Our masks are in high-demand right now and they are NOT stocked on shelves for immediate delivery. Your masks will ship in-que based on order date. Please allow at least FIVE to TEN BUSINESS DAYS after your order is placed before your package is shipped from our workshop (plus 3 to 4 days delivery). Thank you!
Our organic cotton face masks are made with two layers of 100% GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton Sateen (quilting fabric) and finished with 1" heavy cotton twill tape (that helps anchor the mask tighter to your face) which extends into long ties on all four sides, so you can get a custom fit. When you wash and dry the mask the first time, it will shrink about 5%, just enough to provide a snug fit around your face.
The New York Times reports: "While a simple face covering can reduce the spread of coronavirus by blocking outgoing germs from coughs or sneezes of an infected person, experts say there is more variation in how much homemade masks might protect the wearer from incoming germs, depending on the fit and quality of the material used. Tests performed at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C., showed good results for homemade masks using quilting fabric. Dr. Segal, of Wake Forest Baptist Health, who led the study, noted that quilters tend to use high-quality, high-thread count cotton. The best homemade masks in his study were as good as surgical masks or slightly better, testing in the range of 70 to 79 percent filtration.
The biggest challenge of choosing a homemade mask material is to find a fabric that is dense enough to capture viral particles, but breathable enough that we can actually wear it."
The sateen quilting fabric COZYPURE uses is a high-quality densely woven 300 single-ply thread count (and then we double the fabric), with a silky soft feel that's breathable and comfortable. BTW - Did you know 300 SINGLE ply thread count is BETTER than most 600 thread count fabrics which are usually multi-ply?
We are using the same pattern as the traditional surgical mask, and the fabric pleats allow full coverage. Our masks are washable and reusuable therefore we do NOT use elastic ties which can stretch-out and break down quickly. Like all our products, we design and produce products made to last. You can use shears to cut the ties to your preferred length if you feel they're too long.
Please note these masks are not "N95" filtering medical masks, however they may help in reducing transmission of Covid-19 to others, especially if you are a carrier with no symptoms. Wearing a mask is also a reminder to not touch your face which is important to prevent germs spreading to you. Studies now show that high quality quilting fabric, which is what we use, is one of the best fabrics to use for cloth face masks to help protect you from incoming germs. Please note that masks should not replace social distancing and frequent hand washing during this pandemic. We must practice all THREE for best results to flatten the curve. Wash your hands. Keep a 6 foot distance. Wear your mask.
Limit 5 sets per address. Handcrafted in our Norfolk, VA workshop. Face Masks are not returnable. USPS Priorty Mail cost is added at checkout (if total order is under $150).
Adult Size Pack contains TWO (2) Masks per set.
Dimensions after washing and drying: 8" w x 3.5" h (flat pleated) and 6" h with expanded pleats.
We have no-contact curbside pickup available for locals in the Hampton Roads area who would like to receive this sooner and not pay shipping.
YOU CAN TIE IT THREE WAYS
#1 - Traditionally, around top and bottom of your head
#2 - Loop and tie around your ears
#3 - Top tie over your ears and tied at base of skull - our favorite way!
PLEASE WASH AND DRY THOROUGHLY BEFORE USING
How to Wear Face Cover
Face coverings should...
* fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
* be secured with ties or ear loops
* include multiple layers of fabric
* allow for breathing without restriction
* be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
CDC ON HOMEMADE FABRIC FACE COVERS
CDC RECOMMENDS WEARING CLOTH FACE COVERINGS IN PUBLIC SETTINGS WHERE OTHER SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES ARE DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN (E.G., GROCERY STORES AND PHARMACIES), ESPECIALLY IN AREAS OF SIGNIFICANT COMMUNITY-BASED TRANSMISSION.
CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.
SHOULD CLOTH FACE COVERINGS BE WASHED OR OTHERWISE CLEANED REGULARLY? HOW REGULARLY?
Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.
HOW DOES ONE SAFELY STERILIZE/CLEAN A CLOTH FACE COVER?
A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.
HOW DOES ONE SAFELY REMOVE A USED FACE COVER?
Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.
CLEANING YOUR ORGANIC COTTON FABRIC MASK:
* Hand wash using HOT WATER and dish soap (we recommend DAWN dish liquid). Agitate, soak, and rinse well with plenty of water. Squeeze and allow to air dry thoroughly.
* Machine wash, WARM or HOT WATER, using laundry soap that does not contain fabric softeners. Air dry or machine dry on a warm cycle. If machine drying, consider using a mesh bag to prevent damage to cotton tie strings.
STORE YOUR CLEAN MASK IN AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER OR BAG FOR FUTURE USE. NEVER SHARE YOUR MASK ONCE YOU WEAR IT. THE MASK LOOKS THE SAME ON BOTH SIDES SO WE ADDED OUR LABEL AS REFERENCE. BE SURE TO ALWAYS USE THE SAME SIDE AGAINST YOUR FACE.
Additional Sanitizing Options:
In between SHORT term uses you can sanitize the mask by spritzing it on both sides with a solution of either 60% ethanol/ethyl alcohol (or greater percentage), or 70% isopropanol/isopropyl alcohol (or greater). Allow to air dry. This is NOT a substitute for washing and drying the mask after a full day of use.
