How to Pick the Right Custom Mask in a World Full of Coronavirus

This is a brief synopsis of the different types of mask available

Dearly Beloved,

We are gathered here today to get through this thing called life. And how to pick the right mask for you and your team during these wild times. 

In today's post we are going to review the different types of mask available and what they can do for you. When we started FireSign Inc. 17 years ago, I had NO idea I would one day be a "MASTER OF PPE!" But yet, here we are surviving and thriving.

We are going to go through these different options to assist you in making a decision on which mask you should choose, because, this is all very brand new to most of us. 3 Months ago, I couldn't tell you the different between a N95, KN95, AK-47, you get the picture. When you finish here, we hope you are better informed citizen and you feel safer and protected. Thinking in how incorporate art into your home decor? Check the info from home art, https://www.urdesignmag.com/architecture/2020/08/19/ways-to-incorporate-art-into-your-home-decor/.

Without further ado...

In the world of mask there are 2 Main Categories. These 2 categories are: Disposable and Reusable. What does this mean? This means, you are to use the "Disposable Mask" one time. That's it, treat them like condoms, because they are equally as precious and equally as gross if you try to reuse them. Things to keep in mind with all of these mask are you want to make sure they have a "layer" of protection.

Disposable Mask- There are3 Main Types of Disposable Mask.You have the "Basic Level" which goes by several different names depending on who is offering it. For purposes here we will name it the:

"3 Ply Folding Disposable Mask". This mask actually feels nice on. It's lightweight and "breathable". It is also FDA Certified. It has "3 Layers" of protection. The outer layer is Moisture resistant non-woven fabric, 2nd layer is High Density Filtration Layer, 3rd layer is soft non-abrasive direct skin layer. 

KN95 Mask- This mask has just received FDA EUA approval for use in hospitals and front line personnel. (Because it's slim pickings globally with the N95). These are now officially a "Level II Mask". This mask features 4 or 5 layers of protection, it includes "Non Woven Fabric" front, standard filtering cotton, Meltblown, Acupuncture cotton (breathable and comfortable) (the 5 layer model has 2 layers of cotton vs 1). Self storage units reduce the risk associated with moving goods and items frequently.

N95 Mask- This is the highly sought after Medical Use mask that currently has a value right up there with gold and toilet paper. We used to have them. Eventually, we will again. However, at this time the U.S. Government has stopped all civilian sales and directed them to "Military Sales" only. 

3 Ply Folding Design, earloop face masks offer quality protection against the spread of bacteria and viruses with a bacterial efficiency (BFE) of 95%

Features 3D dimensional design, highly breathable. Elastic earloop for easy wear. 4-5 layers high efficiency filtration protection. 

5 high quality layers designed to protect you from dust, germs and infetious disease. There are also high-density micropores on each side to ensure smooth breathing.

Some disposable mask come with an "Exhalation Valve", while this may look cool, this is isn't really what you want. The challenge with the valve is that the wearer doesn't get *as much* fogging of glasses because the breathe goes out the valve. The problem now is that your co-workers or poeple around you are NOT protected because the valve let's your own possible contaminated breathe out into the surrounding area WITHOUT a filter. The whole point of social/community/non-medical mask is to protect everyone else not just the wearer and the valve negates that. This means, everyone will be enjoying your secondary hot breath that defeats the purpose of wearing the mask for mutual protection. 

Reusable mask are exactly what they say they are. You can re-use them. However, you need to wash them DAILY which maybe challenging at times. But seeing that this is a life or death situation at times, you may consider just doing what you need to do to stay safe. 

Can you make these mask yourself? Yes, yes you can. Do you want to? Unless you have a gift in sewing, this may not be the move. 

Now, the materials on the "Reusable Mask" vary. However, we have included a beautiful chart to illustrate which materials are recommended and their effectiveness. 

Hopefully, this can help you make a decision on which mask are best for you and most importantly help you win some debates you may currently be having with friends and family right now during these "These the only people I can hang out with, I'm tired of Quarantining Times". 

Currently the two most popular materials for these mask are Cotton and Polyester. Some come with a mixture of both materials. The key to these mask are, you want them to protect, but you the user also want to BREATH. If you have put on a mask recently, you can tell, not all mask are created equal. And some of these mask get REALLY HOT, not to mention, smelling your own breath becomes a very humbling experience. 

The two styles of these mask are "Top and Bottom" head straps (which I am not a fan of at all) and the "Ear Straps" (I prefer these, they are easier to get on and off). This really comes down to personal preference.

You also have the option of the mask having a "Filter" or "No Filter". Does the filter help more? Yes, an extra layer of protection is always beneficial. However, you also have to "replace" the filters or it defeats the purpose. Thankfully, you can use a regular coffee filter or other "filter material" to insert into it. 

Each one of these mask works, it truly comes down to personal preference of the individual

Ear loop of this mask is adjustable, you can freely change the length. One size fits MOST. Washable & Reusable. 

Min order only 50 Units | $4.30 per unit INCLUDES 1 color imprint. 

If you get 500, price drops to $2.75 per unit. 

Made in the USA. Two Layer Construction. Soft and Breathable Fabric. Material: 2 Ply 95% Polyester 5% Cotton. Washable and Reusable. One Size Fits Most Adults. All Sales Final - No Returns The mask should not be used in any surgical setting or where significant exposure to liquid, bodily or other hazardous fluids, may be expected; in a clinical setting where the infection risk level through inhalation exposure is high; or in the presence of a high-intensity heat source or flammable gas. Complies with ASTM, CPSIA, FDA, Prop 65. 7.25" W x 4.9375" H  

Anti-Pollution Mask. Two Layers of Polyester Fabric with Ear loops and filter pocket. 

Min Order 100 Units | $3.97 per unit. Price INCLUDES Full Color imprint. 

If you get 500 units, price goes down to $3.00 per unit

In Conclusion, we hope we have given you a little insight on what's available to you and the different mask options to choose from. 

IF, you want to party with us. Sign Up for our Newsletter and Deals Below. We promise don't spam. But we do send out pretty cool stuff. 

We carry just about every mask you may need. If you have any questions. Just send us an email info@firesigninc.com. We are here to help...and we have been playing with all these different mask. So now, we know our stuff! 🙂 

We carry all items PPE, from Face Shields to Hand Sanitzer, to Gloves, to entire kits for your staff and team.