First consumer test of reusable face coverings

Posted on Monday 30 November 2020

WHICH? TESTED 15 reusable face coverings, discovering that the worst allowed 93% of potentially harmful particles to escape.

While some face masks were able to block more than 99% of potentially harmful bacteria from penetrating the mask's material, the worst allowed 93% of these particles to escape.

Which? is now urging manufacturers and retailers to up their game after three of the 15 face coverings it tested were branded as a "don't buy". The research revealed that masks with multiple layers are more effective than single-layer masks – but Which? said there is a clear trade-off between breathability and how effective they are at filtration.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said there is a "huge difference" in quality between reusable masks sold in stores around the country and online.

"We would urge manufacturers to use our findings to up their game and improve their products – until then it is worth taking time to research the best option for yourself and your loved ones," she said.

While reusable fabric face coverings are not designed to block ultra-fine particles such as COVID-19 like a medical mask would, they are intended to help block larger droplets and aerosols breathed out by the wearer, who may be infected but asymptomatic.

Which? found the quality of instructions and advice on the face coverings was generally quite poor. Only a few products had clear and easy-to-follow guidance on wearing and washing the face covering. Concerningly, six of them didn’t state that reusable face coverings are not medical devices and seven did not explain how to safely use the mask – both of which are required by (voluntary) product standards.

It is important to remember that these face coverings are not PPE and should not be used as PPE, work place risk assessments will identify where PPE is required as opposed to face coverings and BSIF has put together this useful selection tool to help select the appropriate type of face covering/face mask for the situation.

https://www.bsif.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/How-to-Select-the-Correct-Face-Covering-AM-amends-002.pdf