ArmaSkin Face Mask Options
Now that the use of Face masks in the current pandemic is becoming more common place it is worth reflecting on the assortment of masks that are now available.
The features and performance of masks varies quite a lot.
At the top of the range there are N95 masks which are laboratory tested as suitable for high risk areas such as medical environments where the prevalence of the Covid 19 in the air can be high and importantly suspended in the air for sustained periods. N95 indicates at least 95% protection.
The vast majority of masks on the market, including the ArmaSkin masks, have not been subjected to laboratory testing, in part because of the cost of testing, but also for many the clear probability that they would not pass the rigorous testing.
While by no means conclusive, a desktop review of on line research indicates that the majority of lesser masks would provide protection in the range of 40-60%principally. The key weaknesses of such masks would be poor fit around the nose area and the use of materials which provide a lower barrier to penetration.
Clearly if your usage will include prolonged periods of potential exposure such on as public transport or in office, shops or crowd environments the mask choice is different to using it for protection when out walking for exercise.
ArmaSkin has a range of face mask options suited to varying conditions.
The Pro tech face mask includes 4 layers of specially treated merino wool, a heavy duty adjustable aluminum nose bridge insert for close fit and an adjustable velcro neck strap, again for a strong fit. These provide the best environmental seal in the ArmaSkin range.
The Consumer tech mask includes 3 layers of the specially treated merino wool with elastic ear loops. This mid range mask provides quality materials as a strong protection layer.
The Multipacks are budget priced masks of 2 layers of polyester microfibre fabric with elastic ear loops. These are better suited to relatively low exposure environments. One novel feature of the Custom masks is that if volumes are sufficient they can be printed with a corporate logo.
All are made by our Hunting Lady group of companies here in Australia.
More details can be found on www.armaskin.com It should be noted per the advice below about delivery times in this time of limited overseas flights that if you are ordering from outside Australia that you should consider using Express Post. While expensive for a single mask the amount can be held fixed for a large number of masks. Please email ian@armaskin.com if you are considering a large order.
Waterboys
Dave is one of our US ArmaSkin Ambassadors. You've probably seen him from his pictures around the Hollywood hills. He has successfully used hiking as he sought to overcome PTSD.
Dave is also a great supporter of Waterboys which is a non-profit that funds the provision of water supplies for remote African villages.
So in support of Nate and David, combining the elevations of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,000) and Mount Whitney (14,000) you might like to donate $33 in honor of the climbs! Visit waterboys.org/conquering-kili to donate.
Camino de Santiago reopens
The 1st of July was the date set by the Cathedral of Santiago, the Pilgrim's Office and a good part of the public hostels to open their doors, favoring the restart of the Jacobean pilgrimage.
After the serious health crisis that arose as a result of Covid-19, the conditions are apparently now met to guarantee the safety of pilgrims and those who offer services related to the Camino de Santiago.
This ends the uncertainty about the possible return to the Jacobean Routes, which, however, must be carried out with the necessary sanitary security measures.
"We all want pilgrims to return to the Camino de Santiago soon, but the absolute priority is to guarantee safety for those who travel the route, and for the professionals or volunteers who are present on a daily basis," said the Minister of Culture after the commission meeting.
While it is pleasing to see a thawing of these restrictions there is a long way to go before pilgrims will be able to return given that many countries such as Australia have essentially still shut down international travel into 2021.
ArmaSkin Toe Socks NEW RELEASE.
After a careful introduction of our radically designed toe socks and a couple of iterations on materials we've now frozen the design and are ready to broaden the size offering to our customers.
Although there may be a slightly longer lead time for delivery the Short Black ArmaSkin Toe Socks are now available in Small, Medium and Large sizes. These can only be ordered from www.armaskin.com
We have determined a new introductory price for the Toe socks of $69 per pair. Order here!
We are very keen to get more feedback on the toe socks plus pictures of them in action.
Send in photos and if featured in an ArmaSkin News you'll be in line to receive an ArmaSkin product prize.
While for the time-being toe socks are being sent out in the normal ArmaSkin packs, we will soon have a new style pack for them which has been designed for lower material use and easier mailing.
Getting out in 2020
Despite the limitations on movement that Covid may be causing some of our ArmaSkin folks are still getting a chance to enjoy the great outdoors! Albeit sometimes with a little dose of home schooling!
Here's, clockwise, Meegana at Shenandoah, Emma in Hyde park, Hayley N in Geelong, Jessica's home schooled prodigy (home schooling resources are available at Jessica's The Walking Mermaid Blog ) , Britt at Mt Barney and Hayley W at the Grampians.
And, of course there is lots to see as Mother Nature is enjoying the lockdown.
Here's are some shots from, clockwise, Laura in Brisbane, Kerry at Maroondah Dam, Dr Sophie at Canal Rocks, Chris at Banff, Sharon at Pt Addis and even Ian at micro level in Melbourne.
Lead picture
Our Newsletter lead picture is from Andrea who has found that even local pathways can lead to peaceful, fresh air breaks!
Keeping Artful in 2020
One of our Ambassadors Kieara Lonning has found a handy way to keep busy in 2020
She's turned her neat artistic talents to creating mini artwork which when deemed popular by her followers are turned into neat stickers with an outdoors flavour.
Here's a couple of her creations. You can check out more on her Etsy shop
ArmaSkin Overseas Deliveries
Amongst the many challenges associated with the Covid 19 pandemic we have experienced alarming delays of up to 3 months for ArmaSkin deliveries to the USA and Europe.
We apologise for the delays but sadly this is beyond our control. If you are about to place an offshore order for $200 or over, please email ian@armaskin.com and we may be able to arrange a discount on an express delivery for you.
Also, we highlight that for our overseas customers we do have some resellers offshore in UK, USA and Europe. Reseller links are available from the Partnerships section of our website.
ArmaSkin Overseas Deliveries
Amongst the many challenges associated with the Covid 19 pandemic we have experienced alarming delays of up to 3 months for ArmaSkin deliveries to the USA and Europe.
We apologise for the delays but sadly this is beyond our control. If you are about to place an offshore order for $200 or over, please email ian@armaskin.com and we may be able to arrange a discount on an express delivery for you.
Also, we highlight that for our overseas customers we do have some resellers offshore in UK, USA and Europe. Reseller links are available from the Partnerships section of our website.
ArmaSkin Base Layer Suspension of Manufacturing
As the two ArmaSkin face masks, Pro Tech and Consumer Tech, are using the merino/silicone fabric utilised by our Base layers, we've temporarily halted production of the base layer products to prioritise the amount of merino/silicone available for mask production.
We apologise for this inconvenience and will make them available once more when this period of peak demand for masks passes. Please email ian@armaskin.com if you have any questions.
BLOGGERS NOTE:
ArmaSkin Hiking Magazine : subscribe for FREE!
If you would like to get a regular dose of interesting articles for hikers please subscribe to our free on-line ArmaSkin Hiking Magazine.
If you are a blogger or have an interest in reaching this community, we might very well include your material in our Magazine for free. Just email ian@armaskin.com to discuss.
WIN WIN WIN
MONTHLY opportunity to win FREE ArmaSkin -
please share your picture stories with us.
Stories from you, the happy wearers of ArmaSkin, are our most powerful learning and marketing tool. We thus encourage you to tell us about your experiences and adventures with ArmaSkin.
For your chance to win your choice of a pair of ArmaSkin liner socks or our new Sticky No-Bounce Belt simply email : sales@armaskin.com a picture of you on the go using an ArmaSkin product together with a short comment about the picture. Or you can #ArmaSkin in a social media post that could come to our attention.
If the picture is featured in a 2020 edition of ArmaSkin News the monthly prize is yours.
ArmaSkin is Australia's top selling, locally made, anti-blister linersock.
