Washable mask

A reusable washable mask for the general public is neither a medical device within the meaning of EU regulation: 2017/745 (Surgical masks), nor personal protective equipment within the meaning of EU regulation/2016/245 (FFP2 type filtering masks).

We then distinguish two categories of filtration:

- Category 2 UNS2 with filtration of 70% to 90%
- Category 1 UNS1 with filtration greater than 90%
As a reminder, a 3-ply surgical mask as defined by standard EN14683 must filter more than 95% and more than 98% for type IIR.
Our Barral mask filters 99%, which places it at the highest filtration capacity.

Who tests the filtration quality and number of washes?

Until June 19, only the DGA (Directorate General of Armaments) had the authority to issue conformity in terms of filtration and the maintenance of the filtration level during washing.
As of June 19, the General Directorate of Armaments (DGA) will no longer accept new applications (See DGA Communication).
Mask testing, including washing, must be carried out by a competent third party.
Such testing capacities are listed, in alphabetical order: at CEA LITEN, at CERTAM, at CETELOR (washing only), at the French Institute of Textiles and Clothing (IFTH); at the University of Haute Alsace in Mulhouse by obtaining information from the Pôle Textile Alsace (PTA);

What does the number of washes guarantee?

The masks are guaranteed for 10 / 20 / 30 / 50 washes and a government-validated logo certifies this. The display of this logo is mandatory for washable reusable general public masks. It is important to specify that the washing tests carried out on the masks only concern the filter media part and therefore its filtration capacities as the wash progresses. These tests in no way validate the resistance of the fasteners, welds, seams, etc. of the mask, which may also be subject to different constraints depending on the washing method used by the user. Thus, the use of a washing net will extend the "mechanical" life of the mask. Otherwise, the elastics may get caught in the rest of the laundry and break.