How exactly does the Avantguard mask protect?

Avantguard masks are designed to protect everyone around you because the fabric traps droplets to a certain degree when you speak, cough or sneeze and creates greater safety for everyone. Our Avantguard mask is a sustainable mask for everyday use - it is not a medically tested product.

What is special about Avantguard masks?

Avantguard has created the only beautiful AND functional mask on the market so far. Our masks combine timeless chic with protection by using our in house developed fabric containing the patented antiviral and antibacterial Aerosilver anti microbial yarn. This inhibits bacterial growth and buildup of microbes on fabric surfaces. Aerosilver antimicrobial technology is a sustainable polymer-containing silver-technology that provides a low concentration of silver ions only when needed, i.e. when microbes land or form on a treated fabric. These ions continually and safely kill microbes.

Aerosilver fabrics exhibit long lasting antimicrobial performance. They are non-toxic, non-leaching, non-sensitizing, and non-irritating to human skin. They provide enhanced freshness so fewer washings are required, which benefits the consumer and the environment alike. Aerosilver fabrics have been tested for efficacy for 50 wash cycles and deliver an excellent rate of microbial reduction of greater than >99% even after 50 washes.
Our mask also comes in a beautiful Aerosilver pouch that disinfects the mask every time you store it in there.
It may cover your smile sometimes, but with our beautiful and timeless design, your sense of style will always shine through!
Mostly, you will help to keep everyone safe and healthy AND look amazing by wearing a gorgeous Avantguard mask.

Proceeds from each mask goes to Doctors Without Borders.

What does it mean that Aerosilver is anti microbial?

Antimicrobial products kill or slow the spread of microbes or microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi such as mold and mildew. The antimicrobial effect of silver ions (Ag+) has been known for centuries. Silver has a natural ability to kill harmful microorganisms, the ions have a very broad spectrum of activity and are extremely effective at controlling the growth of a wide range of micro-organisms. Before antibiotics were developed Silver was perhaps the most important antimicrobial agent. Silver compounds were used to treat stomach pains, for wound healing, for storing water, and much more. Silver (and gold) fibers were widely used in making textiles esp. royal apparel.

How does the mask protect me from harmful ageing UV rays and blue light from phones/IPads?

Avantguard’s patented Aerosilver fabric used in the outer layer of our gorgeous masks not only protects you and others, but also your SKIN. It provides a defensive shield between the environment and the body, in particular protecting your skin from the damaging effects of UVA, UVB and infrared IR as well as the artificial ‘blue light’ or HEV created by our extensive use of computers, tablets and smartphones.

HEV is a group of artificial light, known as blue light which is emitted from electronic devices such as computers, laptops, mobile phones tablets etc. Blue light is a short wavelength that produces a high amount of energy and can be classified as a third band of sun ray, blue light produces more hyperpigmentation than UVB and is more damaging that UVA and UVB combined because it penetrates down to the bottom of the dermis. Forty-three per cent of adults work in a job that requires prolonged use of a computer or tablet, whilst on average young people check their phone 150 times a day.
What happens when cotton masks aren’t washed daily?

The inherent properties of textile fibers can provide room for growth of micro-organisms, and this can be exacerbated by the presence of body fluids like sweat, oils, urine etc. and warm, humid environments. Microbial growth on fabrics can cause fabric to smell, it can create holes and destroy fabric integrity, cause staining and discoloration and generally shorten the life of a fabric. Therefore, in recent times Silver has made a comeback in textiles for its antimicrobial properties.

Mask requirement: When should I wear a mask?

From the end of April 2020 onwards, masks will be compulsory in most countries in the world or at least strongly recommended. This means that you must wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose, especially on public transport and when shopping.

What is the difference between our masks and a medical mouthguard?

A medical mouthguard (also known as a mouth-and-nose mask) must comply with a strict DIN standard and have a CE mark. The bacterial filter performance of the material must be at least 95%, a certain breathing resistance must not be exceeded and microbiological purity for the medical sector must be ensured. Medical masks protect patients and doctors. Our masks are therefore not medical mouthguards. Our masks aim at protecting others from droplet infection by you. The goal is to prevent droplets and aerosols from spreading with viruses and germs through coughing, sneezing or talking. We try to achieve this by a multi-layer construction of the masks made of different materials. For this purpose, our mask sits flexibly and tightly on the face and thus avoids breathing past the mask. 

How do I use the Avantguard mask?

IMPORTANT: Make sure that you do not unconsciously touch your face while wearing the mask.
Your mask should always fit snugly. Your mouth and nose should be completely covered.
If your mask is damp due to condensation of the air you breathe, you should change it.
Make sure to wash your mask regularly at a minimum of 60°C. Ideally using a powdered detergent.
Wearing a mask in no case replaces the basic hygienic rules such as regular hand washing, keeping sufficient distance of at least 1.5m to your peers and always sneezing or coughing into the crook of your arm.

Can I return the mask?

The mask cannot be returned for hygienic reasons. You understand that for sure?!