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FAQ
Which STYLESEAL mask should I choose?
Have a look at our mask comparison guide to help you choose the right mask.
What size STYLESEAL mask do I need?
Please go to our Size Guide to find the size STYLESEAL mask you need.
Penumbra and Umbra UV AIR masks are one size fits all.
Which mask filters should I use?
STYLESEAL PRO Mask
STYLESEAL PRO filters come in two types: PRO-SAFE and PRO-FLOW.
PRO-SAFE offers optimal filtration and protection against all airborne hazards (95% filtration). The filters meet the KN95 mask standard. Best choice for high levels of pollution and when you just need maximum protection.
HI-FLOW offers easy breathing and standard protection against all airborne hazards (80% filtration). The filters meet the new US ASTM F3502 standard (rated B2 for breathability, and F2 for filtration efficiency). Best for extended use such as on airplanes or during indoor activities.
STYLESEAL AIR and UV AIR Masks
To select the right filters, simply look at the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area and choose filters with the same color. For example, if the AQI is red, use red filters. You can easily keep track of the air quality by using the AirVisual app.
Note that higher filter levels are harder to breathe through and more expensive. Therefore, don’t use a higher level than you need. Even the low filter levels provide plenty of protection. The difference in protection between the filter levels is only 5%.
The filters come in a version with active carbon. We recommend you use carbon filters if you live in a city with heavy traffic. The carbon filters help to protect you from toxic gasses, such as traffic exhaust fumes and ozone.
If you need protection against airborne bacteria and viruses, choose the 80S, 90S, 95S, or 99S filters. These are treated with a medical-grade nano-silver coating that kills bacteria and viruses.
How often should I change the mask filters?
STYLESEAL PRO Mask Filters
Filter life can vary based on many factors such as the level of pollution, temperature and humidity, your activity level, and more.
The PRO mask filters can last up to 4 weeks in mild conditions, but we recommend you change them every 2 weeks.
Also change the filters if they look dirty, smell bad, become wet or if breathing becomes hard.
STYLESEAL AIR and UV AIR Masks Filters
How often you need to change the AIR mask filters depends on how much you use them. We recommend you change them every 2 weeks.
Also, change filters if they get wet, look very dirty, or are difficult to breathe through.
As the filters get clogged with pollution they become harder to breathe through. You can usually see this, as the filters become increasingly grey. Fresh filters are easier to breathe through and provide higher protection.
What do carbon filters do?
Activated carbon is carbon that has been treated with oxygen. This causes millions of tiny pores to open up on the carbon’s surface. Once carbon has been activated, it can absorb and remove many chemicals from the air, including the main gas-based pollutants:
Ozone (O3)
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Ordinary particle filters without carbon cannot absorb gasses. On the other hand, carbon cannot filter particle pollution (PM2.5). This is why a combination of particle and carbon filters work best, such as the STYLESEAL 80+CARBON, 90+CARBON, 95+CARBON, and 99+CARBON filters.
Carbon filters are especially useful in city environments, where there is a lot of traffic exhaust and other chemical fumes. Carbon filters also help remove smells and odors which can make breathing more pleasant.
Note: carbon filters are not available for the STYLESEAL PRO mask.
Do face masks protect me from viruses including Covid-19?
Using a face mask will block most droplets from other people’s sneezes and coughs from entering your mouth and nose, according to infectious disease experts. Coronaviruses are primarily spread through droplets.
Be sure to use a mask that fits and seals well. Because surgical masks aren’t fitted or sealed, they leave gaps around the mouth, so you’re not filtering all of the air that comes in. Also, don’t touch your face under the mask, and avoid taking it off when talking or making a phone call.
For the best protection, choose the STYLESEAL PRO mask with PRO-SAFE KN95 filters. If you are still using the older STYLESEAL AIR mask, make sure you choose the 90S, 95S, or 99S AIR filters, which are treated with a nano-silver coating that kills bacteria and viruses.
Be aware that no mask can guarantee 100% protection against infections. We recommend everyone practice social distancing and safe hygiene.
How do I clean my STYLESEAL mask?
Your STYLESEAL mask can be washed by hand, but not in a washing machine. Use regular soap or detergent, and wash gently. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the materials together. The masks are made of fine fabrics and designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear.
We recommend you wash your mask every time you change the filters. To clean your mask, simply:
1. Remove the old filters
2. Gently hand wash the mask in soap water
3. Rinse in plain water
4. Hang to dry
5. Replace with new mask filters
Some people ask if they can use alcohol spray on the mask. If you do so, it’s important to not spray on the inside, as this could loosen the glue that holds the Velcro rings for the filters. We recommend using soap and water as the best way to clean the mask.
What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to report air quality. It tells you how polluted the air is on a scale from 0 to 500.
The index is divided into 6 levels, color-coded from green to maroon. The higher the pollution level, the more damaging it is to your health.
You can find the AQI for your city or region by using a smartphone app such as AirVisual.
Are air pollution masks effective?
Yes, they are. At least three scientific studies have looked at the effectiveness of face masks for protection against air pollution.
One study found that face masks filter between 14% and 96% of PM2.5, depending on the brand and type of mask. The average filtering capability of all the masks was 48%.
Another study revealed that most face masks are effective at filtering pollution, but vary significantly in how much they leak. The leak inside the masks varied between 3% and 68%, again depending on brand and model. The researchers concluded that the most important factor for mask effectiveness is how well the mask fits the face and is able to seal off particles.
A third study compared regular particle filtering masks with masks that included active carbon layers. Results showed that
face masks with active carbon are more effective than regular masks at filtering toxic gasses, such as nitrogen and sulfur dioxide.
Can air pollution cause cancer?
Yes, according to the WHO, air pollution causes cancer.
Scientists have known for years that air pollution can lead to lung cancer, but new evidence shows it can also cause other cancers, including breast, liver, and pancreatic cancer.
A new study found that air pollution even increases the risk of getting mouth cancer.
One study revealed that every time the concentration of PM2.5 rises 10 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), the risk of dying from cancer increases by 22%.
But exactly how does air pollution cause cancer?
Pollution may cause flaws in the function of DNA repair, changes in the immune response of the body, or inflammation that causes angiogenesis, the development of fresh blood vessels that allow tumors to spread.
Are STYLESEAL masks and filters certified?
Yes, all STYLESEAL masks and filters are independently tested by third parties and conform to international mask standards.
ASTM F2100 standard (STYLESEAL AIR and UV AIR masks and filters).
KN95 & ASTM F3502 standards (STYLESEAL PRO and EZ-95 masks and filters).
See our mask certifications and test reports for more information.
What is an exhalation valve and do I need one?
An exhalation valve is a one-way vent installed on higher-end face masks and respirators. Its function is to allow easier breathing, prevent humidity and reduce uncomfortable heat and CO2 (carbon dioxide) buildup inside the mask.
An air mask with an exhaust valve will feel more comfortable and less hot than a mask without a valve.
The CO2 in the exhaled air is nearly 100 times that of inhaled air, and this can increase even further during strenuous activity. This means having an exhalation valve is especially important when you are exercising.
How do I install filters in the PRO mask?
Watch the video below to see how easy it is to install the filters in the STYLESEAL PRO mask.
Can I exchange the mask if it doesn’t fit?
Yes, you can! If you have received a mask that doesn’t fit you, simply return it to us within 15 days of purchase and we will send you the correct size, at no extra charge.
Please see our return policy for more details.
Don’t see your question answered in this FAQ? Please contact us, our team will be happy to answer.