With colder weather fast approaching, flu season will soon be upon us. Experts expect this to be a flu season like no other due to COVID-19's potential second wave. With school resuming and nationwide restrictions easing though, you've got to think about your family's health and safety as they venture back out into public.
While social distancing remains the most effective method for preventing the spread of the Coronavirus, the CDC now recommends the use of face masks for times when you can't maintain social distancing protocols.
Everyone above the age of two that doesn't have a breathing problem is strongly encouraged to wear a mask when out in public, especially if they expect to spend any time around other people in a closed-in space.
Masks have become an essential household item. Not all masks are created equal though. Today we're going to walk you through all the things you should consider when purchasing new protection face masks for your family this fall. Here are the top questions you should ask when shopping for a new mask.
1. How Durable is your protective mask?
You should know how long your new mask is expected to last. There's nothing worse than a flimsy face mask that falls apart after you clean it, or worse yet, after only a couple of uses.
When the COVID pandemic first started, everyone was walking around wearing patient masks. While patient masks are cheap and readily available, they are only designed for a limited number of uses.
People adopted cloth masks because they're more stylish, but also because they can be cleaned and reused over and over again. Like anything you throw in the wash, you can expect materials like cotton to weaken and fray over time.
That's why luminora masks are made from a tightly-knit blend of 81% polyester and 19% spandex. This adaptable hybrid fabric can be washed over and over again, and it is fade-resistant, built to look new after every wash.
2. How is the face mask made?
The layers of your mask matter. According to experts, homemade masks should contain multiple layers; the more layers, the safer the mask. Simple, homemade cloth masks cut from cotton provide a minimum layer of protection, so if you're the do-it-yourself type, you'll want to stitch in multiple layers.
That's what makes our masks so unique; they contain a single layer made of our proprietary luminology Technology. The polyester/ spandex blend offers more protection than masks made from simple cotton fabrics by default, but the benefit is more pronounced.
3. How Do I take care of the face masks?
Caring for your mask is just another thing to add to your to-do list. It's tempting to toss your used mask in the corner when you get home and forget about it. Reusable cloth masks require care though. Before purchasing a new one, ask how much care it requires.
Is it machine washable, and if so, can you throw it in with everything else, or does it have to be washed on the gentle cycle? If it's hand wash only, figure out how to dry it.
4. Is the mask breathable?
If you or your family members have to wear your protection face masks for long periods of time, like at school or work, you may have concerns over its breathability.
Consider whether the mask you're looking at is well-suited for extended periods of wear. If it's not, you might find yourself fatigued at the end of a long day of use.
luminora's masks are also temperature regulating. They will keep you from overheating in warm weather, and provide ample protection for your face during cold, winter months.
If you live in a warmer, sunnier climate don't worry; our Luminology Technology fabrics are UPF 50+ and designed to block 98% of UVA and UVB rays.
5. Is the face mask Sanitary?
The advantage of a single-use patient mask is that you throw it away when you're done. Reusable masks, however, get dirty over time. As long as the mask in question is a well-made product, a quick wash and subsequent air dry and you should be on your way.
We all forget those little steps from time to time though. Fortunately, even if you forget to wash your luminora mask, it won't smell bad. Our masks are antimicrobial, meaning they are odor resistant.
Our special proprietary yarn is infused with a forsythia-based oil that helps fight off odor-causing microorganisms.
BONUS TIP: How Does It Fit, and How Does it Look?
Masks are more than just a functional necessity; they are a brand-new fashion accessory. No discussion about purchasing a new mask would be complete without considering how that new mask looks and feels.
It's essential that your mask fits securely around your face and the straps and ear loops are comfortable. Our special blend of polyester and spandex is stretchy yet durable, and will easily adapt to the contours of your face.
If you'd prefer to make your own protection face-mask, luminora sells rolls of our proprietary fabrics so that you can create your own fashion statement from the best materials available.
For a full line of our available products, check out our product page for our selection.
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