Xula Mask Certifications & FAQ

WHAT PROTECTION DO XULA MASKS OFFER?

WHAT KIND OF MASKS DO XULA PRODUCE?

XULA manufactures transparent polyester hygienic masks, which are fully reusable and certified.

ARE XULAMASK MASKS CERTIFIED?

Yes, we have the Spanish certification for hygienic masks UNE0065 and the European CWA 17553: 2020. 

WHAT TESTS DO THE MASKS PASS IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE UNE0065 CERTIFICATION?

The masks need to pass several tests which include BREATHING test (to ensure the wearer can breathe with the mask on) and BACTERIAL FILTRATION (BFE) test, to ensure that the mask will have an adequate level of barrier against viruses and bacteria. As they are reusable masks, they also pass washing tests to ensure that the masks continue to meet the levels of respiration and bacterial filtration after the indicated washings.

WHAT IS THE DEGREE OF BACTERIAL FILTRATION OF XULA HYGIENE MASKS?

Our bacterial filtration is 95%. Minimum requirement (dependant on country) is between 70-90%.

WHAT IS THE BREATHABILITY LEVEL OF XULA MASKS?

Our breathability is very high, as our transparent masks are single layer. Our breathability percentage is 23 %.

ARE XULA MASKS SAFE?

XULA masks meet all the requirements of the COVID19 protection regulations when used as per the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines in our packaging. Follow the instructions for use and washing guidelines. Protection against COVID19 is achieved through a combination of factors including the mask but also by following social distancing, hand washing and other governmental guidelines.

ARE XULA MASKS REUSABLE?

XULA are fully reusable hygienic masks.

HOW MANY WASHES CAN THEY HAVE?

We guarantee they retain their technical specifications up to 40 washes. Laboratory tests have been carried out to replicate the washing guidelines in an accelerated manner, as per the correct washing cycles stated by the manufacturer, which allows the ITEL institute to state that the durability attributed to these fabrics, is greater than 84 washes without affecting the characteristics of the material. As a result, it is up to this number of washes they maintain the limit of the parameters established by the UNE 0065/2020 specification.

DOES IT REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE?

We recommend washing the mask every 8 hours of use, either by hand or in the machine up to 35ºC and then applying a heat source to reactivate the water-repellent protection. The ideal heat source is a hairdryer at full power, a tumble dryer, or an iron on your silk programme.

WHAT TYPE OF FABRIC ARE XULA MASKS MADE OF?

Xula masks are made from skin-coloured polyester or black polyester.

HOW MANY MODELS DOES XULAMASK HAVE?

XULA masks have several models available to its customers: the female models: basic with white, black and navy-blue trim, white glitter, silver, black bead decoration and imitation zirconia. The unisex models are basics with black or blue trims.

HOW MANY SIZES ARE AVAILABLE FOR XULAMASK?

XULA manufactures from XS, S, M, L and up to XL.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH SIZE CORRESPONDS TO ME?

We have a complete size guide available here: https://www.presenceconcept.com/pages/xula-mask-size-guide

HOW ARE THE MASKS CERTIFIED?

XULA masks are independently certified by ITEL laboratories in Spain, who have the technical capacity to perform the tests indicated by the standard to which they must be submitted. 

Homologation is a much longer process, approximately one year, which also involves control by the AEMPS (Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products), not only of the certification but also for the manufacturing process of the masks. As the masks are NOT a Health Product, they are not subject to approval. The terms certification and homologation are often equated, but they are different things.

In the case of hygienic masks, the standard to which they are subject is UNE 0065 for reusable hygienic masks and UNE 0064 for non-reusable masks, according to Spanish standards and CWA 17553:2020 according to European standards.

There are three tests that must be performed:

1. Bacterial filtration (BFE) according to EN 14683:2019 + AC:2019

2. Breathability according to EN 13274-3

3. Resistance to washing. A minimum of 5 washes is required to be approved as a reusable mask.

The values obtained and approved for our masks are: 

1. 95% in the bacterial filtration test.

2. 23 PA/ cm2 in the respiratory test

3. Resistance to more than 40 washings.

Based on these values, our masks have passed the tests and therefore have obtained the UNE 0065 certification for hygienic reusable masks and the CWA 17553:2020.

ARE THE USE OF MASKS SUFFICIENT TO PROTECT US FROM COVID19?

The use of a mask in general, in isolation is not considered sufficient in protecting an individual from COVID-19. When used in conjunction with other measures such as reduced social contact, washing hands regularly, maintaining a safe distance, avoiding closed or crowded spaces with little ventilation, always interacting within a reduced bubble, then wearing a mask is considered important.

 WHICH ARE THE SAFEST MASKS?

The safest masks on the market are those known as high efficiency or self-filtering masks. These masks contain a micro-particle filter which protect the wearer from inhaling certain pollutants in the environment, such as pathogens and chemicals however they do not protect against gases or vapours. These are considered to be PPE, and are classified on the basis of their performance, i.e., FFP3, FFP2 and FFP1 respectively.

There are masks categorised as surgical masks which prevent the transmission of infectious agents by the person wearing it. They are not considered PPE because they do not provide a reliable level of protection against the inhalation of particles, although they are considered a medical device (MSD).

The last category is hygienic masks. This type of mask is not considered a medical device or personal protective equipment (PPE), and is not designed to ‘protect from any or all risks. Its use is not recommended in situations involving exposure to ‘hazardous agents’. The primary function of these category masks is to try to reduce the risk of transmission of viruses from the mouth and nose to a third party.

WHO CAN USE THE HYGIENIC MASKS?

Their use is recommended and advised for all people without chronic pathologies, alterations of the immune system such as those caused by chemo/radium treatment to fight cancer, without serious health deficiencies (heart, lungs) and who do not have regular contact with potentially infected people in hospital or care home environments.