FAQs
COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Masks
Do face masks help prevent COVID-19 infection?
Social distancing is the most effective way to ‘flatten the curve’, 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 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 masks do not guarantee 100% protection for the wearer, they can considerably reduce the likelihood of infection when used correctly.
We recommend the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask designed to filter out infections.
What is the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask ?
The COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask is a respirator mask (FFP2 form) which helps 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 94% 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 respirator 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, respirator masks effectively help block up to 94% of airborne particles and liquids, including small virus-filled droplets. Because we know that COVID-19 spreads through tiny virus filled droplets, the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask is more effective than surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, respirator type masks such as the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask 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 respirator masks conforms to the Europe-wide EN 149 standard, which offers verified protection from avian flu, SARS, tuberculosis and a variety of other respiratory infectious agents.
Is COVAFLU™ Flu Mask FFP2 or FFP3?
There are two classifications of respirator masks FFP2 and FFP3 , which filter up to 94% and 99% of particles respectively. The more particles that need to be filtered, the greater the number of filter material layers. Currently during the Coronavirus pandemic, Covaflu is suppling FFP3 only to healthcare professionals and FFP2 to consumers.
How much protection does the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask offer?
Not all masks are equally effective or suitable. Respirator masks like the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask have more filter material layers than surgical face masks, which means that they can filter up to 94% of small droplet-sized airborne particles.
Our FFP2 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 respirator 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™ High Filter Disposable Face Masks uses 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: In many European countries such as Austria, face masks are now a requirement for entering shops and other public areas.
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 the COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Mask , 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.
Do you ship overseas?
Covaflu can be shipped within the EU. However, this will depend on lockdown restrictions imposed by local governments. Only UK shipments can be shipped with tracking information. You can also buy Covaflu in a number of countries on Amazon including, the United States, Japan, Canada and India.
Where are the elastic bands?
The FFP2 mask is supplied in an enclosed and sealed polybag. For one of our models, once you take the mask out of the polybag, you must carefully pull apart the mask to reveal the elastic bands which are concealed inside will appear.
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.
This video should clarify this: https://vimeo.com/500793790
Can I wash the mask?
We strongly recommend that you do NOT wash this mask. Covaflu is 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 follow instructions on the returns page:
https://www.covaflu.com/returns-refunds
Why has my order has not arrived?
All orders are shipped via Royal Mail using the Tracked 48 service. However, in the current situation there can be some unexpected delays. If your order doesn’t arrive within 7 working days, please contact us and one of our team members will get your masks to you.
Why is my mask different from my last order?
If your Covaflu Face Mask looks a little different from a previous order, this because Covaflu sources from different suppliers to meet the high demand for face masks. However, ALL our masks meet all the necessary accreditation.
Where can I buy COVAFLU™ High Filter Disposable Face Masks?
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.