The masks measure approximately 9.75” wide. The center band is 2.75” in height with a top and bottom flap that extends up to 2" from the center to cover the nose and chin, making the total height approximately 6.75". Due to the handmade nature, there may be a few centimeters of variance between masks.

The masks are unisex and designed to fit most adult faces. The origami design allows the mask to adjust to different face and nose shapes. For people with smaller faces, the mask will be roomier at the center, allowing for more space around the mouth and nose to breathe.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zero Waste Design ♲ (@aplatsf)

Yes, please wash the masks before using them for the first time.

Yes, our organic cotton masks are preshrunk and stand up well to frequent machine washing and drying. We recommend that you wash them before using them the first time. Machine wash in cold water with mild detergent. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Dry flat or on a line or in the dryer on a medium to low setting.

TIP: Turn your mask inside out and tie the cotton cord together in a loose knot before washing to avoid tangling.

It is recommended to wash your masks each day after use and to have several masks to cycle through the week.

We recommend ironing for crisp folds but it is not necessary. If you don't have an iron, or dislike ironing like some of us do, hand pressing is an eco-friendly alternative. Make sure your hands and work surface are clean, remove mask from the dryer and press and flatten with your hands. Smooth out wrinkles with sweeping hands movements while pressing down firmly on the folds. Finally, fold the mask in to our signature shape for a crisp fold down the center.

Do not use bleach. Our organic cotton masks are made without the harsh chemicals of commercially grown cotton, and therefore, will last longer with proper care. Bleach will discolor the natural and organically dyed colors. The CDC states that normal machine washing and drying is enough to sterilize the mask.

Our masks do not have a pocket for filters but do have an area where a filter can be tucked in to the interior of the mask. According to the NY Times' article, A User's Guide to Face Masks it states the below.

"Coffee filters and paper towels: The C.D.C. suggests inserting a coffee filter into your mask for extra protection. Missouri University of Science & Technology scientists found that using three coffee filters made it difficult to breathe. Adding a layer of paper towel in between two layers of fabric could make your homemade mask more efficient. An engineer at an air purifier firm ran his own test and found a single paper towel filters 23 percent of 0.3 microns and two paper towels filtered 33 percent."

Adding a disposable filter is optional. You can add a folded paper towel or coffee filter sizes 2,3, or 4 for an added layer of protection. Place your disposable filter on the interior area and tuck the four corners under the fold on top and bottom to keep it in place. You can also use the disposable carbon filters like the one shown in the video below, available for purchase on Amazon

To protect our staff from COVID-19, we do not accept masks for return or exchange.

Our masks are made of preshrunk organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). It is grown without herbicides or pesticides making our organic product better for you and better for the planet.

Our organic cotton is dyed with eco-friendly, certified organic, food-safe dyes.

According to the CDC guidance found here, wearing a mask is a critical step in protecting yourself and others against COVID.

Email us your questions at customercare@aplat.com and we'll get back to you with an answer.