Answers to frequently asked questions
“Only masks that I wear…so comfortable and safe. Bless you!” ~ Deb D, Saco, ME
Over 50 colors and prints:
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FAQ
- Where are face masks required in the United States?
- Where do you donate face masks?
- How can I help more directly?
- How should I care for my masks?
- What materials are used in your masks?
- Why do face masks work against COVID-19?
- Where can I order your handmade face masks?
- These masks are so well designed; are you an engineer?
Where are face masks required in the US?
“Slow the spread of COVID and help people who may have it from transmitting it to others.”
Facing Your Face Mask Duties: A List of Statewide Orders (updated regularly)
Face masks are recommended for use in public, for shopping, and on all public transportation by CDC.gov and state and local governments “to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.”
“Adopting universal masking policies can help avert future lockdowns, especially if combined with other non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing, hand hygiene, and adequate ventilation.” ~ Nov 20, 2020 CDC Report.
“The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.” c|Net
Face masks are recommended for use in public, for shopping, and on all public transportation by CDC.gov and state and local governments “to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.”
“Adopting universal masking policies can help avert future lockdowns, especially if combined with other non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing, hand hygiene, and adequate ventilation.” ~ Nov 20, 2020 CDC Report.
“The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.” c|Net
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Over 50 colors and prints:
SOLIDS | BATIKS | DOTTED | FLORALS | THEMED | HOLIDAY | MISC PRINTS
1 mask | 3 pack | 6 pack | 12 pack || Sizing Guide | eGift Cards
Where Are Face Masks Donated?
Every order helps us purchase materials to make more masks for donation.
Roaddude Premium Face Masks donates through distribution organizations like getusppe.org, mask-match.com, Joann Fabrics Make-To-Give, local hospital, shelter, and sewing shop drop spots, and to organizations and communities in need suggested by customers.
Most recent efforts:
12/26: Making masks to send to Native American communities and have reached out to Oglala-Lakota and Navajo Nations re: ongoing needs for masks and personal items.
12/22: Six dozen masks sent to Sudan for distribution to students and community.
Folks have asked how to help more directly with mask donations.
We are accepting disposable gloves, disposable masks, and hand sanitizer to send with our mask donations. Please Contact me for details.
You can also Make a Donation towards costs involved in mask donation packages.
Your contribution helps us pay for materials (fabric, nose bridges, ear loop elastic, etc) as well as packing materials and shipping costs.
Donations also help us include disposable gloves, disposable masks, and hand sanitizer with shipments of donated masks.
Have an organization to suggest or know of a community who needs masks though can’t afford them?
Please, leave word via the Contact form.
Thank you!
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Over 50 colors and prints:
SOLIDS | BATIKS | DOTTED | FLORALS | THEMED | HOLIDAY | MISC PRINTS
1 mask | 3 pack | 6 pack | 12 pack || Size Guide | eGift Cards
How should I care for my Roaddude Premium Face Masks?
“These masks are so awesome. We love them. Thanks a lot!” ~ Kenn W, Chicago IL
All masks I produce have been pre-shrunk and can be machine washed/hot and tumble dried/high. It is easier though, and far less wasteful, to hand-wash your mask daily.
Use your favorite hand, face (my favorite is ACCA KAPPA White Moss), bath, or dish soap in the same manner as you wash your hands; soaped up for a full 20 seconds or more and rinsed thoroughly under running water.
We hand wash ours daily this way with water as hot as we can stand; squeeze dry (do not wring them, just squeeze dry!); roll them in a towel to further blot dry if necessary; then put them in the dryer on Cotton/High or hung to dry, though I prefer drying in the dryer and placing in a clean ziploc right away. Stay clean, stay safe, stay healthy is the motto around here.
Owning a 3-pack of masks is recommended: 1 to wear, 1 to switch out (no fun to wear a mask you just sneezed in, for example), and 1 in laundry.
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Over 50 colors and prints:
SOLIDS | BATIKS | DOTTED | FLORALS | THEMED | HOLIDAY | MISC PRINTS
1 mask | 3 pack | 6 pack | 12 pack || Size Guide | eGift Cards
What Materials Do You Use In Your Face Masks?
“Multiple layers of differently woven fabric greatly reduces the possibility of transmission.”
My masks have a 100% cotton front cover (typically 100% cotton batik or quilting fabric), a cotton blend lining, and a comfortable white knit inner layer that doubles as filter pocket. Thread used in all masks is polyester, as it is far more durable, resists rot more, and stands repeated washing/drying better than cotton thread.
In accordance with updated research done by the World Health Organization in regards to fabric face coverings and transmission of viral pathogens, all masks I make for the public are made of multiple layers of differently woven fabric.
Multiple layers of differently woven fabric greatly reduces the possibility of spread or transmission of pathogens. My own early research when deciding how I would construct my masks found the same testing lab results. All masks I’ve made from the beginning have been constructed of multiple layers of differently woven fabric. I was tickled to see the WHO confirm this research in their updates over the summer.
Other details:
All mask-making fabrics and materials I use are washed/hot with Arm & Hammer Free & Clear for Sensitive Skin and dried/high upon arrival. All completed face masks are hand washed with Dawn Ultra Dish Soap and machine dried again/high heat (no fabric softeners or dryer sheets), immediately before bagging in ziplocs for shipping or curbside pickup.
My hands are washed thoroughly and repeatedly throughout the day. I wear a mask during wash/dry/bagging.
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Over 50 colors and prints:
SOLIDS | BATIKS | DOTTED | FLORALS | THEMED | HOLIDAY | MISC PRINTS
1 mask | 3 pack | 6 pack | 12 pack || Size Guide | eGift Cards
Why do face masks work against COVID-19?
Understanding the role that air flow plays in transporting droplets & aerosols is important.
This is the BEST study and video I’ve seen yet on airborne transmission of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of wearing properly fitted masks.
It is from an interesting 2020/12/20 article in the Washington Post:
Coronavirus can travel farther and faster inside than previously thought.
Military-grade camera shows risks of airborne coronavirus spread.
Droplet “transmission can occur at a distance greater than 2 [meters] if there is direct air flow from an infected person in an indoor setting,” the authors write.
Take 6:12 of your time to watch it.
Simple effective ventilation and exchange of indoor air–even more important with colder weather and being indoors more–will be critical in helping stem the rising tide of infections around the world.
Wear a mask. Ventilate indoors. We still have a long way to go in flattening COVID-19.
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Over 50 colors and prints:
SOLIDS | BATIKS | DOTTED | FLORALS | THEMED | HOLIDAY | MISC PRINTS
1 mask | 3 pack | 6 pack | 12 pack || Sizing Guide | eGift Cards
Where Can I Order Handmade Face Masks?
“Only mask that I wear…so comfortable and safe. Bless you!” ~ Deb D, Saco Maine
If on the cusp between sizes, go for the larger.
Add sizes at checkout (3L Gray Muslin, etc).
Made in America. Shipped 1st Class Nationwide. Available curbside in Portland, Maine.
Roaddude Premium Face Masks come in FOUR SIZES, are reusable, have three layers of differently-woven fabric (most effective at blocking potential pathogens), filter pocket, moldable nose bridge, and adjustable ear loops.
Wash & Dry.
Please consult the Sizing Guide and measure carefully before ordering to ensure best fit.
To order and pay online with credit/debit or Paypal, please use Cart Page.
To order and be billed or pay with check–or cash/card at Curbside–please use the Form Page
I finally started putting a limited number of my masks on Etsy in Dec 2020, as an experiment. I am also looking into placing best sellers in a local Made in Maine crafter’s shop in Portland.
For general questions, larger orders, or just to say hello, please use the Contact Page.
Thank you for your orders and support!
Road / Roaddude Premium Face Masks
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Over 50 colors and prints:
SOLIDS | BATIKS | DOTTED | FLORALS | THEMED | HOLIDAY | MISC PRINTS
1 mask | 3 pack | 6 pack | 12 pack || Size Guide | eGift Cards | FAQ
These masks are so well designed; are you an engineer?
Roaddude Premium Face Masks are comfortable, well-designed, and expertly made.
No, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night!
Honestly, no, I’m not an engineer, though am often asked if I am.
I’m a maker at heart. Tinkering with designs and being creative with solutions is something I have always found appealing.
I have a background in art, design, and pattern making for reproducible products, from woodworking to graphics. The time-honored craft of being a patternmaker has a long and interesting history.
I find problem-solving and creating something new, especially something tangible and functional from materials at hand, to be a rewarding and creative challenge.
I’m proud of the product I’ve created with these masks and hope you find yours comfortable and helpful.
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Over 50 colors and prints:
SOLIDS | BATIKS | DOTTED | FLORALS | THEMED | HOLIDAY | MISC PRINTS
1 mask | 3 pack | 6 pack | 12 pack || Size Guide | eGift Cards | FAQ
Shipped 1st Class Nationwide; includes a tracking number.
FREE HOLIDAY SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS!
Available Curbside in Portland, Maine.
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