Community Mask Testing
Consistently worn face coverings for everyday use help contain spread during pandemics. In many regions, wearing hygiene masks in public places is legally required during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective community masks must fit well, be safe and comfortable to wear and allow the user to function. We use our unique expertise in textile-human interactions to test the function and material properties of face masks according to international standards.
Face masks bearing our quality label have been independently tested and are backed by Hohenstein's reputation for high standards.
The basic requirements are testing for breathability, washability (including color fastness), fit and compliance with legal requirements for textile products. Expanded options include testing for harmful substances according to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 or the safety from cell-damaging effects in line with specifications for medical products.
Testing according to CWA 17553:2020
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has established minimum requirements (CWA 17553:2020) for the design, performance, packaging, labeling and use of community masks.
Within the framework of these guidelines, we test masks for properties such as
- Breathability as a benchmark for wear comfort
- Washability for intended multiple use
- Fit
- Filtering performance
- Labeling and packaging: material composition, care instructions, comprehensibility of usage and warning instructions (e.g. distinction from medical face masks and FFP masks)
Safety from harmful substances is so important.
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification tests for harmful substances that can be absorbed through skin, mouth and breathing.