Description
How does the mask protect against viruses, bacteria and odour?
The mask is made of 3 layers.
1st Layer: Water repellent fabric with Polygiene “ViralOff” treatment. This is certified to kill 99% of viruses (like hepatitus, Influenza, Corona) and other bacteria
ViralOff treatment is a Swedish technology from the company Polygiene. Aropec is entitled to use the ViralOff mark as we have licensed the technology. Polygiene has tested the active ingredient against Influenza A, BirdFlu, Norovirus and Corona (SARS) over the years, and in all cases, have achieved 99% levels of virus reduction.
It is certified to the ISO18184:2019 standard, which involves a test that can be made for any specific product for effect in the two hours timespan, where it has to reduce the virus over 99%, to pass.
2nd Layer: Non-woven fabric with dust and particles filtration. Non-woven fabric is used in surgical masks and is proving to be more effective at capturing respiratory droplets than cloth based masks or PM2.5 masks. Unlike other pollution masks, there is no need to purchase separate filters as the filter is sewn inside the mask for perfect seal. The mask lasts for 50 washes, approximately 4-5 months of regular use.
3rd Layer: Soft, moisture-absorbing and breathable fabric treated with Silver Ion Polygiene. Again, the Polygiene treatment captures and breaks down unpleasant odours, and is certified antibacterial, meaning it can protect the user from bacteria and transmission of droplets.
The Polygiene treated fabric is certified antibacterial by IMSL (Industrial Microbiological Serives Ltd), to the International Biodeterioration Research Group (IBRG) Tier 1 Textile Method, as shown below.
The Method determine the basic antibacterial properties of textiles and porous materials and articles treated with a biocide with the intension of introducing disinfectant / hygienic properties. Samples are inoculated with defined suspensions of microorganisms and then incubated. The changes in the size of the populations both over time and on treated compared with untreated materials are used to describe the basic antimicrobial properties of the materials. The results show that the treated material retain over 99% of its original qualities and therefore is certified antibacterial.
For a hands-on demonstration and to see the water repellent feature of the mask, please see the below video.
Independently reviewed
Aropec has been independently reviewed on a number of websites focusing on air quality and the role of masks. Please see their reviews below for further information:
A comparison of the Aropec mask against Adidas’ reusable mask has also been made by TyKix, an independent reviewer of athletic products. See Ty’s YouTube review.
Frequently asked questions
Will the size fit me?
The Aropec mask comes in an universal kids size that will fit the vast majority of children between 4-11 years old. It measures 12.5cm from the nose tip to the bottom of the mask and 18cm across the side of the mask. Children with slightly smaller faces will find the mask covering deeper in the chin area. The fit can be adjusted by loosening or tightening the ear loops which is to be tied by the user. The knot of the ear loops can be hidden with the mask itself for a clean look.
How often should I wash the mask?
Frequency of washing depends on usage length and use case. If you are mainly using it outside then it can be washed twice or even once a week but if you are using it for a more prolonged period inside then you should wash it every time you go home from that event. It is recommended to have at least 2 masks to alternate between, to allow the masks to be properly sanitised between uses.
How do I wash the mask?
Can I use the mask after 50 washes?
After 50 washes, the performance efficacy of the antiviral and antibacterial properties of the mask will fall below its certified amount. However, it would still be antiviral and antibacterial compared to regular cotton reusable masks, and therefore can still be used.
Will viruses still be able to pass through the 3 layers of the mask?
It is a complex area where more lab test will need to be conducted. No mask will provide 100% protection and this mask is not intended as replacements for the N99 respiratory masks.
The outer layer will help to capture respiratory droplets and there is additional protection as the middle layer is made from non-woven mesh, similar to the materials used in making surgical masks. What cannot be guaranteed are the tiny airborne particles that are in the air in poorly ventilated indoor scenarios where there is a lot of shouting, singing, etc. This is an area of ongoing research where the WHO is still hesitant to provide official guidance even on the transmissibility of the virus. So that situation should be avoided altogether if the aim is to minimise risk of infection – such as going to concerts, singing classes, indoor religious gatherings, or any large indoor social situations.
DISCLAIMER: This mask is not a certified medical mask and should not be used as a substitute or as replacements of N99 respirator masks. Like all masks it provides a degree of protection against viruses such as COVID-19 but no mask can guarantee that an individual is not infected.
Reviews
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