Frequently Asked Questions
No, all of our masks include a built-in nanofiber membrane filter, which means you don’t need to worry about buying filters separately . You simply need to follow these washing instructions described below in the FAQ to maintain the filter, which has been tested to maintain its efficacy for at least 50 washes (when washed and cared for according to instructions).
Our filters have been tested by multiple 3rd party testing agencies, including Nelson Labs USA, and the Taiwan Textile Research Institute. These tests have shown our filters to meet the N99 standard (higher than N95), which means they are able to filter out over 99% of tiny (0.3 micron) particulate matter.
Test Performance:
- 99.9% average filtration of viruses
- 99.9% average filtration of bacteria
- 99.97% average particulate filtration down to 0.3 microns
Please follow the instructions below, or watch our washing tutorial video.
In short, the answer is yes. Under a microscope, viruses, including the coronavirus, are surrounded by an outer layer of lipids or fat. Just as dish detergent dissolves grease, it also gets rid of the greasy liquid coating of the virus, thereby de-activating it. If you feel the masks need an extra level of disinfection, we also recommend spraying it with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol after each wash. Placing it under the sun also serves as a deodorizer after washing.
All of our masks are manufactured in Taiwan, a country where wearing masks has been commonplace for decades as a result of experiencing the SARS pandemic in
2003 and frequent poor air quality. Taiwan’s response to the coronavirus has been touted as one of the best globally, with an extremely low infection and death rate. A contributing factor to this is the widespread practice of wearing masks in Taiwan. Manufacturing from a mature mask market such as Taiwan has made it possible to access the most innovative fabrics and technologies to create one of the most high quality reusable masks available.
On average, masks typically last approximately 250 hours, but this may vary slightly depending on individual environments. Over time, the filter will start to accumulate enough particles to inhibit breathing. When you start to notice air is not flowing as easily as it once was, or the filter seems to be moving in and out more with each breath, it’s a sign that your filter is getting clogged and it’s time to replace your mask.
Due to the nature of these masks and our commitment to ensure all customers receive a new, unworn, hygienic mask, we can not accept returns. Please reach out if you have any specific questions around sizing at info@happymasks.com.
The sizing guidance on our product pages are how most customers have successfully determined the correct size to purchase. We have also included the exact measurements of each mask below.
Good question! Happy Masks and N-95s are actually completely different types of masks. N-95s are made for medical settings and tested by NIOSH. That means they are one-time use and require a fit-test. We made Happy Masks for non-medical settings. They are reusable, washable (please check the washing instructions card) and tested by Nelson Laboratories.
Because our masks are not disposable, we do not recommend they be used by medical professionals in a medical setting. For hygiene reasons, it’s best medical professionals use masks they can dispose of after each use.
For masks that are in stock, we ship using USPS 1st class mail within 3 days of receiving an order. For rush orders, we ship via UPS 2-day and ship within 1 day of receiving the order. If you need to upgrade to UPS Next Day delivery, please reach out to us and we can help.
On average, USPS 1st class orders arrive within 3-5 days after we ship. Occasionally shipments may get stalled, and take slightly longer than that.
For masks that are back-ordered, the product pages will indicate when we will be back in-stock.
Our nanofiber membrane filter consists of 3 layers, with the inner nanofiber membrane consisting of small, synthetic fibers – each measuring one thousand times thinner than a human hair. This inner layer is sandwiched in between 2 non-woven layers, which provide structure and support to the filter and also enable its washability.
The inner and outer layers of the mask consist of a quick-dry polyester, which ensures fabric remains soft and dry, even after hours of wear.
For the patterns under our limited edition series, we usually discontinue old patterns and add new ones every 2 months. If you see a design you like, be sure to get it while you can! If you have suggestions for new colors or designs, please feel free to reach out at info@happymasks.com.
Foggy glasses are the result of air escaping through the top of your mask. All of our masks feature an adjustable nose wire which seals the mask around your nose and cheeks. When worn correctly, exhalation passes directly through the mask and not up into your glasses. If you experience fogging, try pressing the top of your mask along the nose wire and across the cheeks, and if possible, try resting your glasses on top of the mask.
Our mask is made up of 5 lightweight layers. The outer and inner layers are made of a moisture-resistant polyester, while the filter is made of 2 layers of non-woven material and a nano-microporous film embedded in between them.
The combination of a thin profile with 99.9% filtering efficiency is what makes our masks uniquely comfortable and protective.