What is the right mask for me?
There are many factors that contribute a decision in what makes the best mask for you. Often the primary aspects are comparing "breathability" to filtration efficiency, and how the masks fit. We can give guidance on breathability, but its harder to suggest a fit due the different sizes of faces that will be wearing the mask.
|
Metro
|
Active
|
Pleated
|
| FIT |
Very Good
|
Excellent |
Average
(lacks nose-bridge)
|
| FLOW |
Very Good |
Excellent |
Very Good |
| PFE |
Excellent |
Average |
Excellent |
| TECH |
ZioShield |
ZioShield |
ZioShield |
| PRICE |
$32 |
$25 |
$20 |
| USE |
Travel, Meetings, Commute, crowded environments |
Sports, Outdoor activities, low-risk environments |
Everyday use |
| SIZE |
8" W x 5.25" H |
8" W x 5" H |
(L) 7" W x 6" H
(S) 6" W x 6" H
|
What is important when selecting a mask?
There are 5 considerations when selecting the right mask:
1- Particle filtration efficiency (PFE): The mask needs to have 2-4 layers of low porosity fabrics to allow the filtration of small and large particles. A good mask needs to block at least 50% of particles in the size range of 250 nm to 5000 nm. The surgical (blue) mask for example only blocks around 40% of these particles. Most masks in the market have not conducted filtration studies, and many we purchased and tested show extremely poor filtration efficiency.
Also, some masks available in the market claim a high bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE). BFE is not the same thing as PFE. PFE is what matters for viruses. See other questions below.
2- Fit and comfort: The best masks need to fit well and sufficiently cover the face. A nose bridge and adjustable earloops improve the fit.
3- Breathability: The mask needs to be breathable and comfortable to wear. Multiple layers over 4 or double masking reduce the comfort and breathability without necessarily improving filtration.
4- Antiviral properties: antiviral properties allow the mask to be self-disinfecting and reduce the transmission by touching. Very few masks claims such properties, and some of them do not provide scientific data to back their claims. The ZioShield technology is the fastest technology today that inactivates viruses. Our independent lab reports are available on this site.
5- Safety: A mask should be made with comfortable fabrics that are non irritant and hypoallergenic. We recommend to avoid masks using silver and copper as these are toxic metals that have a negative impact on the environment.
Should I follow CDC guidelines?
Yes! No product can 100% guarantee safety. Claros Technologies stands behind the recommendations of the scientists and professionals at the CDC including social distancing & hand washing.
Do LOG3Masks prevent me from getting COVID?
Mask wearing, in conjunction with proper hygiene and social distancing, can help prevent the spread of the COVID-19.
How and with what frequency should I wash my LOG3Mask?
The ZioShield technology provides self-disinfecting properties. The LOG3Mask should be washed at least once a week. The CDC recommends washing cloth masks regularly.
Metro and Active masks able to be machine washed and dried on standard cycles. Pleated masks should be washed by hand and retain their best look when air-dried. We recommend following the CDC suggestion of regular washing, once a week is our suggestion.
Should I wear a mask even if I am vaccinated ?
Yes! No product can 100% guarantee safety. Claros Technologies and the LOG3Mask team stand behind the recommendations of the scientists and professionals at the CDC.
As for the vaccine, studies are still ongoing to evaluate how long the vaccine immunity lasts and if vaccinated and asymptomatic people can still be infectious. Recent studies showed that most infections are caused by asymptomatic people.
What is the difference between "antiviral" and "antimicrobial" technologies?
Viruses and bacteria are different organisms. Antimicrobial products are only tested against bacteria or fungi. To claim antiviral efficiency, products need to be tested against viruses, enveloped or non-enveloped viruses. For antiviral claims against coronavirus, the antiviral testing needs to be conducted on enveloped coronavirus surrogates. The Zio Shield Technology was tested on an enveloped alpha coronavirus as a surrogate to SARS-CoV-2 and shown to have >99.9% inactivation of the virus.
What is the difference between PFE and BFE?
Short answer: To select the best mask for coronavirus, PFE is the most important parameter. Select a mask that provides data for PFE not BFE.
Detailed answer:
PFE is Particle Filtration Efficiency. This is used to simulate virus penetration through a filter or a fabric. This test should be performed with aerosols or particles with a size range of 200 nm to 5000 nm. This range is important as most coronavirus aerosols are in that size range. Masks that show only PFE testing at one specific size are not reliable.
BFE is Bacteria Filtration Efficiency. This is used to test the penetration of bacteria through a filter or a fabric. Since bacteria have a size range of 1-10 micrometer (10-100 times larger than viruses), BFE data do not have any significance for virus filtration.
How well do the LOG3Masks filter for droplets and aerosolized viruses?
The Pleated & Metro masks have been independently tested for filtration. The particulate filtration efficiency is superior to surgical/medical masks for particle size 200nm-5um and approaches 100% for particles over 500 nm (studies showed that most coronavirus aerosols are in that size range).
What sizes are available and how do I know what size to select?
The Active & Metro masks only come in one size and work great for adults of many face sizes. The Pleated mask is available in small and large. Small is perfect for children and adults with thin, oval faces. Large is great for adults with average to wide faces. Sizing is similar to purchasing glasses - narrow faces should choose small; average & wide faces should choose large. If you're not sure, we recommend large.
