It’s crazy how fast the world can change. One day you’re walking down the street, and the faces of your neighbors and fellow humans are visible, and sometimes, bright and cheery. Now, however, well they’re covered. All the time. How sanitary is that?
In the midst of this pandemic, most of us now walk around with our face covered for large portions of the day. Just throwing air and spit, and hidden curse words, all into our masks, soaking them with grime and germs.
Without proper care, though we may escape the clutches of COVID-19, we risk getting sick or experiencing skin reactions from the accumulation of dirt on our mask.
According to a study done by John Hopkins Medicine, people with pre-existing skin problems like rosacea, acne, atopic dermatitis, and allergies are more prone to experiencing skin problems while constantly wearing a mask. Especially, they note, if the mask is not cleaned often.
Masks like Spectral Body’s Copper Ion Training Mask, with it’s 100% copper infusion, provide a comforting extra layer of protection from germs and dirt. With its antimicrobial properties, copper effectively kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae.
However, even these masks require cleaning to work effectively. It’s important to familiarize oneself with the best way to do this, and to understand how proper care further decreases the likelihood of you catching any type of cough, rash, or serious respiratory illness.
Why the Copper Ion Training Mask
First, let’s talk about why you should use a copper-infused mask to protect yourself in these breathtaking times. Get it?
Copper has long since been discovered to have special alimentary properties.
It’s been documented to:
- Promote healing
- Possess antimicrobial properties
- Improve the skin
- Combat hair loss
- Fight wrinkles
- Treat scars
Spectral Body’s copper-infused mask specifically features:
- Adjustable straps
- 100% Copper Infusion
- 100% Machine Washable
- Antimicrobial inside and out
- An Extra Protective Layer Suitable for Exercise
- Adjustable to Any Size (Good for the kids)
& it’s
- Odorless
The primary feature here, of course, is it being 100% copper-infused both inside and out. While being machine washable and having adjustable straps is great, the fact that the mask is built with a layer of virus-killing copper means I won’t have to dread as much when my mask comes into contact with different surfaces and items.
Antimicrobial agents have been proven to kill bacteria on contact. In the same fashion that soap eliminates germs due to its antibacterial properties – hence antibacterial soap – antimicrobial properties, mean microorganisms are killed when they come into contact with the agent.
Now, for those of you wondering, this does not mean that if our mask were to come into contact with a dirty substance like ketchup, or saliva, that the germs on that substance would burn or evaporate upon contact with the mask. No. They’d stain it.
Remember, deadly pathogens like coronavirus are spread through microorganisms. We’re talking very tiny, tiny substances. Things were unnoticeable to the human eye.
Say these microorganisms are on a surface, like the metal coffee table they have in 7-eleven stores. Research shows that on these types of surfaces, coronavirus can survive up to 3-5 days depending on which strain it is. This is also true for paper and plastic surfaces.
On copper, however, the virus dies after four hours.
Meaning, if my mask, god forbid, were to be placed on a surface containing the virus; and, if this mask were copper-infused, of course; then, I’m less likely to contract the virus, because the layer of copper on the exterior of my mask, is constantly eliminating the possible presence of the virus, at a rate much quicker than other surfaces.
This means that when I exercise, if I’m at a gym that permits me to take off my mask while working out, and I do so, I can rest easy knowing that wherever I place my mask, I’m most likely safe.
This doesn’t mean just any locker room bench or bicycle handle will be germ-free and a-okay to place my mask on. There is still the possibility of sweat or exhaled breath particles residing on the surfaces I may come into contact with.
While I can hope that the facility that I’m at, or perhaps myself, has the knowhow to sanitize the equipment or furniture after every use or within a short time period, I’m more speaking of the clarity that comes with placing your mask in your pocket or on a table or counter.
The presence of mind knowing that the mask that I have with me is specifically designed, the same way the hand sanitizer and soap I rub on my hands, to protect me from the presence of bacteria and viruses.
I don’t know about you but that sounds quite reassuring to me.
So again, why a copper-infused mask?
Because they provide stronger protection from the virus in a way that brings just a bit more assurance in these unsettling times. I’m sure many of you have already broken some form of safety etiquette either accidentally or on purpose.
We know we like efficiency. We know we like having things delivered quickly. And we know for sure, that taking your hand sanitizer, out of your bag, for every door handle, steering wheel, or person’s hand that you touch, can get annoying.
I’m not saying we should settle for such small irritants as rational adults, especially in the midst of a crisis.
Simply, at some point, you might not sanitize the way you did before. You might place your mask in areas you once thought were too risky before because you’re in a hurry or you forgot.
With the virus able to live a number of days on different surfaces, and with so many different external items coming into contact with other external items – your phone touches your keys while in your pocket, and you touch those with your hands, then touch some doorknobs and your cousin Jessie’s face – there still a lot of, “What’s safe?” to be discovered.
Well, we know one thing that’s for sure safer than alternatives:
Copper Infused products.
How to Clean the Copper Ion Training Mask
1. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
When washing your Copper Ion Training Mask, remember that the material is, well, made out of copper. Copper has a tendency to snag on other clothing. If your mask is repeatedly coming into contact with other clothes in your washing machine, this process could eventually rub some of these copper off, causing the longevity of your mask to drop with each wash.
Copper-infused products normally support a long lifespan of copper present, even after multiple washes.
This is why it’s important to avoid haphazardly speeding up this process by using a mesh bag to restrict your mask from rubbing up against other items.
2. Use the RIGHT Detergent
Very strong detergents can actually negatively affect your mask by damaging the fibers of the material. Because of this, it’s best to use mild detergents when cleaning your mask.
Most baby shampoo and dish soap are made with mild detergents, however, there are some laundry detergents that are considered mild. These include brands like Ivory Snow and Woolite.
Other products that are labeled “eco-friendly” or “free and clear” will also most likely be a mild detergent. Look for one next time you go shopping. They should be under $10 to purchase.
3. Avoid Heat
While some copper-infused mask manufacturers recommend using hot water to wash their masks, Spectral Body cautions against this. Heat may cause damage to the fibers of the mask. Instead, use warm to cool water. This is for both drying and washing.
To dry: Your mask air dry.
Do NOT:
- Put your copper ion mask inside the dryer
- Hang it on a radiator, or hot surface to accelerate the heating
4. Use a Gentle Cycle
Use a gentle wash to avoid damaging your mask and accelerating its lifespan. Most washing machines have a delicate or “hand wash” setting. Apply this one when washing your copper infused mask
Can I Just Hand Wash It?
Yes! You can. The same rules apply.
You’ll want to:
- Rub gently
- Use mild detergents
- Avoid heat
- Let the mask air dry
How Often Should I Clean It?
Most health organizations recommend cleaning your masks every day.
Overall
Over the course of these 7 months since quarantine, we’ve adapted to how we protect ourselves from COVID-19. Even still, the virus rages on and we’ve seen an increase in the number of cases in states like Wisconsin, Vermont, Michigan, Alabama, Wyoming, Ohio, Illinois, and South and North Dakota.
Our adaptations have led us to start using more effective forms of treatment like Spectral Body’s Copper Ion Training Mask. Copper has been scientifically proven to eliminate bacteria and microorganisms like COVID-19.
Even still, properly cleaning your face mask is essential in order to maintain its effectiveness.
They are to be washed:
- Inside a mesh bag
- With mild detergents
- Warm or cool water. NOT HOT
- And on gentle cycles
Provided you follow these steps on cleaning your Copper Ion Training Mask, and of course, using it when you’re out and about, you can go about your day with more clarity knowing that you’re taking active action against spreading the virus, while your mask passively protects you with simply its design.
Thank you for this article. Really learned a lot.