1. COVID-19 is a virus and not a bacteria. Has the mask you are wearing been tested and proven effective against the viral infections?
The Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE) test of a mask is very important to show how effective it is to give you good protection. If there is no VFE tested, it defeats the purpose of wearing a mask.

2. With many different masks in the market, do they all provide the same protection?
No, they must show genuine test certificates from globally accredited laboratories on viral filtration efficiency (VFE). As the Covid -19 is a virus, a mask can only highly protect against viral infections if it has VFE 99.9%.
If the masks are individually wrapped, it is an extra bonus as it would be hygienic for your child handling.

3. If my mask has Bacteria Filtration Efficiency (BFE), does this mean adequate protection against bacteria and viruses?
BFE only tests for filtration effectiveness against bacteria. Since COVID-19 is a virus, Viral Filtration Efficiency testing would be more important. If the mask you are wearing is not tested for VFE, it is uncertain which level of protection you have against viral infections.

With BFE >99%, Gemtier mask is able to prevent all bacteria from infecting the wearer. BFE measures the filtration efficiency of a mask using viable (live) particles (bacteria) that vary in size from 1 to 5 microns.

4. What is the Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE) of the mask?
The VFE of Gemtier Masks is 99.9% efficient as proven by test results from Nelson Laboratory. VFE measures the filtration efficiency of the mask using viral control counts which tests the inside of a mask. Adapted from ASTM F2101, the test method acceptance and criteria were met.

5. As long as the mask imported to Singapore has some certification, it should be genuine and safe for my child?
No, masks are considered a Class A medical device. Before importing into Singapore, the company must notify the Ministry of Health Singapore (MOH) of their intention to import or sell these masks in Singapore.

MOH would only require the brands, importers and specifications of masks for tracking purposes if there are defective batches of mask.
Consumers may assume that all masks sold in Singapore are safe and tested. However, it is important to know if your mask has genuine certificates from reliable International accredited Laboratory with European (EN 14683:2019) or ASTM mask standards.
Gemtier Masks meet the European EN14683:2019 standard of Surgical Type IIR TUV certified from the TUV Lab (Biggest lab in Germany).

• High BFE >99%
• High VFE 99.99%
• High Breathability 16 kPa/Hmmg
• Splash / Water resistant <39 Pa/cm²
• High Microbial Cleanliness 1.8 cfu/g

6. What is PFE – Particle Filtration Efficiency?
PFE measures the filtration efficiency of a mask using nonviable (non-living) particles that are fixed in size from 0.1 micron to 1 micron.

7. What is EN14683:2019 certification about?
The EN 14683: Medical Face Masks is a harmonized standard under the Medical Device Directive, and provides requirements and test methods for medical face masks. EN 14683 is the highest award for any Type 11R medical mask in the European Union (EU). The table below indicates the performance requirements defined by EN 14683-2019.
Gemtier’s products meet European Standard EN 14683, Type IIR.

8. How many layers does the Mask contain?

It consists of 3 layers with PTFE as the filter. The first and inner layers are made of Spunbound Propylene (not meltblown) and the middle layer is made of PTFE filter to capture micro particles.

9. Who is the manufacturer?
Gemtier Mask manufacturer, Jiangsu Kangbao founded in 1986 is a professional manufacturer of disposable medical devices in Yangzhou City, including disposable sterile syringes, infusion sets, Hypodermic needle, IV systems and scalp vein sets.

10. Is it safe & suitable for allergic skin?
Yes, its high microbial cleanliness of ≤ 30 cfu/g means that there are little organisms that can stay on the mask which helps to prevent skin irritation and contact dermatitis.

The ISO 10993 is an assessment for biological effects from medical device exposure or material to the human body on Cytotoxicity, Sensitization, Irritation, Systemic Toxicity and Haemocompatibility. This means that it is safe for all skin types and suitable for sensitive skin.

If your skin starts to itch, develop spot rash or other symptoms, stop using immediately.

11. Care Tips for your mask

• How to store?
  Store your masks well away from sunlight.
• When to replace?
  Replace the mask if it is damaged or soiled, breathing becomes difficult or contaminated with blood or bodily fluids. Discard after every use.

Gemtier masks have a PTFE membrane, which makes it highly breathable throughout the day as it is highly resistant to splashes (water or blood), chemical-free with no unpleasant smell.

12. What is PTFE and how does it protect us?
PTFE known as Polytetrafluroethylene, has a spider web-like microporous structure and a 3-dimensional structure made by unidirectional biaxal stretching to provide excellent surface filtration features. This keeps the mask dry throughout the day due to its water resistant filter, making it highly breathable and maintains its filtration efficiency.

13. How to store it well?
Keep it away from excessive sunlight or heat areas for storage.

14.What is the shelf life?
2 years from date of manufacture.

15. What ages are suitable for children mask?
Ages: 6 years and above.