RA Studio Designer Dust Protection Embroidery Mask Cotton Reusable

We Make Cloth Masks More Fashionable and Yet Functional

Lets not forget, sun glasses and hats once started out only to protect ourselfs from the harsh sun rays. It was only after designers made it more fashionable did they become a fashion statement. Perhaps cloth masks are now heading on a similar path in this “post COVID-19 world”, but fashion does not come at the cost of the functionality of a product.

What do cloth masks protect us from?

A simple cloth mask helps prevent the spread of a virus, if you are infected, and also it helps prevent contracting a virus, if you are not infected. The logic is really simple; a virus in your respiratory system spreads when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The virus travels in the tiny droplets of your sneeze or cough and can stay in the air (droplets are really light) for many hrs. altogether. However, if the infected person was wearing a simple cloth mask, the virus does not spread as much as it would without a cloth mask. If you couple this with the non-infected person also wearing a cloth mask, the chances of the virus spreading comes down drastically. We will deliberately note quote any numbers here as our article is a result of other experts doing their research. The links are provided in this article for you to validate!

What are the functional qualities of a good cloth face mask?

The science is clear, masks protect us from spreading and catching infectious viruses such as COVID-19 (coronavirus). However, it is important for all of us to be aware of what are the different types of masks out there and the properties of each one of those. We should be well read about what a good functional mask has and what to expect from the various types of masks out there in the market.

The Types of Masks

Two medical grade of masks; N99 and N95

These are specialized medical grade masks that are advised for front-line health workers. That is obviously because these two masks are the most effective at filtering viral particles from the air, and hence gives strong protection to our health workers who come in close proximity to infectious patients.

Both these masks seal tightly around the nose and mouth. Therefore very few viral particles can seep in or out of these medical graded masks. These masks also contain tangled fibres that filter the airborne pathogens. A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, evaluated more than 10 masks and concluded that the N99 masks reduced a health workers risk of infection by 94 to 99 percent after 20 minutes of exposure. The N95 masks offered almsot as much protection.

Disposable surgical masks

These are the next best masks available to a health worker in the front lines during a pandemic if they do not have access to the medical graded masks, N99 and N95.

Cloth Masks – Cotton or Silk

While the N99, N95 and surgical masks are really effective at filtering viruses, these masks are not advised for the general public by WHO. WHO recommends the general public to be wearing a cloth (fabric) mask that have three layers. The inner layer that absorbs, a middle layer that helps filter, and then an outer layer.

There are studies, some still pending peer review, that found that a three layered mask of either 100% cotton or slilk, is just as protective as a medical-grade mask.

Which Mask Should I Be Wearing?

If you are a not a medical worker, or someone who does not, for long duration, come in contact with coronavirus, COVID-19, or similar infectious virus patients, then a simple three layered cloth mask made of cotton or silk is sufficient. It is highly advised that the general public does not hoard medical grade masks as the lack of these masks will only put or front-line health workers at serious risk.

What Are The Functional Qualities of a RA Studio Produced Cloth Mask

All RA Studio Cloth masks are designed keeping in mind the above guidelines from health institutions. Our Masks are made of cotton and have a minimum of 3 layers. The fitting of the mask is designed to give you high comfort, while still covering your nose, mouth and chin. This covering ensures that there is maximum filtering of the air that you breath.

3 Layers

All our Masks are at least 3 layers

Cotton

Cotton is the primary fabric used with a polyester fabric as the middle layer

Since our masks are made from cotton, they are also reusable. However, we recommend that you wash your masks with the normal detergent you use daily before wearing the mask again. We also recommend that you put on and take off your mask by only touching the elastic band around the ears and not touching the mask itself. If you do touch the mask directly, ensure you sanitize or wash your hands as per the WHO guidelines for washing your hands.

Thank you for reading! This article is curtsy or research done on other official resources. Please read more here

-RA Studio


start your 3 layer designer cotton masks shopping here