Protective Face Masks
Federal health officials have now recommended that we cover our faces with MASKS during the corona-virus pandemic. But what material offers the most protection?
According to the The Center for Disease Control and Prevention while a simple face covering can reduce the spread of corona virus by blocking outgoing germs from coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
However, there is variation in how much homemade masks might protect the wearer from incoming germs, depending on the fit and quality of the material used.
WHY USE OUR MASKS?
⁃ Antimicrobial (odor resistant)
- Moisture impermeable (protects from respiratory droplets)
⁃ Temperature regulating (allows for comfort no matter the climate)
⁃ Soft and lightweight (allows for comfort and ease)
⁃ Breathable (you can breathe comfortably)
⁃ UPF 50 + (blocks 98% of harmful UVA/UVB rays)
⁃ Quick drying (air dries in less than 30 minutes)
⁃ Fade resistant (looks new wash after wash)
- Fabric Contents 81% Polyester, 19% Spandex
Where can the public buy Masks?
You may purchase your masks on the shop section of our website.
For every mask purchased, one will be donated to a front line worker in need. If you are a front line worker/organization in need email us a picture of your medical Id/badge and your shipping address and we will ship you a complimentary mask.
Email all inquiries to Info@luminora.com
Moreover, Now Available at Brookville Pharmacy in:
5454 Wisconsin Ave. #400
Chevy Chase, MD
20815
Where can Wholesalers or Organizations purchase masks in bulk?
We are currently taking bulk pre-orders for our protective face mask (minimum 200). We can also brand the masks with your own logo. Current lead time 2-3 weeks. Place your orders here.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR ME TO GET MY SHIPMENT?
Once you receive a shipping confirmation email, it may take USPS 2-10 days to deliver your parcel. As of May 2020, USPS states on their website that delivery is delayed due to the limited transportation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
If an item is back-ordered, please check the item description for a possible restock date. Keep in mind that our manufacturers and couriers are also experiencing high demand and delays due to the pandemic. Please be kind and patient as we are doing our best to get those masks to you!
What happens if the mask does not fit?
Getting a perfect fit when online-shopping is not easy, and mask fit is so dependent on face shape and size. Please note the first line of masks were developed in response to CDC's guidelines that everyone wears a cloth face mask.
We created our masks in unprecedented turnaround time and did our best to put masks in the hands of those who could not get them anywhere else. If you find that your masks are a bit loose around the ears, you can try tying a small knot at the end of each ear loop.
We have now improved our designs to address the sizing issues and have expanded our range of sizes. We have also updated our size chart to be more precise as possible.
Please make sure to refer to this chart and measure carefully before placing an order. Please note: due to the nature of the pandemic, we cannot accept returns or exchanges on masks.
How can your single-layered fabric protect me?
Our fabric, Luminology Technology ® is thick and so tightly knit that it is water repellent! (try pouring a small amount of water inside the mask without it seeping out).
This feature protects those around you from respiratory droplets from sneezing and coughing. At the same time, it is breathable and soft, with enough stretch to conform to your face.
Moreover, the yarn in our knit fabric is infused with a proprietary blend of naturally-occurring oils that, aside from giving it a high UV protection (UPF 50+) give it anti-bacterial properties that keep odors away.
Our masks are not intended for medical use, but they have been tested in a lab to have a 46 % filtration rate (NaCl filtration efficiency) which is three times as much as a cotton mask and approaches the filtration efficiency of a surgical mask.
How long do the functional properties on your fabric last?
The yarn of our Luminology Technology® fabric is infused with a plant-based oil, derived from forsythia, which gives the fabric its performance and functional properties. These properties last wash after wash.
Can I create my own mask?
Yes! Many states impacted by Covid-19 have started urging everyone to start to wear face masks when in public. Unfortunately, due to the shortage in medical supplies, specifically medical masks, all non-healthcare workers are advised to either purchase or create homemade protective masks.
Sewn Cloth Face Covering
Materials Needed
- Two 10”x6” rectangles of fabric
- Two 6” pieces of elastic (or rubber bands, string, cloth strips, or hair ties)
- Needle and thread (or bobby pin)
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
Tutorial
- Cut out two 10-by-6-inch rectangles of fabric. Use tightly woven fabrics (Luminology Technology). Stack the two rectangles; you will sew the mask as if it was a single piece of fabric.
- Fold over the long sides ¼ inch and hem. Then fold the double layer of fabric over ½ inch along the short sides and stitch down.
- Run a 6-inch length of 1/8-inch wide elastic through the wider hem on each side of the mask. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle or a bobby pin to thread it through. Tie the ends tight. Don’t have elastic? Use hair ties or elastic head bands. If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the mask behind your head.
- Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the mask on the elastic and adjust so the mask fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping.
Quick Cut T-shirt Face Covering (no-sew method)
Materials
- Tightly woven fabric
- Scissors
Bandana Face Covering (no-sew method)
Materials
- Fabric (approximately 20”x20”)
- Coffee filter
- Rubber bands (or hair ties)
- Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth)
Disclaimer
We do not claim that our Luminology Technology fabrics completely protect or prevent you from contracting or transmitting COVID-19, other viruses or bacteria. The use of our fabrics (or masks ) are only barriers to confine droplets from sneezing or coughing.
Our fabrics/masks only act as a barrier between you and the outside world. This is a great way to protect your mouth and face from any external hazards such as smoke, dust, ash, pollen, allergy, germs, fog and haze and vehicle exhaust.
As with all health decisions, please consult with your trusted medical professional to determine whether our fabrics/masks are compatible to your personal medical needs. We make no medical claims with regard to the usage of our fabrics or masks.
Click to read information from the CDC about barriers for prevention.