Should I wash my mask & sanitise my filter before I use it for the first time?
Yes you should. Your mask has already been washed & the utmost care has been taken to ensure that everything has been packed in a sterile environment throughout the complete production process. However, for your own peace of mind, we recommend washing your mask & sanitising your filter as an added precaution before its first use.
NOTE: We have also included a handy laundry bag to pop your mask into while it is going through the wash, so after removing your filter place it in the bag supplied & tie close.
How often should I wash my mask & sanitise my filter?
During use, viruses & bacteria can stick to the mask, so it is recommended to wash after each use, however you should wash your mask & sanitise your filter at least once a day.
How do I sanitise my filters?
The best & easiest way to sanitise your filters is by using a stovetop vegetable steamer following the process listed below.
– Add 3cm of water to the lower chamber of the steamer & bring to a vigorous boil.– Place the filters in the upper chamber & steam for 15 minutes.
– Ensure you sanitise your hands before handling clean filters.
– Remove the filters from the steamer & remove any excess moisture by sandwiching between 2 sheets of paper towel.
– Place the filters on top of a clothes horse to air dry.
– Once the filters are dry, store them in the zip lock bag provided.
Do not wash the filter in the washing machine or dry in a dryer, only use the above method.
How do I wash my mask?
Always make sure that you have removed the filters prior to washing your mask. You can wash your mask in the washing machine with your regular wash, but a temperature of at least 60 degrees is recommended. You can also wash your mask by hand by scrubbing vigorously for at least 20 seconds using hot water and soap. Ensure that you rinse thoroughly to remove all soap. The mask can be tumble dried on high temperature or air dried.
NOTE: We have also included a handy laundry bag to pop your mask into while it is going through the wash, so after removing your filter place it in the bag supplied & tie close.
How do I insert and remove the filters?
Before touching a clean filter ensure you have sanitised your hands and that you are inserting the filter into a clean mask.
Carefully insert the filter into the mask so that it is spread out as flat and evenly as you can. The filter will form some loose folds in order to follow the shape of the mask, but avoid allowing the filter to create hard creases by avoiding applying pressure to the mask or placing items on top of the mask.
Once inserted, the filters should completely cover your mouth and nose.
When inserting and removing the filters from the mask, the filter must not be subjected to any tension. Avoid readjusting the filter position within the mask while wearing the mask. Avoid any mechanical stress, even on the outside of the mask.
How should I remove/handle my mask?
You should always remove your mask using the elastic around your ears. You should avoid touching the fabric of the mask & if you do, you should sanitise your hands afterwards.
Community Coverings also recommend that you utilise the supplied mask sleeve / holder when the mask is not in use, or alternatively a snap lock bag. If using a snap lock bag throughout the day to store your mask please ensure to change the snap lock bag daily as well – ideally at the same time that you sanitise & clean your mask!
How does the filter work?
Our Community Coverings masks have a certified filter membrane (type N95) with hydrophobic properties and microporous structure. Despite the high filtration efficiency of up to 95%, they are particularly breathable and suitable for long wearing.
The filter consists of a hard-wearing, hydrophobic polymer film with nano-pores, which is supported on both sides by a polyester/polypropylene fleece. For mechanical stabilisation all three layers are thermally welded at selected points. The nanoporous filter membrane blocks particles by size exclusion. Particles above a certain diameter are simply retained by the smaller nanopores. This means that this filter does not lose its efficiency in retaining particles even through moisture and can be worn for longer.
Type of Filter
Cotton Cloth
1 Layer of Paper Tissue
1 Layer of Paper Towel
Standard Mask FFP1
Standard Mask FFP2
Standard Mask N95
CC Filter Material
Standard Mask FFP3
Standard Mask N100
Filter Efficiency @ 300nm (0.3μm)
8.7%
45.8%
73.7%
80%
94%
95%
95-98%
99.95%
99.97%
How often can the filter be reused?
How often the filter can be cleaned & reused depends on the handling. The material itself is not sensitive to the above mentioned sanitising process however mechanical stress and soiling limit the filter’s lifespan. The lifetime of the filter depends on the environment in which the mask is used & the handling of the filter. In dusty & dirty environments, the pores of the filter are increasingly closed. This does not reduce efficiency, but increases breathing resistance. Frequent replacement & sanitisation of the filter & the resulting mechanical stress on the filter can cause damage to the filter membrane over time. When the filter shows visible mechanical damage such as cracks, kinks, folds or loosening thermoweld seams, it must be replaced.
