While surgical masks are always more difficult to find, alternative protection is emerging: masks made of washable fabrics. Small, hand-made creation companies lace up in the manufacture of washable fabric masks according to AFNOR guidelines. Designed in France, here is where to find cloth masks to equip the whole family.
Faced with the shortage of masks in France, and in view of the urgency of all protecting us from the virus, wearing a protection becomes highly recommended, and could even be mandatory in the coming weeks. If you can't sew and want to get washable masks, here's where to find them online! They are carried out according to the instructions of AFNOR and hospital centers, and make it possible to avoid the transmission of covid by the respiratory tract.
Selection of masks in washable fabrics
In order to make containment as efficient as possible, it becomes urgent to obtain a mask. A multitude of small companies based in France have embarked on the manufacture of masks in washable fabrics, in all colors and all sizes.
These masks comply with AFNOR safety regulations and avoid the emission of the virus into the air. By purchasing these masks in reusable fabrics, we support local businesses and protect each other from the coronavirus in an ecological way!
In view of their success, these masks are leaving at an impressive speed: find other creations of washable masks made in France here
Protective masks for children, teenagers, adults DesFilsetCécile, € 8.00 on Etsy
DesFilsetCecile is the initiative of a designer based in Poitou-Charentes. Cécile is passionate about sustainable, ecological, zero-waste packaging and more. She launched her own washable protective masks, protecting the whole family.
Cécile's masks are all made of 100% cotton fabrics, in triple thickness.
Our opinion : colorful, patterned masks (flowers, stars, etc.), effective and inexpensive, which will suit children and adults!
BDFRANCE polar cotton barrier mask, € 9.00 on Etsy
Soon Sunday France is the small mask-making company in France in Languedoc-Roussillon. Its designer, passionate about handmade items, now sells fabric masks according to AFNOR recommendations: designed with three layers, including a cotton fleece, they provide protection during our outings.
Our opinion : the product sheet contains all the information on manufacturing, it is a guarantee of quality and compliance with the sanitary requirements of public health organizations. Available in 3 colors / patterns, and delivery between 3 to 5 working days!
3-layer mask for adults and children Lalie and Laly, € 10.50 on Etsy
The protective masks in Laly and Laly fabric have been produced according to AFNOR guidelines in the Pays de la Loire, they are washable and reusable. In addition to her many handmade items, this designer now designs adult and child size barrier masks, entirely made of washable oekotex cotton. These are masks dedicated to protecting the whole group wearing masks. Wash in washing machine at 60 °, and a tie to tie behind the head.
Our opinion : cute color choices, and they are available in three sizes, to equip the whole family!
Washable fabric mask by MarinetteCréations, € 8.00 on Etsy
The Marinettecreation online store is the result of Marie's work, passionate about the manufacture of handmade cotton items. Since the announcement of the coronavirus, it has produced masks in triple-thickness fabric, according to the directives of the Afnor and the guide of the Grenoble University Hospital. The two layers of colored cotton surround a filter fleece.
Our opinion : a very soft price for these masks made in France, and the 100% cotton of the fabrics offers superior quality! The fabric links allow to fix the mask behind the ears, and it is possible to specify the desired color when ordering. The delivery costs cost 0.97 €.
Washable fabric mask Lila Keller, € 7 on Etsy
LilaKeller's pieces are designed in France in Paris, and by their manufacture, her creator contribute in her own way to the fight against the epidemic of the coronavirus. Made with 3 layers of cotton fabric, each piece has an interior and exterior certified oeko-tex, and the middle layer is a cotton fleece. The masks are available in men's or women's sizes and in 2 colors! Usually, LilaKeller makes adorable baby knitting pieces in Alpaca … to find on her shop.
Our opinion : the size is adjustable by making a knot with elastic, perfect for equipping yourself safely during confinement. Free delivery in France!
Reminder of the field of application according to AFNOR
AFNOR recalls that the barrier mask is intended for the use of the general public, for asymptomatic and healthy people, and not being in direct contact with people showing symptoms of viral infection.
The duration of wearing a fabric or surgical mask is limited to half a day or 4h. It is a "barrier" mode of filtration against the penetration of viruses by the respiratory tract (mouth and nose area) of those who use it and people nearby or in the same rooms. The purpose of a mask of this type is to protect the face from contact with the hands.
How to wear a protective mask?
This information might seem derisory, but think again, the use of a mask and especially its fitting requires some precautions, otherwise its effectiveness would be zero!
Place the mask:
– The mask is worn on bare skin (without strands of hair against the face)
– Before positioning it, wash one's hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds, or with hydroalcoholic gel
– Before any use / reuse, the mask must have been washed
– Place the barrier mask on the face, grasp it only from the outside with the elastic bands
– Lower the mask under the chin and check that it completely covers it
– Pinch the nasal bar with both hands to adjust it on the nose
– Once in place, do not touch it with your hands. To grasp or replace it, you must wash your hands.
Remove the mask:
– Wash hands with water and with soap or using hydroalcoholic gel
– Grasp the mask by the elastic bands without touching the part before protection
– Put the mask in a specific container
– Wash your hands (again!)
When to use fabric masks?
Examples of use of the mask according to Afnor:
The use of a protective mask is recommended for all outings outside the home, whether to go to work or to make essential purchases in a public place or in confined rooms. This medical device contributes to the protection of all those who wear a mask. The government recommends obtaining them to maximize the effects of containment.
How to wash cloth masks?
First of all, it is of course necessary to avoid any contact between a mask which has just been worn and clean clothing, which would risk dispersing the residues there.
Washing a fabric mask should be 30 minutes minimum (soak, wash and rinse), at one temperature of 60 ° C. Fabric softeners, which can weaken filtration, should be avoided.
Drying must be carried out within two hours of washing, to avoid leaving the fabric in the humidity.
Details to remember!
The fabric or surgical mask complements the barrier actions, which are essential to prevent the spread of the virus as much as possible. They come in addition to the rules of social distancing!
You can find all the instructions on the French Government website
These fabric masks are placed on the face, and cover the skin of the chin up to the middle of the bridge of the nose. They are fixed behind the ears by elastic bands or ties. Unlike FFP masks (2 or 3), they do not have a dust filter. Filtration is shortened over time, and above all restrains the propagation in the air of the coronavirus (and other bacteria).
The FFP 2 mask is reserved for the medical sector and remains the only way to protect his respiratory tract from the transmission of the virus by air.
Make your mask yourself:
Why should you wear a fabric or surgical mask?
Usually reserved for caregivers, the mask is spreading to the general public. There are two types of masks: the surgical mask and the ffp category mask (1, 2 or 3). The ffp mask contains a filtration mechanism, which protects both the wearer and those nearby. It can be kept 4 to 8 hours before being discarded. The surgical or cloth mask does not protect the wearer from the risk of contamination by the covid, but prevents the bacteria from being propelled outwards. If the wearing of the mask is widespread, this will protect the entire population, and ultimately, slow down and eradicate the epidemic.
How long should I wear a surgical or cloth mask?
A surgical mask is a medical device designed to protect people we meet from contamination. It is for single use and must be discarded after 4 hours.
The washable fabric mask is an alternative to the surgical mask, considered by the government as an effective complement to barrier gestures, confinement and social distancing. Before wearing a cloth mask, make sure that it has been washed at a temperature of 60 ° C.
Once the hands are washed with soap and water, the mask is placed on the face (from the bottom of the chin to the middle of the bridge of the nose). Avoid touching the front of the mask, and grip it only with the elastic bands. Once in place, the washable mask can be worn for 4 hours maximum. It should be changed after each contact with someone who may have coronavirus.
When should you wear a mask on your face?
In order to complete the barrier gestures and maximize the efficiency of containment, it is essential to be able to protect oneself and avoid the emission of microbes by the respiratory tract when we meet other people. Therefore, the afnor recommends wearing a mask as soon as you leave your home, whether it is to go to a public place, in closed rooms with other people, or at your workplace. Wearing a mask prevents the emission of microbes, and has a "filtering" effect.
Where to buy a mask?
Before buying a mask, make sure that it was made according to the directives of the afnor and / or the CHU of Grenoble. Since the announcements of containment and in view of the shortages, many creators have embarked on the manufacture of washable fabric masks. It is possible to sew them yourself, or to get them through small companies, on Etsy in particular. For 6 to 15 euros, these triple thickness masks respect the official templates. Colorful, patterned, or very simple, they allow you to leave our home safely, provided you respect barrier gestures and social distancing! Remember to check delivery times, which may be extended due to recent security measures.