Frequently Asked Questions

All products in stock on our Web site are available for immediate delivery. We try to ship all orders placed before 10am ET the same day, Monday through Friday. Standard shipping is UPS Ground, and you are welcome to upgrade to a faster shipment method if desired.

We understand that shipping costs are expensive. Due to operational challenges with the USPS, at the present time we have had to stop shipping via USPS and only use UPS at significantly greater expense for improved reliability. We are, however, able to offer free UPS Ground shipping for all orders over $50.

Check out this quick video for how to customize your Easy Mask for the perfect fit.

Easy Masks are manufactured with plenty of stretch in the trim and ear loops to fit snugly but comfortably around your face. They will not slip down or fall off, and you can stretch out the ear loops and trim to provide a fit that is secure but not too tight.

We include one high-quality aluminum nose bridge -- also made in North Carolina -- with each Easy Mask to help seal the top edge to your nose and cheekbones and reduce fogging. It is a game-changer for people who wear glasses. For more information and installation instructions, see this video.

Yes, Easy Masks are machine washable in warm water. We recommend using a mesh bag when machine washing, especially if nose bridges are installed. While nose bridges are usually held in place within their elastic channel, they may escape during washing -- and with a mesh bag, they will not go far if they do.

Easy Masks are largely pre-shrunk due to the heat they are exposed to during manufacturing, but they may shrink in the dryer so we recommend air drying.

If hand washing, we recommend soaking in warm soapy water for at least 20 minutes.

For more information, visit our Care Instructions page.

In general, there is no need to remove your nose bridge before washing your mask. The combination of elastic stitching and the bends of the nose bridge are usually sufficient to hold it in place while in the washing machine.

If you leave your nose bridges installed during machine washing, we recommend placing your masks in a mesh bag. When using a mesh bag, even if it does slip out, it will be easy to find.

Easy Masks ear loops are a combination of nylon and Spandex that stretches and also has a bit of memory. We recommend "relaxing" the ear loops if they are too tight on the back of your ears -- just place your fingers inside each ear loop, and gently spread out your fingers to stretch the loop to its maximum size. After you release, the loops will hold some of that stretch and be more relaxed.

You may have to repeat this process after washing, and eventually they should settle in to the right size for you.

Check out our instructional page and video here.

A recent article published in JAMA Internal Medicine by Clapp et al compared various community face coverings and surgical masks. Easy Masks were found to provide better protection for the wearer than other options tested, especially when used with the available nonwoven inserts.

For more information on nonwoven inserts, check out the instructional video here.

Note that while your Easy Mask is washable, filter inserts are not due to their applied electrostatic coating to help with small particle filtration. We generally recommend replacing your filter insert whenever you wash your mask.

How often to wash your mask is determined by your comfort and preference. Some people may prefer to wash their mask daily, while others may feel comfortable washing their mask every few days or even once a week. Take into account the environment in which you work and how often you handle your mask during the day to find the right schedule for you.

When evaluating mask materials, we tested and tried everything -- cotton and other natural fibers, plus a variety of synthetics. Ultimately, we wanted Easy Masks to be comfortable to wear over a longer period of time. Cotton's biggest disadvantage is that it absorbs moisture. Moisture from your breath means that cotton masks turn into washcloths pretty quickly, which make them less comfortable for long-term wear.

While typical polyester does not filter as well as a comparable piece of cotton, Easy Masks' Apex masks are woven with a specific grade of polyester microfiber -- made from recycled plastic bottles -- where each strand of yarn is comprised of over 140 individual filaments. This "microdenier polyester" coupled with the specific weave used in the mask body has extremely high surface area for good filtration that is similar to cotton, while still maintaining comfort and breathability.

The Easy Masks Eden and High Point Designer masks use a similar recycled nylon yarn that feels cooler to the touch and is generally preferred in warmer environments.

Regardless of which Easy Masks model you choose, for improved filtration relative to a standard cotton mask, Easy Masks' most important benefit is its two-layer design that allows easy insertion of replaceable filtration inserts. You can purchase pre-cut nonwoven inserts specifically designed to filter 85% of all particles at 2 micrometers, and also can cut your own filtration inserts using our free template. Learn more about filtration in this article.

Yes, all Easy Masks are manufactured by Harriss & Covington Hosiery Mills, a fifth-generation family business in High Point, North Carolina. We have also worked intentionally to create a local supply chain for our entire product.

Our nylon and polyester yarns are manufactured in North Carolina mills, and sourced from a company based in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Our aluminum nose bridges are stamped from domestic aluminum by a fabricator in Asheboro, North Carolina.

Our polypropylene nonwoven inserts are also manufactured, cut, and packaged in North Carolina.

Finally, our package inserts are printed locally in High Point as well.