Material or Immaterial Things.

If you’re looking for a scientific study on the efficacy of different fibers and densities to create a mask that protects best against the transmission of COVID-19, then you’ve come to the wrong place. If that’s what you’re looking for, here’s a research paper conducted by Cambridge University on the comparison of filtration and breathability of different homemade masks.

Since we launched our linen mask, we have had many people write in to ask why we chose linen. The simple truth of the matter is that we started making linen masks because we love linen – and because we had hundreds of meters of Bucatto Blue, a colourway that isn’t particularly good in bed (for some people) but works perfectly as a face mask. During this time, we all need to be making very smart use of the resources at our disposal.

After the CDC encouraged a global movement towards wearing cloth face masks, many companies and individuals started mobilising to make the best masks they could. We’ve seen all sorts of wild and wonderful creative solutions emerge!

When it comes to choosing a fabric for making a good mask, what we do know is that it is important to consider the following:

1) It allows clear, unobstructed breathing.
2) It does not saturate easily with moisture.
3) It has a tight weave so that large droplets do not pass through easily.
4) It does not extrude high amounts of fibre or other synthetic materials that could be inhaled and cause irritation.

Comfort is paramount to mask efficacy, especially for extended periods of daily use. If people struggle to breath and talk it will make it more likely that they will touch or adjust the mask in use. Comfort ultimately leads to good mask etiquette.

And comfort, as we all know, also comes down to personal preference. We’ve been testing numerous fabric combinations and mask constructions since the lockdown began. Even amongst the small group of us that are coming into the Mungo Mill to work on production, there are variations in preference. Some prefer the pleated masks, with the totjies, others prefer the elastic with the toggle. Some prefer the bamboo lining whilst others prefer the linen. The Hattersley tea towel has been popular too and we are working on launching a limited edition Hattersley lined range. We are also busy prototyping a new design – a cotton and linen double cloth, which we’ll be using as a lining, essentially creating a 3-layer mask using two pieces of cloth. Double cloths are a style of weaving where two cloths are woven at the same time on one loom. The face of the fabric is effectively disconnected from the back except at specific connecting points. Each side maintains enough individual structural integrity that it can be identified as a distinct fabric.

So this blog is not going to tell you why linen is better than any other mask material, but we’ll give you a list of pretty good reasons why we like it, and why it might work for you too. Here are some of the wonderful properties of linen which make it good for masks:

Functionality 

• Linen wicks away moisture – it absorbs 20% of moisture before feeling damp and dries fast.
• Temperature regulating. Linen’s natural temperature regulating and moisture wicking qualities ensures that the mask won’t overheat and become uncomfortable when used for long periods of time.
• Anti-static. This will ensure that the mask doesn’t cling to the face and cause irritation.
• Hypoallergenic. For people with sensitive skin or eczema, wearing linen will help one avoid common allergic reactions caused with other fabrics, particularly synthetics. 

Linen is smooth and comfortable, and the finished fabric is lint-free. It will get softer the more it is used and washed.

Sustainability

• Linen is one of strongest and most durable natural fibres. 
• It grows well without the use of harsh pesticides, which makes this washable and reusable mask even more environmentally friendly.

Taking Care

• Linen is relatively easy to take care of. It can be washed and steamed at a high heat with very little shrinkage. This is important for killing germs. The downside is that linen creases easily which means an iron is needed to press your mask back into shape and get that ‘crisp’ smooth feel back.

Fun Fact

• Linen has a long history of use in the medical field. Surgeons used to use it as a dressing for wounds because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s one of the ‘purest’ fabrics and the only natural fibre that is accepted internally in the human body.

Please note that these are not medical-grade masks and have not been medically approved. However, as research is showing, cloth masks can provide some assistance in limiting the spread of the virus. These masks will help to limit transmission via coughing or sneezing of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals (COVID-19 may be contagious for up to 14 days without presenting symptoms).

Please also note that face masks cannot provide complete protection against the virus, and cannot replace the need for regular and thorough hand washing, social distancing and self-isolating. Please take care to wash your hands before and after donning a mask, to wash your mask after each use, and to avoid touching your face while in use. For more information on the correct usage of masks, read here.