Parasol: Our Journey from Diapers to face Masks
By: Parasol team
Half a year ago we could have never imagined the world was going to change so considerably – we could have never fathomed a world in which people would wear masks to protect those they love and their communities. If you had told us half a year ago that we would be selling face masks we would never have believe you.
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected every family differently. To top off uncertainties and economic hardship, health and risk tolerance have been on the dinner discussion (if not breakfast and lunch too) for many families. It is important that every family considers their individual members and needs and understands what risks are tolerable, which are not, and which are unavoidable, and to further extend these conversations beyond their nuclear family with friends and family they will be seeing.
The decision of when and where to wear personal protective equipment and which to use is very personal. By providing KN95 and antimicrobial face masks we hope we can provide some options for your family to consider than can help you feel safe and contribute to protecting those around you.
Why masks are so important
In the early days of the pandemic many governments warned the public against wearing face masks for fear increased demand would leave essential health workers without access to vital supplies. Since then many, including the US, have reversed that advise, with the CDC recommending covering your mouth and nose with a face cover when around others.
As we gradually reopen and acclimate to this new reality, we can make ourselves and others safe by doing our part and using face coverings to help slow the spread.
How we went from Diapers to Masks
During the onset of the pandemic we experienced shortages in the fabrics we use in our baby diapers. It was a crazy ride as we sought to allocate our diaper inventories and limited production to provide for all the increased need from families that wanted to keep their household well supplied through lockdowns and supply uncertainties.
As it turned out, the medical-grade materials used in our diapers were needed in the production of face masks world-wide. As these fabrics were reallocated to the global mask production, we found ourselves with less diapers but an awful lot of time from our team members as we all worked from home during lockdowns. We had time, all the right contacts and a passion to contribute in whatever way we could. We realized some of our contacts and suppliers were making high quality masks so we wasted no time in helping local hospitals source reliable supplies for their workers. We started purchasing masks directly and made donations to hospitals and supermarkets to help keep our frontline workers safe during a time when supplies where hard to access.
We started receiving lots of inquiries from other businesses and quickly realized we also wanted to offer these quality masks directly to our Parasol family.
At Parasol we continue to work directly with local hospitals and we can assure you providing for healthcare workers, as we connect with them, has been prioritized. You can rest assured the masks we are offering the public are not replacing our initiative to provide supplies and support to healthcare workers. Additionally, we have teamed up with Givz to donate $10 for every $60 purchased, to a Covid-19 charity of your choice.
Parasol Face Masks
As with all of our products that go through a long selection and qualification process, our masks are sourced from manufacturers who have proven to be reliable and adhere to strict quality standards. We only source our materials from qualified FDA registered and European CC machinery. Our masks are soft and comfortable, free of fragrances, dyes and parabens. The KN95 masks are individually packaged to avoid cross contamination and easily identify what mask is new and clean.
KN95 Disposable Face Masks: 5-Layer high-efficiency filtration. Blocks at least 95% of particles at 0.3 microns or greater.
Antimicrobial Masks: 4-Layer, 99% antibacterial filter paper.
Cloth Face Masks: coming soon!
How to wear a mask
- Regardless of your choice in disposable or cloth face mask, before putting on any mask first clean your hands with alcohol-based hand run or soap and water.
- Make sure the mask covers your mouth and nose and that there are no gaps between your face and the mask. Ensure the fit is snug so that it won’t later require readjustment as you are out and about.
- Avoid touching your mask or face while you are using it or thoroughly clean your hands before doing it.
Beyond Diapers and Face Masks
The last couple of months have shaken the world and brought challenges to many families. With a little bit of teamwork, we have no doubt tomorrow will be better and safer. Maybe it won’t be long before we’re talking about face masks for gardening and pollen protection; maybe it won’t be long before we can go back to our regularly scheduled hugs and gatherings and full time schools and programs.
In the meantime, we choose to be mindful of other humans, protect our communities and contribute where we can.
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