Warning! This article contains a lot more information than it's worth.Cactus has done the right thing over 28 years for its customers. You can buy a Cactus mask.
You can read more about our masks.
We would like to see consumers be more conscious of the finer points of face-masks, especially with some very unscrupulous claims by different suppliers.
With all that said, get ready to be informed.
Six months ago no one had heard of N95. It was an obscure concept that was only known to standards testers and industrial people. Today N95 is all the rage. What does N95 actually stand for?
An N95 mask or N95 respirator is a particulate-filtering face piece respirator that meets the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health N95 classification of air filtration, meaning that it filters at least 95% of airborne particles. In other words, the device can filter out 95% of particles less than 0.3 microns.
However, N95 has two parts. This is where things get a little complicated. The first is whether or no filter/mask block has been used to achieve the 95% figure. This is the easiest part. The second is more difficult. It involves a face fit test. In this step, the individual must put on the mask.
Other sewn fabrics masks
Many fabric masks can be purchased in New Zealand, and other parts of the world. Many of these masks don't block bacteria or viruses, as we all know. International testing has cast doubts on the effectiveness of simple fabric covers to stop the spread viruses. We make sure that the mask we use is transparent.
On to Cactus's mask
A lab in-house tested the filter medium and found that it blocked 99.9% of particles with a size of 0.3 microns. Our filter has a much higher level of protection than the N95-standard. This filter was not independently certified as N95 because there are no independent labs here that can perform the test.
We're selling the mask as an accessory for consumers. It is well-above N95 but we don't believe it will be a personal protective equipment (PPE) because of regulations.
We put emphasis on performance
The wool filter we use has been designed to be twice as easy as standard masks to breathe through. This is vital because N95 masks are notoriously difficult to breathe through. Additionally, our mask can be adjusted to fit different faces. We designed it to fit snugly around the head for maximum protection. It also includes an adjustable nose wire to protect your skin.
A reusable mask
The differences between disposable, reusable, replaceable and disposable filters and masks are easy to confuse. To clarify, the filter is built into our mask. This was done to ensure that the filtration is uniform across the mask. Removable filters can cause filter bunching, which could result in the mask being unprotected.
The filter medium will last very well. It is possible for the filter to become clogged in dusty environments or near fire grounds. Normal use of the mask will not cause the filter to become clogged. To be clear, the mask should not ever be worn if it becomes difficult or impossible to breathe through.
The face fabric is the fabric that lines the inside of the mask. To clean it, we suggest using either a mild hand sanitizer (or a medical alcohol pre-pad) and merely wiping it.
For complete clarity, don't wash the mask. Additional information is available on each mask's care card.
Why there are no returns?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns for face masks for sanitary reasons.