Common Queries
Who are we?
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We are a Midlands UK based supplier stocking PPE face masks and respirators.
Our aim is to offer an easy, efficient ordering and delivery service for essential PPE when it is needed most.
Through our strong international supply chains, we are able to provide high quality and fully certified CE (European standard) and/or NIOSH (USA standard) PPE face masks. We have offered products to NHS and supplied local doctors’ surgeries and CCG.
Now the NHS has an adequate continuous supply of PPE we are now offering our supplies to the general public, health care professionals (e.g. Dentists) and other businesses that are finding it hard to source PPE.
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Why are the prices of face masks high?
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The prices of all PPE products are currently high, due to a number of reasons:
· The cost of air freight has increased, largely due to the cancellation of most passenger flights, on which cargo is also carried.
· Extreme demand has seen the price of raw materials used in the manufacture of PPE increase, from polymer fibres (used in the production of face masks and gowns), to ethanol (used in the production of hand sanitiser).)
· Operational changes brought about by Covid-19 mean that factories are unable to run at full capacity – they are producing far less but their fixed costs fallen little. This has meant they have had to increase their usual prices to sustain their businesses.
· Many manufacturers and suppliers have been offered very high prices by Governments and large organisations for exclusive access to PPE. This has created a bidding war and pushed prices up.
· We are hopeful that the supply side of PPE will improve in the coming weeks and months and that prices will continue to fall. We are working closely with our suppliers on reducing costs and air freight so that we can keep our prices as low as possible.
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How do you wear a face mask safely?
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Click the links below for some helpful guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on how to (and how not to!) wear face masks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adB8RW4I3o4&feature=emb_title
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What is the difference between the masks you sell?
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The masks we sell fall primarily into two categories, respirators and non-respirators.
Respirators are manufactured from specialist fabrics that filter out harmful particles from the air. Some of these masks may also contain a valve to allow better air flow in & out of the mask, reducing heat and humidity, making the mask more comfortable to wear, but also making the mask slightly heavier and more bulky.
These 'Filtering Face Piece' or FFP masks are graded, with higher numbers indicating a higher level of protection, mainly by:
Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL): OEL is a standard that determines the amount, or concentration, of a hazardous substance allowable in the workplace air.
Assigned Protection Factor (APF): The APF of a mask indicates how well it protects the wearer from hazardous substances. A mask with an APF of 4 will reduce the concentration of the hazardous substance in the air that is breathed by the wearer by 4 times.
We currently stock FFP2 & FFP3 respirators, as well as the N95, which is the US equivalent of the FFP2.
FFP2 masks offer protection at concentrations of up to 12x OEL or 10x APF.
FFP3 masks offer the highest level of protection at concentrations up to 50x OEL or 20x APF, they can block both liquid and solid aerosols.
Further product-specific details can be found on the relevant product pages.
Non-Respirator masks are also available, these include the Type IIR medical grade surgical mask, and the 3-Ply Disposable face mask.
These masks are not made from the same fabrics as respirators, and provide a less secure fit around the face, however they are far more affordable and easier to wear.
They offer a suitable level of protection against viruses such as Covid-19 for the general public.
Type IIR masks meet bacterial filtration requirements of EU regulation EN 14683:2019+AC:2019.
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What is the difference between head-mounted and ear-mounted masks?
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Ear mounted masks are secured with ear loops which fit over the ears, these masks are quick and easy to put on.
A head mounted mask fits over and/or around head, often with 2 elasticated straps.
Whilst they may require more adjustments than ear loop masks to when putting on for the first time, they avoid rubbing and discomfort caused by ear fitting masks, making them extremely suitable for long periods of wearing.
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Folded or Moulded?
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Mask construction plays a big part in fit and wearer-experience.
Moulded/Cup masks fit as closely as possible to the face and should fit snugly over the mouth, nose and chin. This minimises the risk of gaps in the mask which could allow foreign particles to get in.
Folded masks offer a less snug fit which, although potentially less secure if fitted incorrectly, can offer more comfort for the wearer, as well as being much easier to store and carry around thanks to the folded design.
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What is CE Certified & what is NIOSH Certified?
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Our masks are CE certified or in the case of the N95 cup mask, NIOSH certified.
CE certification is a mark that indicates conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area.
NIOSH certification is a mark similar to the CE mark, this mark is granted by the US National Institute for Occupational Health.
Our respirator masks also have the necessary Declaration of Conformity documents required by the NHS and healthcare professionals as outlined by UK government guidance.
Links to these can be found on our product pages.
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How long can I wear one of the masks I have purchased?
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Please refer to product pages for specific product information for each mask, including, where applicable, how long a mask can be used.
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How long can I wear one of the masks I have purchased?
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Used masks can be carefully disposed of in a normal bin, please click the link below for some helpful guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on this:
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/epi-win/how-to-use-mask-v0-1-print.pdf?sfvrsn=64ba1493_2
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