The natural human response to chaos is to DO SOMETHING, which might explain why people are buying and selling face masks in droves. Your business might be one of them.
Which is why we wanted to write this article – to help you navigate the different types of masks available, what they can (and can’t) protect your customers from and other useful stuff that you might not have thought of.
Face Masks & Respirators – What is the difference?
Still want to purchase a Face Mask or Respirator? Make Sure you read this first:
With every promotional product supplier scrambling to get on the face mask band-wagon (and we get it – supply/demand) there are a few things you should know:
Not all masks are created equally – We have been disappointed to see that a number of face mask suppliers are making false claims about the products they are offering. Whilst face masks (comfort/surgical) are not a regulated item, it is still illegal to make false claims re their protective/safety features. Respirator masks, on the other hand, do need to comply with the guidelines set by StandardsAustralia – so if you do choose to buy them, please make sure you are doing so from a trusted supplier.
Not everyone needs a Facemask – In times of uncertainty, anything we can do to feel ‘safe’ offers us a level of comfort. Whilst this is understandable, both the WHO (World Health Organisation) and The Australian Department of Health are very clear that if you are not sick (or caring for someone who is) there is no need to be wearing a mask. That said, if wearing a surgical style mask on a busy commuter train or when out in public makes you feel ‘safer’, then go right ahead (studies have shown that wearing surgical masks is likely to reduce inhalation of very small droplets by 20-30%). Just be mindful that these are intended for single-use and should be discarded safely after a few hours (or when they become moist). For some people the main benefit they gain from wearing the mask is they avoid touching their nose and mouth, although other people do just the opposite (see below).
Face masks won’t work if you do this – To be ‘effective’ both surgical and respirator masks need to be worn/fitted correctly – facial hair, constantly adjusting the mask and taking the mask off and reusing it are all things that will lessen or negate any potential health benefits. According to infection prevention specialist Eli Perencevich, “There’s no evidence that wearing masks on healthy people will protect them. They wear them incorrectly, and they can increase the risk of infection because they’re touching their face more often.”
Face masks are not helping our environment – The recent panic has been a big step backwards for sustainability. One minute we were all on board and limiting plastic, single-use items and the next we’re ordering 100’s of face masks and throwing environmental caution to the wind. Let’s keep our heads and continue to be mindful of our responsibility to the earth and its resources.
So, despite huge demand, we WON’T be selling you face masks or respirators* (unless you have a genuine need for them – then pls get in touch).
What do you think? Should we be wearing facemasks in public? Should you be allowed to buy them? Should we be selling them?
#facemasks #brandedmerchandise #respirators #promotionalproducts #allinthistogether #covid-19 #inckmerchandise
*That said, if you do need help navigating your way through what branded merchandise you should be buying to keep you safe, then give us a call. We’d love to help!
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