or a medical-grade face mask?

Fabric or nose covers are being banned in Europe because they do not help protect others, nor do they properly protect themselves. The policy on wearing face coverings should be in line with national or local guidelines.

 

How do I use a Keep surgical face mask correctly?

How to put the Keep face mask on and take it off safely. Most important is making sure the nose clip is bent to follow one’s nose, ensuring a snug and safe fit. This is important to protect against leakages and keeping you safer than other surgical masks

 

How long does a Keep surgical face mask last?

The PolyBiotech medical textile, which Keep is made of, can last for up to 200 years. But as time goes by, the wear will have an impact on the mask. One should replace the mask if there are signs of wear, like loose threads, holes, etc. Keep is lab tested for 15 washes.

 

How do I wear a Keep surgical face mask?

Keep is intended to cover the mouth and nose of the health professional or private person. It functions as a barrier to minimize the direct transmission of infectious agents between the professional and the patient.

 

How long can you wear a Keep surgical face mask?

We have had dentists and hospital personnel wear Keep masks for up to 12 hours during our clinical evaluations. This means that it is safe for any private person to use the mask for up to 12 hours. We recommend that you allow your nose and mouth to breathe for some time during the day without the mask.

 

How do I wash a reusable face mask?

You should rinse the mask in 30 degrees Celcius (86 F) water. Do not use washing powder or softener, and if washed in a machine, do not use the spin cycle. Ironing should be done at a high temperature after each rinse/wash or place the mask in tumble dry at a high temperature for 1 minute. Ironing or tumble dry at high temperatures are the most important actions, not the washing.

 

Are disposable surgical masks safe to wear after one hour?

Disposable masks should be worn for a very limited time. For those using disposable masks, these need to be thrown away after each use or as soon as they are damp. This typically sets in after 20 minutes.

 

What happens to a disposable surgical mask when it gets moist?

A disposable face mask begins creating fungus, which will start degrading the melt-blown filter. This is a critical protection part of the mask.

 

Is there a shelf life limit on disposable surgical masks?

Typically, the shelf limit is one year.

 

Why should I wear a face mass during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives. The use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19. Make wearing a face mask a normal part of being around other people. The appropriate use, storage, and cleaning or disposal of masks are essential to make them as effective as possible.

 

What kind of mask is recommended to prevent COVID-19 transmission?

Medical-grade masks such as surgical masks and respirator masks without valves are recommended to prevent onward transmission in the general population in public areas. This is particularly effective when distancing is not possible and in areas of community transmission. Masks may help to protect others because wearers may be infected before symptoms of the illness appear. The policy on wearing a mask or face covering should be in line with national or local guidelines. When used, masks should be worn, cared for, and disposed of properly.

 

Should children wear a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic?

WHO and UNICEF advise that children age 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults, particularly when they cannot guarantee at least a 1-meter distance from others, and there is widespread transmission in the area.

 

Are disposable surgical masks cheaper than reusable masks in the long run?

No, as you should dispose of masks after 20 minutes. So in the long run, it will be very expensive – a family in Europe typically spends 500-700 euro per month. The same family can use Keep, which will cost them roughly 120 euro per month.