Frequently Asked Questions
About our products
Most commonly asked questions about AirPop masks. If you can't find your answer please contact us.
AirPop Active, Original & Light SE masks do have sliding toggles on each ear-loop.
The ear-loops on the Pocket and Kids do not have toggles, however they can be lengthened by pinching the elastic between your thumb and forefinger and running along the length of each ear-loop
We create AirPop masks in 2 sizes that accommodate the facial dimensions of over 80% of the population.
Please see our Sizing Guide for more details and we’ve created a simple video to show you how to measure your face and check that AirPop will be suitable before you purchase.
AirPop masks are manufactured with our patented soft nose bridge designs, each of which conforms to the contours of the wearer's face creating a secure & comfortable seal that is also effective at reducing fogging for glasses wearers.
We don’t use metal nose bars as the alloys can contain additives which can cause discomfort and irritation for many people.
AirPop Light SE, Pocket and Kids mask include the 2 stage filter within the 4 layers of material so there’s no need to purchase separate filters for these models.
AirPop Active and Original masks incorporate the same 4 layers of material in our replaceable filter system which securely snap into place in the outer shells.
4 replacement filters are included with each Active/Active+ or Original Mask and replacement filters are available to purchase separately in 4-packs.
In accordance with WHO, CDC, EU and other Governmental health guidance, AirPop masks do not have exhalation valves so are suitable for use in all civilian settings and environments including public transport and air travel.
Fogging glasses is the result of moist exhaled air escaping through the top of your mask.
All of our masks feature an adaptive nose bridge which seals the mask around your nose and the “valley” either side between your nose & cheeks.
AirPop Light SE is designed with a soft top layer which creates a flexible seal around this critical nose bridge area and performs especially well at reducing fogging for people who wear glasses.
AirPop re-usable masks and filters are made from multiple layers of non-woven polypropylene. The high-performance filter core is created from electret charged melt blown polypropylene.
The Active Mask outer-shell is made from thermoformed nylon jacquard and the Original Mask outer shell is made from high density microfibre faux-suede and both materials are certified to meet STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®
AirPop Masks do not contain formaldehyde, latex , lead, phthalates and are tested according to cytotoxicity requirements of ISO 10993-5 2009-10.
All materials used throughout AirPop mask manufacturing are tested to ensure they are free from any substance known to be harmful to human health.
AirPop masks are manufactured from reusable polypropylene (PP), which is a petroleum hydrocarbon-based non-renewable polymer. Whilst PP will degrade, it isn't biodegradable and can leave micro and nano-plastics in the environment unless disposed and processed correctly.
Despite the fact that PP is a hydro-carbon based product, according to the Higg Material Sustainability Index, PP has the lowest impact on the environment in terms of the total cradle to gate impact per per kilogram of material. Considering the total energy consumed in processing, washing and dyeing many natural fibres like cotton or silk, reusable polypropylene is a more sustainable choice than many natural fibres.
(The Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI) is the apparel industry's most trusted tool to measure and score the environmental impacts of materials)
Our masks are manufactured in China.
To create our innovative designs it meant we had to innovate entire manufacturing processes and that could only be achieved by working with some of highest quality, professional PPE manufacturers in the world.
Please see how we manufacturer our masks here.
Care & Maintenance
NOTE: Please ensure you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with >70% alcohol content before and after removing your AirPop facemask.
Our masks and filters are designed to be reusable, and we’ve had them independently tested to verify they continue to perform at the stated fit, filtration and breathability levels following several cleaning cycles as below.
1. Quick Refresh - Tested up to 10 cleans
Using a >70% ethanol alcohol wipe or solution sprayed onto a clean cloth, wipe down all surfaces of the mask and ear loops for a minimum of 20 seconds each side. Allow to dry naturally and check there’s no residual alcohol odour before wearing again.
2. Hand Wash - Tested up to 5 washes
Hand wash the mask or filter with mild detergent at 30-40 degree Celsius in warm water for 5 - 10 minutes.
Rinse in clean water and allow to dry naturally, ideally at least 24 hours or until your mask is completely dry. Do not iron.
To prolong the effective lifespan of your AirPop masks, we recommend you have between 3 to 5 face masks / coverings and rotate daily so that each is allowed >72 hours to sanitise naturally in between wears.
The Original mask outer shells are made from microfibre so can be wiped down with a >70% alcohol wipe or with a clean paper towel, soap, and water. Do not submerge in water.
The Active /Active+ outer shell is made from nylon jacquard and can be hand washed with mild detergent at 30-40 degree Celsius in warm water for 5 - 10 minutes. Rinse in clean water and allow to dry naturally, ideally at least 24 hours or until your mask is completely dry. Do not iron.
NOTE: Remove the Halo sensor as per the instruction booklet before attempting to clean the outer shell.
The best indicator it’s time for a new mask is when it becomes more difficult to breathe through or retains an odour after washing. You’ll start to notice it collapsing onto your lips if the filter starts to clog.
How frequently you’ll need to replace your mask really depends on how much you wear and wash them, but most people can expect their AirPop to be at peak performance based on the below wearing patterns:
You Wear Your AirPop Consider Changing
1-2 Hours per day Every 4 to 6 weeks
3-5 Hours per day Every 2 to 3 weeks
6+ Hours per day Every 1 to 2 weeks
AirPop masks sealed in packaging will remain effective for a minimum of 3 years from the batch date of manufacturer printed on the packaging.
Our packaging is resealable so unused masks will remain effective for at least 12 months once opened provided they are stored in a ventilated environment, away from contamination, dust, sunlight, excessive moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
When the time comes to dispose of your AirPop masks, please place them in your ‘black bag’ general waste bin at home or at work, or a litter bin if you’re outside.
Do not put them in a recycling bin as they cannot be recycled through conventional recycling facilities. Take them home with you if there is no litter bin - please do not drop them as litter.
You do not need to put them in an extra bag or store them for a time before throwing them away.
If you or members of your household are self-isolating and need to dispose of any masks and other PPE items, please double bag them and store them for 72 hours before putting them in a ‘black bag’ waste bin. Do not put them in a recycling bin.
NOTE: Please ensure you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with >70% alcohol content before and after removing your AirPop facemask.
The filter media fibres in AirPop masks are made from a high resistivity synthetic polymer (melt blown non-woven) with electret properties. This material can maintain a permanent electrostatic charge on the surface and in the strands and in many ways they are the electrostatic equivalent of permanent magnets.
Because the manufactured fibres have such a high resistivity and resistance to adsorption of moisture they can stay "electrolysed" (magnetised) for very many years but have a finite lifetime when in use.
We specify 3 years effective shelf life from the date of manufacture as a rule, but studies have shown that masks using the same material can last much longer and they remain effective even if the charge has dissipated through age or decontamination.
Quality Assurance & Testing
Our masks tested in USA, Spain, Switzerland, France and China to ensure they meet many international regulatory requirements.
Yes. Many standards!
In addition to being certified non-powered air purifying particulate respirators to the Chinese National KN95 standard, our masks are also conformity assessed to exceed all reusable barrier face covering standards in North America, Canada, UK, Europe, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and more.
Please visit our Testing and Standards section for full details and copies of our certificates are available to view.
No. AirPop masks are NOT personal protective equipment in the sense of Regulation EU/2016/425 (respiratory protective devices EN149:2001 FFP2).
FFP2 respirators are specific for certain occupations and instances because they have a tightly fitted component to meet the qualification when worn. Respirator masks are designed to protect healthcare or industrial workers in settings and areas where particulate or aerosol generating procedures are undertaken.
Wearers are required to be fit tested before using an FFP2 respirator to ensure that they are wearing the correct size. Wearing a loose-fitting respirator will not offer the same protection to the wearer and may allow small particles to get inside the mask through the sides
The filtration efficiency, design and breathability of all AirPop Masks are assessed in leading European test laboratories according to the same test methods and performance requirements as used in assessing FFP2 masks. In testing carried out by BSI UK, AirPop masks demonstrated >97% filtration efficiency of >0.3 micron airborne particles.
No. AirPop masks are not NIOSH N95 respirators because as with FFP2 respirators, N95’s are intended specifically for certain occupations and also require quantitative fit testing for the wearer to ensure the 95% filtration level is achieved.
AirPop masks have been conformity assessed by Intertek in Cortland N.Y in accordance with the latest ASTM F3502-21 barrier face covering standard.
This ASTM F3502-21 standard is based on the test methods prescribed in 42 CFR Part 84 Subpart K, the Federal regulation for certifying NIOSH N95 approved air-purifying particulate respirators.
In Intertek’s testing all AirPop Adult masks demonstrated >97% filtration efficiency of <0.3 micron airborne particles such as pollen, pet dander, allergens, dirt, environmental air pollution and other airborne particulate matter.
AirPop masks exceed all parameters of the latest guidance from The World Health Organisation , CDC and other government health advice including demonstrating over 97% filtration efficiency, sub 60 Pa cm2 breathing resistance, close fit & good facial seal, sizing and manufacturing quality controls.
The CDC lists AirPop on their database of masks that conform to ASTM F3502-21 here
It would be wrong to say that any mask can protect the wearer or those around them from the transmission of SARS-nCoV-2 (Covid-19) or any other airborne disease, as wearing a mask is only one of the many control measures necessary to prevent the transmission of an airborne pathogen.
Wearing a close fitting, high filtration performance mask has been proven in clinical trials to be the single most effective means of source control in community settings, but it does require everyone to wear the same standard of mask.
In the real world this is not practical to expect, so the combined mitigations of social distancing, good hand hygiene, continuous ventilation when indoors and wearing close fitting high quality masks can offer us all the best chance of reducing transmission in our communities.