To mask or not to mask? That is the question...

We have been closely watching the emerging discussion in the world media about whether the public should be wearing masks. Over the past couple of weeks, we have invested a lot of time to researching this topic, trying to understand this question, in terms of what would be a good standard for the general public’s use.

One thing for certain is that there is a global shortage of medical face masks, which are needed by those on the frontline fighting COVID-19. This explains why the WHO is insisting that these are not appropriate for use by the public. There is no question that medical masks should be prioritized for medical and health care professionals, however, this still leaves the general public (and some governments) looking for a way to have some protection for people’s everyday uses.

On Monday, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced that it is a requirement for all shoppers to wear basic face masks in supermarkets in a bid to slow the still too-rapid spread of the Coronavirus. As evidence suggests, COVID-19 could be transmitted before symptom onset, community transmission might be reduced if everyone wears face masks. With this being adopted as compulsory in Asian countries and being considered in the US , more and more countries are asking the question, and we are sure that this topic will soon be discussed in the UK.

There doesn’t seem to be any consensus from experts on the subject, their main concern apart from shortages seems to be that masks could lull people into a false sense of security, and make them less disciplined about social distancing and hand washing. The Fashionizer Spa team has put together some Advice & Research on the subject, so that you are free to form your own opinion and make your choices choice on this issues.

With all this, we have been very busy developing prototypes and sourcing components for washable fabric face masks – a solution for the general public. Our Wellness Face Masks are made of 3 layers of fabric: two layers of a woven material and a non-woven filter in the middle. Masks are available in a variety of designs and colors for both men and women. Some are made in classic solid colors, and others in playful prints that will enhance some personality into wearing a mask. The fabric is either 100% cotton or CPF, (a blend of organic cotton, polyester and Lycra?), making it breathable, hypo-allergenic, and above all comfortable to wear and suitable for anyone taking their daily walk or shopping.

As a small business catering to the hospitality and spa industry, our business has been severely affected by the worldwide closures of spas and hotels. We have a small but dedicated team that are keen to keep the company afloat during this testing time, and they have all pulled together to work on this project. Masks are being made in London by the Fashionizer workroom team, working at home, plus a network of experienced freelance machinists, who have separate clean workrooms, and who otherwise would have no income during this period. We have a trusted delivery driver distributing and collection production, and all staff are wearing masks and gloves when handling them.

We are very clear that these masks are NOT for medical use! However the research by the Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health Inc. does clearly indicate that they are better than no protection at all. We do believe that these cloth masks are beneficial, in protecting yourself and others around you, their main advantages being:

1. Stopping the transmission of droplets by an infected person during the incubation period.
2. Preventing the touching of noses and mouths.
3. Not depleting the precious medical grade mask resources.

As both of these are methods for the transmission of the virus, our answer to the question, “to mask or not to mask?” is YES! Providing…

• They are used as a limited solution and are washed after each use.
• You take extra care and precaution: always remove the face mask from behind and avoid touching the front of the mask.
• You continue to practice social distancing, stay indoors and wash your hands regularly.

You can order our Wellness Face Masks online at Fashionizer Spa.  Prices start at ￡10.00 per mask, and discounts are available for orders of 25 and above. For larger orders over 50 masks, please send an email to [email protected]

If you have any questions or comments regarding this topic, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

To all of our friends and clients in the spa industry, we will be here when your doors open. Please take care, stay safe, and stay healthy.

We are looking forward to a brighter future.