What is the use of buying a mouthguard? What material should it be made of? What do I have to consider when wearing? We answer these questions and show four recommended manufacturers.
Does it make sense to buy a face mask?
Not everyone has a sewing machine or is so adept at crafting that they can sew a mouthguard themselves. If this applies to you, you can ask your friends or relatives if you can help someone who has more sewing experience. If that doesn’t work, you can of course still buy a face mask (online).
But which type of mask is the right one? Filtering half masks and surgical masks are the most effective. But: you are currently scarce – and are used more urgently in healthcare than in private individuals. Therefore, it is best to use a makeshift mask made of fabric. Below we present products from recommended manufacturers.
Buy mouthguard: What material should it be made of?
We still don’t know enough about the corona virus. It is therefore not yet entirely clear how to most effectively curb its spread. A study indicates, however, that makeshift masks made from cotton T-shirts were able to “significantly” reduce the number of microorganisms emitted. Makeshift masks made from tea towels and pillowcases were also very effective, but not as effective as medical masks. In addition: The researchers carried out their experiments with bacteria, not with viruses. So it is unclear whether the results can be transferred to corona viruses.
Most sewing instructions (like those of the German General Practitioners’ Association Lower Saxony) recommend a thicker cotton fabric. It can collect a certain amount of liquid, is easy to clean and is still breathable. You should include your mouthguard at least 60 degrees can wash in the washing machine. In addition, the homemade or purchased mouthguard should according to Robert Koch Institute (RKI) should fit as closely as possible and cover your mouth and nose.
Buy face mask: 4 recommended models
Note: The following mouthguard models are makeshift masks. So they are not certified, hygienically tested or have an official degree of protection. The models we present are made from organic cotton, so you can easily wash them in the washing machine. All masks are made in Europe.
Armedangles
(Photo: © Armedangles)
Poor angel not only offers spring fashion – due to the corona crisis, the fair fashion label also makes masks. The “Vaader” mouthguard is available in black and white, with sayings such as “I wear that mask for you” or “I warmly smile under this mask” as a print. All mouthguard models are vegan and are made in Portugal. They are currently only available in one size.
- Price: about 9 euros
- Material: Organic cotton
- To wash: In the washing machine at 60 degrees
- To buy**: For example Armedangles
Oberlandla
(Photo: Utopia / aw)
The Bavarian streetware label Oberlandla is actually known for its t-shirts. Three hobby seamstresses now sew makeshift masks by hand from goods that cannot currently be sold. Because the team is small, the mouthguard models sell out quickly – however, the label can send you a notification as soon as there are new ones.
Each mask looks different and consists of different material residues. Randomly decides which model the customer gets when he buys a mouthguard. To prevent hamster buying, you can currently not order more than three masks at a time.
- Price: 9 euros
- Material: Organic cotton (t-shirt fabric)
- To wash: In the washing machine at 60 degrees
- To buy: in your own Online shop
Dots comma Dash
(Screenshot: Avocadostore)
The masks of the children’s fashion label Pünktchen Komma Strich are somewhat more expensive – one piece costs just under 16 euros. Therefor this mouthguard is available in different sizes, namely in:
- S – women normal face
- M – women broader face / men normal face
- L – men’s broader face
The masks are produced in the label’s studio in Mainz. According to the manufacturer, they are made of organic cotton, you can wash them at up to 90 degrees.
- Price: around 16 euros
- Material: Organic cotton
- To wash: In the washing machine at up to 90 degrees
- To buy**: for example in the Avocadostore
Frija Omina
(Screenshot: Avocadostore)
The face mask of the fashion label Frija Omina has adjustable temples and rubber bands – so you can adapt it to your face shape. In addition, the model has a slot in which you can insert an extra protective fleece. Frija Omina manufactures the masks in a factory between Hamburg and Berlin. If you buy a face mask, your order will be packed plastic-free. The shipping is CO2 neutral according to the manufacturer.
- Price: 16.90 euros
- Material: Organic cotton
- To wash: in the washing machine at 60 degrees
- To buy**: for example in the Avocadostore
Tip for hobby sewers: Sewing mouthguard yourself: Instructions and what protection it offers against corona viruses
What is a mouthguard for against the corona virus?
Can a mouthguard protect the wearer from corona? According to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) can only do so-called “filtering half masks” (FFP2 / FFP3).
Simple surgical masks (including mouth-nose protection masks or MNS) can only help to avoid infecting anyone else. Homemade makeshift masks are also said to have this effect, but this has not yet been scientifically proven. Nevertheless, the BfArM assumes that homemade or purchased makeshift masks also help to spread less infectious droplets, for example when coughing.
virologist Christian Drosten explains it like this: “When I sneeze, I distribute the smallest droplets and when I have a piece of cloth in front of my mouth, these large droplets are caught, and of course that’s good.”
A mouthguard also has other advantages:
- It prevents you from touching your face unnoticed.
- It can remind other passers-by to keep their distance.
In Austria (and in Jena in Thuringia) protective masks are already mandatory when shopping. Again mirror reports, in Germany and the federal states want to “urgently” advise citizens to wear “everyday masks” in public transport and in shops. According to the Ministry of Health, everyday masks are used to protect others from infection.
Use mouth protection: you have to consider that
Buying a face mask is not enough – of course you have to wear it too. Make sure that you do not accidentally contaminate your face mask or come into contact with pathogens. The BfArM reveals how you can avoid this:
Put on mask
-
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap beforehand.
- Do not touch the inside of the mask when you put it on.
- Make sure you place it properly over your mouth, nose, and cheeks so that it fits snugly.
Wear mask
- If you are wearing it for the first time, make sure that the mask does not restrict your breathing.
- As soon as the mask is wet, you should remove and replace it.
- Do not touch the outside or pluck the fabric to avoid contaminating your hands with pathogens.
- Don’t wear the mask around your neck.
- Keep your distance from others and follow the usual hygiene measures.
Remove mask
- Wash your hands thoroughly after losing weight.
- Wash the mask immediately at a minimum of 60 degrees and let it dry. Alternatively, you can keep them in an airtight bag for a short time before washing them.
Read more on Techzle.com:
- Corona virus: These popular hand sanitizers don’t protect
- Because of corona virus: 9 tips on how to make good use of your time at home
- Corona times: How to shop online sensibly now