What is a Medical Face Mask?

Medical masks are single-use masks which need to be duly discarded every day.

What is a Fabric Face Mask?

Fabric masks are re-usable. Fabric face masks need to be washed with warm water after every use. Filters within the face mask cannot be washed, these are to be discarded. The filters will need to be replaced prior to wearing the complete face mask again.

Fabric face masks must also be considered in busy settings like when travelling in public transport, shared taxis, Ubers and trains, in workplaces, in grocery stores and other crowded environments.

Who should wear which mask, how and when?

The type of mask that one is using depends on the level of protection they are looking at and their underlying health conditions.

Medical masks are also known as surgical masks. These should be worn by health care and medical workers at hospitals and clinics, those caring for patients, people who have COVID-19 symptoms, people who are taking care of someone suspected or confirmed with COVID-19, persons over the age of 60 and those who have underlying health conditions.

 Fabric face masks are also known as non-medical masks; they should be worn by people in public places where a distance of two metres cannot be maintained, in areas where COVID-19 is widespread.

Do MASKiT masks meet certain standards?

MASKiT masks are non-medical fashion masks. They are not medical grade and this is indicated on the packaging.

What is a PM 2.5 mask filter?

PM 2.5 filters are shown to be effective in blocking the vast majority of airborne particulates, even the very smallest nanoparticles. Carbon filter and water resistant layers are the best protection on the market without being medical grade. Each filter lasts up to 60 hours continual wear or a month, whichever comes first. The PM 2.5 name comes from these filters' original use as protection against particulate.

What is the filter made of?

The filter composition is 38% waterproof non-woven fabric, 38% Melt-blown, 24% Activated carbon. The PM2.5 Filter has 5 layers of defence.

Where can I purchase PM 2.5 filters?

Filters are available from all MASKiT retailers.

How long would a PM 2.5 filter last?

Filters are recommended to be replaced regularly based on use. It is suggested that the PM 2.5 filter be replaced each month or after every 60 hours of use, whichever occurs first. 

Is a PM 2.5 mask and N95 the same?

N95 is a related mask that can filter out 95% of dust and particles in the air, while the PM 2.5 is the fine particulate matter itself that is the air pollutant that people are concerned about.

Are they machine washable?

Yes, MASKiT masks are machine washable at 60 degrees as recommended by the DHHS guidelines. They can also be washed by hand. The PM 2.5 filters are not washable - these are disposable.