Yes, we have performed extensive testing around the world as we are firm believers in science and being transparent with our results. Our latest results were proven by Nelson Labs an FDA accredited facility in Salt Lake City Utah.
No mask can completely guarantee protection against infectious disease. A good quality mask with high-quality filtration materials can help reduce the spread of airborne contaminants. It should not be used as a complete replacement for social distancing or proper hygiene.
We have taken great care in putting our masks through stringent testing to prove efficacy. We have sent our masks to Nelson labs who is a world leader in mask performance testing.
It all depends on what kind of environment you live in and how often you use it. The typical shelf life KandyMask is around 6 to 12 months. Once you notice it becoming harder to breathe through the material it is usually the time to replace it.
NIOSH is a certification for disposable medical respirators only. We are a reusable filtered mask for the general public and not for healthcare workers. This means we are not NIOSH certified because we want to continue to be a reusable mask. Our main objective has always been to create a consumer-friendly mask with a greater then 99% filtration efficiency.
Exhalation valves are placed on our masks which makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods and easier to breathe through. The valves considerably reduce the heat or hot air inside the mask created from your own breath.
When you exhale the valves open and the air escapes easily. When you breathe in there are stoppers inside the valves which close, forcing you to breathe in through the filters embedded in the mask protecting your own respiratory system from contaminants.
These types of masks are primarily used by people living in polluted cities, protect construction workers from dust or help protect the wearer from airborne particles.
This also means that a mask with valves provides one-way respiratory protection for the wearer only and is not meant to protect others from the wearer of the mask.
Often people that wear glasses prefer this type of mask because it reduces fogging. People with a pre-existing respiratory condition that have difficulty breathing may also find this mask more suitable for them.
**Note - this mask is not recommended for two way protection during the pandemic as it doesn't protect others from you. Many airports, hospitals may not let you enter the building if if they notice you wearing a mask with valves. This mask is primarily used for other environmental protection concerns
Mask without Valves
A mask without valves is meant for two-way protection. It is meant to protect your own respiratory system and protect others from your own droplets. This mask was developed due to current global circumstances where two-way protection is required.
**Note: this is the type of mask primarily purchased during the pandemic as it offers two way filtration.
Yes, our filtration materials are sewn into the entire mask right up to all the edges.
We do not believe in replaceable filters as this creates gaps in the mask where contaminants can enter the mask where there is not filter. So rest assured that every part of the mask you see has filtration materials embedded into it.
No, we do not use this material nor do we recommend any mask to use this material as it has not been thoroughly tested for consumer safety.
All materials in KandyMask are safe for consumers to wear and we are one of the few masks in North America that has passed Underwriter Laboratory material safety testing.
We are committed to always listening to our customers and being transparent with improvements on each version.
1. Filtration performance
Both the KandyMask 6.0 are constructed with the same materials and have the same high grade 99.80% filtration for particle filtration.
2. The sizes
The KandyMask 6.0 has 4 sizes and the KandyMask 7.0 has 5 sizes. We added a larger size for men above 6 foot 1 for KandyMask 7.0.
3. Cut of the mask
On the KandyMask 7.0, we slightly adjusted the cut of the mask around the bridge of the nose and above the cheeks which we believe is more form-fitting.
4. Inner layer touching the face.
On the KandyMask 7.0, we added a thin quick-dry mesh fabric between the filtration materials and face which drys quickly when there is moisture inside the mask.
Please read the complete guide on choosing the right size or check out the chart below. We typically like to choose the right size by a person's height. We have 5 sizes: extra small, small, medium, large, and XL.
We recommend only washing KandyMask by hand with warm water and soap. After simply hanging it up to dry.
KandyMask uses a special type of filtration material called melt-blown polypropylene which is used in the best masks in the world. You want to try and maintain the structural integrity of the filter that is sewn into the middle of the mask so it is best to gently wash the mask by hand with a drop of soap.
We don't believe that masks with replaceable filters are a good choice. A masks should have filtration materials that cover the entire masks right to the seams and not just being inserted into a small filter pocket. Many companies are creating cloth masks with little inserts and buying cheap PM2.5 filters to be inserted. This is a huge problem right now as it is misleading people into believing they are protected by using the word filter without any data to back up the overall effectiveness of the mask.
It is quite simple really. If they are making any performance claims ask for the testing report. Make sure the testing report is for the mask itself and not the filter they are using.
The mask brands name should be on the testing report and not be photoshopped out. We are seeing this all over the internet these days with random companies pretending they have tested their mask.
Unfortunately, we can only give you a general indicator before you check out. Due to the recent global situation no shipping company is offering guaranteed delivery at this time. We are seeing about 85% of our packages arrive on time and 15% of them being delayed.
