Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of the Virogard mask?

The mask is designed to be worn to prevent airborne inhalation of contaminants (bacteria & virus); to catch exhaled particles from an infected victim: and to actively kill the bacteria or virus.

How does it work?

The mask fibres are coated with a polymer that is cured at high temperature. This polymer acts to rupture the negatively or neutrally charged membrane that forms the outer skin of all bacteria, single-celled organisms, fungi and spores. Once the outer membrane is ruptured, the relevant organism is effectively neutralised.

How quickly does the mask kill micro-organisms?

Antimicrobial testing is conventionally conducted after 30 minutes contact and that also applies to the majority of tests conducted on the Virogard product. No faster reaction can thus be assured, except that additional testing against Human Influenza virus demonstrated a Log 3 reduction within 5 minutes.

Will the masks be effective against “Bird Flu” and/or “Swine Flu”?

Yes. The masks will provide a high level of respiratory protection against all known forms of Influenza Type A which includes “Bird Fu” and “Swine Flu”. There is little point in individually testing against specific subtypes (eg H5N1 or H1N1) as continuous mutations preclude certainty over the specific subtype that may develop to pandemic proportions. Virogard masks are thus tested against Type A Human Influenza virus as a broad generic check on virucidal effectiveness.

Does the mask meet national and international standards ?

There are no international Standards for the antimicrobial performance of face-masks, nor national ones, that we are aware of. The closest authoritative measure is the internationally accepted “AATTC Test 100-2004: Antibacterial Finishes on Textiles”. The Virogard mask meets that Standard.
The “standard” Virogard mask is neither a surgical mask nor a disposable respirator. No international Standards apply.
The “P2” Virogard respirator has been independently and successfully tested to Standard AS/NZS 1716-P2. This closely aligns with European FFP-2 Standard and US (NIOSH) N95 Standard with the addition of facial fit testing.
Is the mask registered by TGA on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG)?
The Virogard mask constitutes protective apparel for personal or occupational use and is not sterilised for use. It is classified as “Therapeutic Goods (Excluded Goods)” that do not require entry on the ARTG.

Can the mask material cause harm to the wearer if worn for long periods?

No. The mask is specifically designed to be comfortably worn for long periods. It contains no heavy metals, fluoro-chemicals or pesticides and cannot leach or diffuse toxic by-products.

Are the masks registered by TGA on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG)?

No. The Virogard mask constitutes protective apparel for personal or occupational use and is not sterilised for use (no point – viruses and bacteria cannot survive on Virogard masks). They are classified as “Therapeutic Goods (Excluded Goods)” that do not require entry on the ARTG.

Is the mask effective against chemical and biological warfare agents (e.g., Mustard Gas or Anthrax) or toxic industrial chemicals?

No.

Will a beard affect the mask’s effectiveness?

Yes. It is important to ensure as tight a fit around the face as possible. Beards adversely affect achievement of an ‘airtight’ fit.

Can I re-use the mask?

Re-Usable Mask - Yes. Tests on treated fabric washed 20 times in a top-loading washing machine using detergent to Australian Standard AS2001.5.4 showed only a very slight diminution in antimicrobial effectiveness (<1.5%) and no diminution from hot ironing. There are two layers of treated fabric to enhance effectiveness, but we recommend hand washing in only warm soapy water after each occasion of use.
P2 Respirator – No. The applicable Standard requires that the respirator be designated “disposable – single use only”. Although NIOSH/CDC in the US has investigated the development of a Standard for “reusable” masks, no such Standard currently exists.

Can protein can assist in recovering from sickness or recovering from illnesses?

Again, if body is well nourished it can recover faster. That’s why athletes benefit by taking Lean Daily Protein because after a work out the body is run down, it requires energy to recover. Lean Daily Protein can provide the necessary fuel in assisting recovery.

Are the masks available in different sizes including a size suitable for children?

Not yet. Standard masks are a one-size-fits-all size for adults. P2 respirators are available in small/medium and medium/large sizes. Development of a mask especially suited to children 6 months to 6 years of age is planned.

Will the mask stop me getting infected by a virus or bacterial infection?

No such certainty can be suggested and the source of an infection may not be respiratory. The Virogard masks provide high levels of protection against respiratory infection. They may thus reduce relevant risks, but do not eliminate them.

Is the mask effective against bacteria and viruses other than those listed?

Possibly, but in the absence of additional independent testing we cannot be assured that is so. There are possibly millions of variants of bacteria and viruses that can cause illness in humans. It is impractical to test against all of those and each individual test is both time consuming and expensive. Virogard testing has been focussed on the more common concerns and additional testing will be undertaken as the need arises.

What is the shelf life of the Virogard mask in its original packaging?

Shelf life is generally regarded as a minimum of five (5) years in the original packaging stored in a dry, cool environment.

QMA

The quality management system adopted by Virogard ensures that our product meets the highest possible standards. Should you be dissatisfied with our products in any way, we ask that you email us on,enquiries@virogard.com and explain to why the dissatisfaction. We will do all we can to assist you.