Since
the outbreak of COVID 19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) in the Philippines, anyone
leaving their home is now required to wear a face mask as part of the “new
normal”. This national rule is mandated by the Philippine Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging
Infectious Diseases as one way to prevent the spread of coronavirus when in
public places. Due to this mandatory rule, it’s no surprise to have several
people panic buying disposable surgical and N95 face masks. The surge in demand
for disposable face masks causes global shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which put our healthcare
workers at risk. Not to mention, single-use face masks are also contributing to
the ever growing global waste problem, most especially if they are not
discarded properly.
Fortunately,
a lot of Filipino brands have shifted their efforts into creating reusable and
washable face masks which are more cost-efficient, eco-friendly and have lots
of colors/designs to choose from. Before buying reusable face masks, there are
two important factors to consider. First, the fabric material used to make the
face mask must be waterproof to be able to efficiently block the tiny
coronavirus droplets. Second, the fabric material used must be breathable
especially if you’re going to wear it for a long period of time.
1. Candid Clothing
Candid Clothing is a local apparel brand that uses factory
surplus fabric to make affordable, sustainable and fashionable clothing items.
Recently, they have started producing reusable face masks that are made with
upcycled bamboo cotton. Bamboo cotton is known for its moisture-wicking and
antibacterial properties. The company is also supporting a social cause to help
their garment workers as well as other garment workers in Rizal who have lost
their jobs during the community quarantine.
Mask Features
- 3-ply with inner pocket to insert additional filter
- Made from upcycled bamboo cotton
- Available in various colors and sizes
- Has size for kids
Price
- 10-99 pcs. = Php 35 per piece
- 100-999 pcs. = Php 25 per piece
They have a minimum order
of 10 pieces.
Website: https://candidclothing.ph/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidclothing.ph/
2. The Naturale Market
The Naturale Market is a one-stop shop for local sustainable goods
that are sourced from different parts of the Philippines. Being a one-stop
shop, they now also offer reusable face masks in pretty colors. Their face
masks are made from neoprene – a waterproof fabric that is often used to create
wetsuits. It’s also good to know that when you buy face masks from them, 30% of
the proceeds will go to the company’s PPE Donation Drive in order to produce
PPE for our health workers.
Mask Features
- 2-ply with inner pocket to insert additional filter
- Made from neoprene fabric
- Available in various colors
Price
3. Jacinto & Lirio
Jacinto & Lirio is known for their plant-based leather goods
that are made from water hyacinth. This time, they have also started selling
reusable face masks that are either made from denim or canvas. They have
followed the recommendation based on the study conducted by Smart Air organization which endorses denim and canvas as the most effective materials to
use when making reusable face masks. Both denim and canvas fabrics can
efficiently block out coronavirus droplets while still being breathable for
comfortable wear.
Mask Features
- 3-ply with inner pocket to insert additional filter
- Made from either denim or canvas
- Has 2 color options available
- Has size for kids
- Can be customized with logo for a Minimum Order Quantity of 100 pieces
Price
- Php 125 per piece (tax not included)
They have a minimum order
of 12 pieces. Face masks are also made-to-order.
Website: https://jacintoandlirio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacintoandlirio
4. Eika
Eika is
a local swimwear brand that offers unique and affordable bikini sets that you
can mix and match. Since swimming in beaches is still not an ideal thing to do
while we’re having coronavirus outbreak, the brand has decided to add a new
product in their catalog – reusable, waterproof face masks.
Mask Features
- 2-ply with inner pocket to insert additional filter
- Made from neoprene fabric
- Available in various colors and designs (check out their limited floral design edition ^_^)
- Has size for kids
Price
- Php 300 for a pack of 3 face masks
They also sell separate polypropylene
mask filter inserts which can be bought for Php 80 (pack of 10).
Website: https://eika.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eika.ph
Instagram: http://instagram.com/eika.ph
5. Polo Loco
If
you’re looking for reusable face masks for the men in your life, then menswear
brand Polo Loco now also sells what
they called Solidarity Masks that
come in darker, masculine shades. They will also donate one set of face masks
to healthcare workers for every set purchased by the customers.
Mask Features
- 3-ply with inner pocket to insert additional filter
- Made from combination of neoprene and lycra fabrics
- Available in various colors
Price
- Php 220 for a pack of 3 face masks + 10 disposable filter sheets
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pololocomnl/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pololocomnl/
It’s
important to understand that reusable cloth face masks are not as efficient as
disposable medical-grade surgical masks. However, since there is worldwide
shortage of PPE, let’s just leave disposable surgical masks to healthcare
workers who really need them. Make sure to also wash or disinfect the face
masks after each use so that you can safely use them again.
P.S.
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