BUFF® FILTER MASKS FAQS
Everything you want to know about the New BUFF® Filter Mask.

ABOUT YOUR BUFF®FILTER MASK

• While  wearing  the  BUFF® Filter Mask, does it  protect  me  against COVID-19? 

The BUFF® Filter Mask acts as a physical barrier to reduce the spread of larger droplets resulting from talking and/or coughing by the wearer when used correctly, providing the filter 98%  filtration efficiency  and high breathability. Also wearing the Buff® Filter Mask may help to limit touching of the mouth and nose. However, the BUFF® Filter Mask is not certified as a medical device or personal protective equipment. There is no scientific evidence that community/non-medical face masks are an effective means of respiratory protection for the wearer of the mask.

• While wearing the BUFF® Filter Mask, does it protect others  from  against COVID-19?  

The BUFF® Filter Mask plays a somewhat similar role as a physical barrier to reduce the spread of larger droplets resulting from  talking and/or coughing by the wearer when used correctly. The filter meets the performance requirements of the harmonised standard EN 14683:2019 + AC, with regard to Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE%) and Differential Pressure (Pa/cm²) (Breathability), obtaining the Type I and II classification. However, the BUFF® Filter Mask is not certified as a medical device or personal protective equipment.

• What is  HEIQ V-BLOCK® treatment  for? 

The fabric technology  HeiQ  V-Block protects the inside pocket fabric from microbes and germs .  For more  information about  HeiQ  V-Block you may visit  this page. 

• Is it better than a homemade mask?  

The BUFF® Filter Mask is designed for lightweight comfort. The filter provides 98%  filtration  efficiency  and high breathability.  With the elastic bands the BUFF® Filter Mask is adjustable on the back of the head for individual fit, avoiding pressure points around the ears. 

• Can I compare the performance provided by the filters used with the BUFF® Filter Mask with a Surgical Mask? 

Yes.  The filters  meet  Bacterial  Filtration  Efficiency  and breathability standard type I and II of the standard EN14683:2019 for Medical face masks.

• Are there any other BUFF® products with tested filters as the BUFF® Filter mask? 

The BUFF® Filter Mask is the only BUFF® product with an accredited laboratory. Buff's multifunctional headwear products may cover the entire front of the face (nose, mouth, chin, and neck), so they may help to limit touching of the mouse and nose. Direct or indirect contact is another way that transmission of COVID-19 can occur through transfer of the virus from a hand to the mouth, nose or eyes after touching a contaminated surface. However, our multifunctional headwear products are not intended for use to protect the wearer against infection or to avoid infect others and are not certified as medical devices or Personal Protective Equipment.

• Is BUFF® Filter Mask breathable? 

Yes. BUFF® Filter Mask is comfortable for everyday use and its filter meets breathability performance requirements obtaining type I and II classification of the standard EN14683:2019 for Medical Face Masks. 

• When should I wear BUFF® Filter Mask? 

Worldwide, face masks have become an essential accessory for daily activities like grocery shopping, using public transport or going for a run. Considering the  exceptional  situation  we are living these days, we recommend wearing your BUFF® Filter Mask when visiting businesses, closed spaces, when using public transport, and at certain workplaces (other than healthcare and similar) when involve physical proximity to many other people. However, we strongly recommend you  follow  your local safety guidelines and regional authority  instructions.

• Can I use BUFF® Filter Mask for playing sports?

Yes; BUFF® Filter Mask  fits great, stays securely in place, and works well for playing  sports, meeting the  breathability performance requirements of the standard EN14683:2019 obtaining type I and II.

• Can I wear BUFF® Filter Mask  with  hot weather?

Yes; BUFF® Filter Mask is made with  CoolNet UV+®  fabric  which is  light weight,  breathable and  features  HeiQ Smart Temp cooling technology.


CLEANING AND CARE FOR YOUR BUFF® FILTER MASK

• How do I  clean the BUFF® Filter Mask?  

Once you remove your filter daily, we strongly recommend you  wash the BUFF® Filter Mask at 60ºC  to ensure  total disinfection.  Care instructions are:
Machine-wash safe at 60ºC. Recommended delicate cycle and less than 30 mins washing program.

• How often it is necessary to wash my BUFF® Filter Mask?  

The BUFF® Filter Mask  should be washed immediately after use and  every time  you change  the  filter.  This  frequency  depends on the usage time as well as the environment conditions where it is being used, but always after a maximum 24h use.

• Can I wash my BUFF® Filter Mask at 60º C? 

Yes; the  BUFF® Filter Mask  is reusable and can be washed at 60°C. In order to make the mask last longer, we recommend you  to wash  it in a delicate cycle and in a 30 minutes program.


WEARING YOUR BUFF® FILTER MASK 

• How do I put on my BUFF® Filter Mask in a secure way? 

The BUFF® Filter Mask is worn covering perfectly the nose, mouth and chin of the user. Face masks need to be carefully put on and taken off in order to prevent self-contamination.

How to wear step by step:

1. Before putting on the mask, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or with an alcohol-based solution.
2. Place the filter in the mask pocket with clean hands as instructed.
3. Place the mask carefully, ensuring it covers the mouth and nose areas.
4. Place upper strap on head and adjust the mask on nose and ears.
5. Place on chin and adjust back of neck straps.
6. Once placed, avoid touching the mask with your hands while wearing it and if you do, wash your hands well with soap and water or with an alcohol-based solution.

A step-by-step video can be seen here.

• How do I take off my BUFF® Filter Mask in a secure way?

1. Remove the mask from the back, without touching the front of the face mask. Handle the mask by the back fastenings to pull the face mask away from your face instead of pulling the face mask up and along your forehead.
2. Remove filter and dispose of it immediately upon removal. Used filters should be placed in an airtight container (e.g. plastic bag) and discarded to avoid contamination. When removing the mask and filter, avoid the contact between the filter and the face, fingers/hands to prevent self-contamination.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or with an alcohol-based solution. 

A step-by-step video can be seen here.

• How do I adjust my BUFF® Filter Mask?

The BUFF® Filter Mask can be adjusted by the two back of head and neck straps.

• How many sizes of BUFF® Filter Mask are available?

The BUFF® Filter Mask  fits most people and comes in two sizes :  Adults and  Kids. 

• Does the BUFF® Filter Mask work with glasses?

Yes;  BUFF® Filter Mask is adjustable on the back of the head for an individual fit so you will be able to wear glasses comfortably.  However, we strongly recommend  that  you  adjust  your  BUFF® Filter Mask  to avoid  fogging of your  glasses.

• Does the BUFF® Filter Mask work with long, short and curly hair?

The BUFF® Filter Mask  has  two  elastic bands  adjustable on the back of the head  and it works with all  hair cuts  and  hairstyles.

• Does it hurt your ears when you wear it many hours?

No; with the elastic bands the BUFF® Filter Mask is adjustable on the back of the head for individual fit, avoiding common pressure points around the ears. 

• Do the seams leave marks on your face when you wear it?

No;  the BUFF® Filter Mask  has an ergonomic design in  lightweight  CoolNet UV+®  exclusive fabric  providing  all-day comfort. Thanks to the seams being bonded with a thin bonding tape, the seams are completely flat and leave no mark on your face while wearing the mask.

ABOUT THE REMOVEABLE FILTERS

• Are the filters certified?

The Filters have been tested by an accredited laboratory and meets the performance requirements of BFE and breathability standard EN14683:2019 obtaining type I and II classification.

• How do I place a new filter?

Before handling the filter on your BUFF® Filter Mask, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or with an alcohol-based solution. Then, insert a new filter into the inside pocket of the mask. Make sure that the filter is completely flat and fitted into the shape of the inside pocket and does not protrude from the upper edge of the inside pocket.

A step-by-step video can be seen here.

• How do I remove a filter?

The filter can be easily removed from the pocket once the user considers it necessary, but always after a maximum 24h use. Remove filter and dispose of it immediately upon removal. Used filters should be placed in an airtight container (e.g. plastic bag) and discarded to avoid contamination. Once done, you can through it away at a plastics recycling container.

• Can I use the BUFF® Filter Mask without the filter?

We recommend always using the filter for maximum performing and filtration efficiency. The filter has a special design to fit in the BUFF® Filter Mask that has been tested and meets the performance requirements of Bacterial Filtration Efficiency and breathability of standard EN14683:2019 Medical Face Masks obtaining type I and II classification.

• How long can I use a filter before it needs to be replaced?

Filters for BUFF® Filter Mask provide 98% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency up to 24h use, depending on the intensity of use and environment conditions.  For maximum filtration efficiency  you should replace  them on a daily basis.

• How should I throw filters away?

Used filters should be placed in an airtight container (e.g. plastic bag) and discarded immediately to avoid  possible  contamination.  Once done, you can through it away at a plastics recycling container.

• How many filters are included with the BUFF® Filter mask?

Each BUFF® Filter Mask includes five replacement filters.

• Can I buy extra filters pack? How many filters are included in replacement pack?

Yes; you can find Filter Packs with 30 replacement filters at buff.com for both Adults and Kids sizes.

• Where do I get replacement Filters?

Replacement Filter Pack for BUFF® Filter Mask are on sale at buff.com and in selected BUFF® stores.

• Can I use other filters that are not from BUFF®?

We do not recommend using any other filter as we cannot ensure the performance of the combination of the mask and the filter. The BUFF® Filter Mask has been specifically designed to be used with the Filter to obtain  peak  functionality and performance. The BUFF® Filter Mask incorporates an inside pocket  created  to  perfectly fit  the Filter.  The filters are manufactured by Ahlstrom-Munksjö with a special design to fit the BUFF® Filter Mask,  meeting  the  performance requirements of  the  harmonised standard  EN 14683:2019 + AC, with regard to Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE%) and Differential Pressure (Pa/cm²) (Breathability), obtaining the Type I and II classification and have been packed in a clean room type according to the requests of the Standard EN ISO 13485 “Medical Devices. Quality Management System”.

ALLIANCE WITH UNICEF

• Why is ORIGINAL BUFF® collaborating with UNICEF?

Buff are committed to social responsibility and we think caring more is vital. That’s why they decided to sign a Corporate Alliance with UNICEF as one of their responses to face COVID-19 and its consequences. They are donating 2% of their profit to UNICEF projects to fight against COVID-19 in the most vulnerable countries.

• Is this donation coming exclusively from BUFF® Filter mask sales?

No; Buff will be donating 2% of our profits from all their sales products.

• How many projects is BUFF® supporting with the UNICEF alliance?

They will be supporting three key projects:

• Global humanitarian action for children: advises families in 190 countries about safety and hygiene measures.
• Fighting against COVID-19 in Syria: educational campaign explains disease prevention and simultaneously distributes hundreds of thousands of bars of soap.
• Fighting against COVID-19 in Senegal: this project supplies clean water to locations where it is most sorely needed, thus improving hygiene and contributing toward minimizing the spread of COVID-19.