Do you have a question about the HeiQ Viroblock washable masks? Others may have asked the same. Find some frequently asked questions and their answers below.

How do I need to wash the HeiQ Viroblock washable masks?

If you use your mask every day, it is recommended to wash the mask at least once a week in gentle wash program at 40° Celsius (104° Fahrenheit). Best in a washing bag. Do not put the mask in the tumbler. The masks can be washed 30 times, after that the technologies added to enhance the functionality and comfort of the mask will deteriorate.

What do I do with the mask after 30 washes?

After the deterioration of the technologies that enhances the functionality and comfort of the mask, your mask can still be used. But the level of comfort and protection it provides you would not be as good as a new mask. Therefore, you may also consider it is time to replace it with a new one. You can dispose or recycle the old mask the way you normally dispose or recycle your textiles. Either in the textile garbage if you have or in the normal household garbage.

How do washable masks compare to single-use masks like FFP2 or surgical masks?

It's always a trade-off between comfort and protection. Both comfort and protection are very important for face masks. Protection depends highly on particle filtration level and mask fit. Uncomfortable masks lead to non-compliance, people wearing them wrongly or not at all. A perfect mask is a mask that will suit best your personal comfort and protection preference.

Here is an overview of how the different mask types compare (click on the picture to see content in detail):

What colors of the mask are available?

All available colors are on our web-shop. HeiQ will add new colors from time to time and offer special editions on some occasions.

What norms do these masks fulfill?

Our disposable FFP2 mask conform to the EN 149 norm and is approved by a CE notified body. Our surgical masks conform to EN14683 IIR. Unlike professional masks such as FFP2 or Type IIR, washable masks are so-called "community masks", technically with no standard norms to follow, but we do make sure they follow Swiss national recommendations.

Can I order customized masks with my logo or design?

We offer personalized masks for 500 masks or more.

How to put on and take off a mask?

Please watch this informative video of the WHO:

Our HeiQ Viroblock Technology does protect the surface of the mask from microbes. However, it is better that you don’t touch it, as claimed in the video.

Can I buy a single mask?

No. Our masks are sold in duopacks (packages of two masks) so you can wear one while the other one is being washed and dried.

What are the small plastic parts that come with the mask?

These are the adjusters for the elastic ear loops. In case those are too large for your face, you can tighten the ear loops to your specific needs. To put them back on the ear loops use a paperclip.

What is HeiQ Viroblock, is it safe and how does it work?

HeiQ Viroblock (NPJ03) was developed specifically to be used in face masks to enhance the protection to the masks. All of its ingredients have been carefully selected from the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) list. Its cosmetic grade silver chloride in micro-particle size combined with a bio-based liposome vesicle technology effectively inhibit microbes on the masks. The active ingredient is fully registered to be used as additives to human disinfectants, hygiene products, medical devices and textiles under EU Biocidal Products Regulations.

Watch a short video that explains how the technology works:

What are the other technologies on the Multi Hi-Tech version of the washable mask?

You can find the explanation of HeiQ Smart Temp, HeiQ Pure and HeiQ Eco Dry on the HeiQ corporate technology web page.

Does HeiQ Viroblock contain nano-silver?

No, we do not use nano-silver in the HeiQ Viroblock (NPJ03) technology. Instead we use silver chloride in the micro-scale, that is 1000 times bigger than nano-scale.

Is there a risk of inhaling the silver chloride?

No, the technology is permanently fixed to the fiber, immobile on the fabric and cannot be inhaled.

Can I buy your masks with an invoice?

You can pay by credit card, PayPal or Twint, but not with an invoice. By default, the masks are not delivered with an invoice, but in case you do need one for you records, please request an invoice by writing an email to ppe@heiq.com. We are happy to assist.

Can the mask cause any skin irritation?

We have tested the mask for skin irritation and the mask passed the standard cosmetic tests. In the unlikely case that you have undesired skin reactions, please refrain from using the mask and, if needed, consult your doctor.

How long is the delivery time?

We dispatch the masks usually within two working days. In Switzerland delivery through the Swiss Post should not take then longer than 2 days. In the rest of Europe we use DHL for delivery and depending on the country this can take up to 10 working days.

What mask options are available?

HeiQ offers a range of masks from disposables to washables. In the washables HeiQ offers two types, one with double HeiQ Viroblock protection, with the surface layer and filter layer treated with HeiQ Viroblock, the other one further enhanced for comfort with HeiQ Eco Dry and HeiQ Pure on the outside, and HeiQ Smart Temp on the inner layer.

Is the HeiQ Viroblock textile technology registered in Switzerland?

Yes. HeiQ Viroblock is a formulation of two HeiQ technologies, HeiQ Pure TAG (CPID 501264-00/CHZN5531silver-based antimicrobial t) and HeiQ Effect VB (CPID 690473-17, cosmetic liposome-based technology), together called HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03. HeiQ Pure TAG is manufactured with a registered silver chloride active ingredient, listed under the “inoffizielle, konsolidierte Liste” here:

• Common notification authority for chemicals  Switzerland
• ECHA (Agency of the European Union)

Silver chloride (EC-Nr. 100-001-0) is registered for the use in PT 1 human hygiene, 2 desinfectants, 4 food & feed, 6 preservatives for storage, 7 film preservatives, 9 fibers, 10 construction materials, 11 preservatives for processing in Switzerland and the European Union.

HeiQ Pure TAG and HeiQ Effect VB can be found under "Produktregister Chemikalien". The blend of the two products under the name HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is submitted for listing with the BAG.

Are the HeiQ Masks tested against Sars-Cov-2?

HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is among the first textile technologies in the world to be proven effective against SARS-CoV-2 by an independent institution. SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus from the coronavirus family that causes COVID-19. Tests have been conducted by HeiQ with the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne, Australia (Doherty Institute).

The test was performed on a 100% polyester woven fabric. The HeiQ washable masks are made out of a 100% polyester knitted fabric, so are not made with the identical fabric. The HeiQ disposable mask are made from non-woven polypropylene fabric. Polyester is one of the toughest fabrics to functionalize and achieving good results on polyester is a valid representation for cotton fabrics, viscose, nylon polypropylene and blends thereof. The HeiQ masks make a generic claim against microbes and germs as the validation of the product was performed according to the standard tests ISO 20743 and ISO 18184 and the normed organisms.

Sars-Cov-2 is a wild virus and is not included in the above-mentioned standards. Testing conducted with Sars-Cov-2 is conducted by Research Institutes and not accredited Laboratories. The institutes do not conduct routine testing. For this reason, the scientific community and the regulators suggest using a surrogate Coronavirus 229E utilized by routine testing institutes to justify claims against Sars-Cov-2. Read more on the web page of the Department of Health, Australia.