This information has been taken from the guidance issued by the UKFT.

Face Masks Information and the Use of Face Masks

Face Masks are intended for use by people not displaying any clinical symptoms of viral or bacterial infection and who do not come into contact with people displaying such symptoms.

Face masks are not suitable for children under 3 years of age and it is recommended that children between 3 and 12 years are supervised while wearing the community face covering.

Wearing a face mask minimises the projection of droplets saliva when talking, coughing or sneezing. It also prevents this user’s area from any contact with the hands.

Do not reuse worn or wet community face coverings. Clean the face masks after each use. The wearing period should be compliant with the information provided by the producer.

Please note face masks the following list contains examples of uses of face masks that shall be avoided:

  • Face masks cannot be used for protection against chemicals.
  • It is not possible to decontaminate face masks by freezing. The viral or bacterial agent is retained and at 4°C it does not lose its infectious character.
  • Boiling face masks is not recommended unless recommended by producer. There is no guarantee that the fabric can withstand the 100°C temperature of boiling water without degrading.
  • If the cleaning cycle is followed, it is usually not necessary recommended to disinfect the community face coverings before wearing it.

Wearing a face masks does not exempt the user from application of the collective measures which are supplemented, where possible, by physical distancing measures, which are essential (regular hand- washing, physical separation, reduced contact with other people).Social DistancingPlease note that compliance with physical distancing rules should be adhered to even with a face mask.

The health instructions are given on the national government’s web site https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Use of Face Masks

The following list contains examples of uses of face masks that shall be avoided:

  • Our face masks cannot be used for protection against chemicals.
  • It is not possible to decontaminate face masks by freezing. The viral or bacterial agent is retained and at 4°C it does not lose its infectious character.
  • Physical distancing rules shall be complied with as far as possible even if wearing a face mask.
  • Boiling the face masks is not recommended. There is no guarantee that the fabric can withstand the 100°C temperature of boiling water without degrading.
  • If the cleaning cycle is followed, it is not necessary to disinfect the face mask before wearing it.

Our Face Masks are made of multiple fabric layers with a means of attachment for the head enabling the face mask to be fixed and maintained over the nose, cheeks and chin of the user, staying in place when the user’s skin is dry or damp or when the user moves his/her head.

At The Stitch Society we carry out a visual inspection of the community face coverings or its components to meet the requirements and check there are no defects visible (tears, detachment of the head harness, less accurate fit, deformation, wear, etc.). If any damage to the face masks are detected, they are deemed non-compliant and disposed of correctly.

Our masks conform to the specified adult sizing with a minimum of 120mm across and 220mm depth from top of nose to chin.

Instructions for use

In order to use this face masks correctly, it is important that you follow these instructions.

  • If you are ill, this face masks is unsuitable. Seek advice from your doctor.
  • This face masks is not a medical device within the meaning of Directive 93/42/CEE or Regulation EU/2017/745 (surgical masks) nor is it personal protective equipment in the sense of Regulation EU/2016/425 (respiratory protective devices).
  • Always check that the face masks is correctly fitted and covers your nose, mouth and chin. It is recommended that this face masks be worn on bare skin; beards can reduce the filtration efficiency to below the limits set out.
  • Face masks are not suitable for children under 3 years of age. It is recommended that children between 3 and 12 years are supervised while wearing the face masks.
  • It can take time to become comfortable with the face mask.
  • This face masks does not replace protective measures (regular hand-washing, physical separation, reduced contact with other people). It minimizes the projection of user’s respiratory droplets saliva into the environment.
  • Do not use when participating in vigorous physical activity.
  • Please stop using this product at the first signs of damage.

 

 

Putting on and Wearing your Face Mask

The way how to fit, use, put on and removing (donning and doffing) the face masks is illustrated below.

To be effective, the face mask shall be used correctly and our instructions should be followed. It is recommended that the face mask be worn on bare skin (in other words without the presence of hair in contact with the user’s skin and, for certain people, shaved skin) and that the following steps be taken:

  1. Face Mask InformationWash your hands with soap and water or rub with a hand sanitiser before any handling of the community face covering.
  2. Locate the top, the outer and the inner side of the community face covering.
  3. Place the community face covering on the face (mouth and nose covered), with the nose bridge (if it exists) on the nose.
  4. Hold the community face covering on the outside and pass the fabric loopof the head harness over the head. Pull the loose ties and tie at the back of the head.
  5. Pull down the bottom of the face mask under the chin without uncovering the nose.
  1. Face Mask InformationCheck that the face mask covers the chin properly.
  2. Pinch the nose bridge (if it exists) with both hands to adjust it over the nose.
  3. Check that the face mask is correctly positioned. This should be done by checking the sealing and that there is no breathing discomfort.
  4. Once adjusted, no longer touch the exterior of the face mask with the hands. Each time the face mask is touched, the user must wash the hands with soap and water or rub with a hand sanitiser.

Face Mask Information

How to wear our head harness:

The head harness has been designed so that the face masks can be easily put on and removed. It withstands 5 cycles of being put on and removing (donning and doffing) and has been checked on at least three test subjects with different face sizes and shapes.

Harness WearingIt is sufficiently robust to hold the community face coverings in place in such a way as to avoid excessive tightness and discomfort when worn. It is made up of a bias tape fabric tie attached to the material.

Please note that face masks should not be worn in a Waiting Position.

Waiting Position

Removing your Face Mask

It is possible to contaminate your face or surroundings when removing your face mask. To avoid this, the recommendations are:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water or rub with a hand sanitiser.
  2. Remove the face mask by holding the back of the fabric ties of the head harness without touching the front part of the face mask.
  3. Place your face mask to be washed in a specific container (clean plastic bag).
  4. Wash your hands with soap and water or rub with a hand sanitiser.
    Laundering
  5. Clean the outside of the specific container with a cleaning product. The washing temperature shall be a minimum of 60°C.
  6. Any contact between worn face masks and clean items of clothing should be avoided. Those responsible for washing should protect themselves when handling worn face masks if they are not in a specific container (clean plastic bag).

Laundering and Care

The Stitch Society face masks are specified as reusable and will withstand at least 5 cleaning cycles with a minimum washing temperature of 60°C. The recommended are for our masks is as follows:

  • It is recommended that our face mask should be washed before the first use.
  • Do not use dry cleaning and fabric softener.
  • Clean your face masks after each use.
  • Ideally face masks should be washed with ballast (e.g. towels or sheets) in the washing machine, to retain the mechanical aspect of the washing.
  • Complete drying of the face mask is recommended within under two hours after washing is finished.
  • A visual inspection (with protective gloves or washed hands) shall be carried out after each wash. If any damage to the face mask is detected the face masks should be disposed of.
  • The face mask shall be washed each time it is worn. It should not be put in a waiting position on the forehead or under the chin during and after use.

Labelling

Our face masks are clearly and durably marked with the information below.

  • Our brand name, The Stitch Society
  • Our website details: https://thestitchsociety.com
  • A product reference, adult reusable face masks
  • Not suitable for children under 3 years of age.