Best Online Face mask Shops
With the emergence of the Corona-virus into a global pandemic, the American government, through the Centre for Disease Control has set up measures to protect people from this infection. Some of the significant proposed measures to prevent contracting this viral disease are;
Observing social Distancing-This involves keeping a distance from people who are suspected to be Covid-19 positive. It can also take the form of staying at home and avoid crowded places to avoid coming into contact with sick people.
Frequent washing of hands with water and detergents or alcohol-based Sanitizers-Scientific research has proved that the Coronavirus dies by washing it with water and detergents. Washing hands helps to get rid of viruses that could be on the hand surface and can potentially cause infection if they land on a soft tissue membrane.
Wearing face masks-This helps to prevent infection that may enter through mouth or nose. The virus can be transmitted from a sick patient when they sneeze, cough or talk, and these secretions reach another person.
The use of face masks as one of the precautionary measures against the Coronavirus has caused an abnormal surge in face masks demand. It is becoming increasingly hard every day for individuals to acquire face masks. This is because most of the re-known manufacturers are preferring shipping their products to first responders and government agencies that are buying masks in bulk. This has left the general public straining to acquire this essential commodity at this challenging time. For this reason, many online shops have sprung up to offer deliveries all across the nation. These shops have stocked different types of both approved and unapproved face masks to keep the public safe from the virus. The major types of masks are;
Surgical Masks-These are disposable masks that cover the wearer’s nose, mouth and chin. These masks prevent secretion particles that could be carrying the virus from outside to a wearer’s respiratory system. This ensures that potentially infectious secretions do not gain access to the wearer, thus preventing the spread of the virus. It is believed that wearing these masks reduce the chances of getting infected with the virus through their noses to a great extent. Surgical masks come in various designs. However, all are flat with a rectangular shape on the front part. Elastic bands or ties are used to hold masks at the back of the head or the ears.
N95 masks-This is a more tight-fitting mask. It is rated to filter up to 95% of microparticles. With the N95 mask, it is possible to stop bacteria and viruses from entering the wearer through nose or mouth. Elastic bands are used to hold the masks so tightly at the face, making it hard for anything to penetrate. Some N95 masks have an exhalation valve that aids in breathing and heat regulation. These masks are not fit all types, and before using them, a fit test is recommended to ascertain their eligibility for wearing.
KN95- This is a Chinese accepted face mask standard. Even though the names N95 and KN95 can be confusing and may appear to be related, this is not the case. These masks are rated to trap microparticles up to 95%, just like N95, which is a U.S. standard for masks. According to 3M, re-known mask manufacturers, this Chinese mask is equivalent to the US N95 masks in their functionalities and efficiency.
Homemade clothe face Masks-These are simple masks that people can make at home using their locally available materials. They have been recommended for use by the Centre for Disease Control(CDC) and, when appropriately used, help to reduce the virus spread. They are easy to use masks at home as they can be washed and reused for a long time hence cutting costs for people who cannot afford or can’t access other types of masks. However, these masks should not be used by people with breathing difficulties, children under two years or unconscious people. This is because they occasionally need adjusting to prevent suffocation.
People who suspect to have the virus or have come to contact with infected persons should handle their masks with care to make sure they don’t infect other people. Proper use of masks ensures the safety of the wearer and those close to him. Below are some precautions that people should observe while using face masks;
- Before wearing a mask, check it to ascertain no wear and tear effects such as holes that can allow passage of the virus. A good face mask should completely seal a wearer’s mouth, chin and nose.
- Always wear the mask correctly. i.e. do not wear masks inversely. It is important to read instructions or ask for assistance if you don’t understand your mask sides. Some masks come with a metal strip at the nose; others have their outside colour different from the inside.
- Firmly tie the mask using elastic bands or folds either on the ears or at the back of the head.
- Avoid touching the surface of the mask when you’re putting it on. In case you touch it, make sure to wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer because there may be trapped viruses on the surface of the mask. When you touch contaminated surfaces, the virus migrates to the hand, and when you touch your face with those hands, the infection will affect you.
- Do not struggle when removing the mask. Make sure to unwrap at the ears or if held using folds undo them at the back of your head. This should be done with utmost care.
- If you are using a disposable mask, discard it into a closed garbage bin and thoroughly wash your hands.
- For reusable masks, once removed, should be washed with a lot of water and soap before wearing them again to remove all possible contaminations that may be stuck on the surface.
Most of the available online shops do not only operate online to first responders and health specialists but are also open for retail to the general public. We have compiled a list of the best shops where you can order masks and receive them within a short period.
DMBSupply.com
This is among the leading providers of top-quality personal protective equipment such as masks, disposable gloves and hand sanitizers. The company’s mission is to avail high-quality products at this trying time. DMBSupply.com management ensures that shipping is done every day as orders keep coming in. The company offer FDA registered 3-PLY and N95 masks at affordable prices. The 3-ply masks are three-layered masks that significantly reduce the chances of infection through inhaling contaminated particles. The innermost layer of a 3-ply mask is designed to absorb moisture, the middle tier for filtering while the outer one repels water. Both 3-ply and N95 have been scientifically tested and proved to reduce viral and bacterial infections. The other similar shops offering face masks are as follows;
Honest PPE supply
This is a startup company that was launched recently to provide affordable PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). The company just like DMBSupply.com sales 3-ply masks and KN95. Even though their products are cheap, some of them are not certified by the FDA. However, with a mask on, to a certain percentage, even if not approved, one’s risk of being exposed to the virus is minimized. KN95 retail at $3 per piece and a minimum of ten of them. The 3-ply face goes at $0.60 per piece, and the order size is not less than fifty pieces. The shipping duration is within 24 hours.
NOMAD Goods
This company is famous for computer and smartphone deals. However, with people and companies coming together to combat the spread of Covid-19. Nomad has started making medical supplies deliveries at subsidized prices. For example, a ten pack of unregistered KN95 mask, they are selling them at $28. Disposable 3 ply masks, hand sanitizers and gloves are also available at very affordable prices.
N95 Mask Co
N95Mask Co do their deliveries within three days after an order across the nation. Their offers are in 3,5,10,50 and 100 packages. The more purchases made, the more savings. For example, the five-pack costs $30, 10 pack at $60 and the 50 pack at $299, which translates to almost $6 per mask. Even though the small packages sell more, the company has continued to stock the bigger packages to help those who want to make use of their benefit.
Anthropologie
This company’s masks are made from soft organic cotton clothing. They are well-shaped to nestle next to the chin, mouth and nose. These masks’ efficiency is increased by fitting them with filters. Anthropologie masks are sold in 3 pack pieces.
Sleefs
Sleef has been producing gaiters for several years. With the new market in the mask industry, their switching was the most logical, as this has enabled them to provide varied types of masks as they are not new. Their masks are among the most beautiful ones as they range from primary colours to sophisticated ergonomic stitching. The cost of the masks is also relatively low ranging from $10 to $15.These masks also are more effective for safety as they have filter pockets.
Zazzle
This is a unique company that customizes masks according to client taste. Customers choose from a white or black cotton base then customize their order using their artwork or Zazzle text formatting tool. Once the company receives the order, they tailor the masks and ship them within a short period.
Walmart
This company offers disposable 3-ply face masks. These masks are suitable for family or a group of people who want to use them for non-medical activity. They are also useful because they ensure the user keeps the possible pathogens away from their home. The masks are also cheap because their cost translates to about $1.50 per mask. People in the pandemic forefront can also use these masks to protect themselves from the virus.
Lucky Brand
This company has been in existence for a long time offering clothe services. Famous for quality lucky brand jeans, this company has brought the same quality to the mask industry. Alongside selling its masks, Lucky gives out five masks as donations for every five packs sold. Currently, a 5-pack is retailing at $25, which is equivalent to $5 per mask.
Emilia George
This company offers face masks made from recycled cotton fibres. They have a soft texture, unlike others that are mostly manufactured from silk. These masks have an adjustable string that can be used to fit them almost on anyone. Also, their use is not limited to a short time as they can be washed again and again for use.
Caraa
This company is based in N.Y. It is famous for its sports bag manufacturing. Due to the high demand for face masks, it started an initiative christened Cara cares. This initiate aims at making masks from the waste materials that are sold at low prices. The processed masks are then packed in packs of five and sold at $25.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom’s masks are retailing at $24 for a pack containing six masks. This is a cheap price considering that it is a cost of $4 for a single mask. The masks are designed to fit most adult faces as they measure about six inches. They can last for a long time since they do not have special instructions needed to wash or dry.
Etsy
The masks stocked at Etsy are inexpensive ones. They are the work of creative citizens who use their craft knowledge to design and make different makes of face masks. The available designs range from floral, leopard prints to goofy fake moustache. Some types are customized with a disposable filter pocket in the middle. These are the best to stop the spread of Coronavirus.
Naturepedic
The masks sold by Naturepedic offer good coverage from the nose bridge to below the chin for most of the adult wearers. The materials used to make their masks are purely organic; hence there is no possible chemical irritation. The masks are retailing at the cost of $6.5 or $35 for six pieces. This is affordable considering the durability, comfort and degree of protection offered.
For people looking to purchase face masks to protect their families or for medical use, DMBSupply.com is the shop to visit for quality masks. All the stocked masks are approved and registered by the FDA; thus, you can be sure of quality and safety when using them.