By: Katrina Beatrice Topacio
Wearing a facemask in public has been a necessity ever since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is still one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the infection, especially when you are unable to maintain social distancing from others. We are going to be needing facemasks for the foreseeable future as we all adapt to the restrictions of the new normal.
However, facemasks when worn outdoors can get uncomfortable—especially on hot days because the heat and humidity can make it difficult for some people to breathe. Also, many are experiencing “maskne”, the new term for acne and breakouts caused by moisture from wearing a facemask for a long period of time. Facemasks are here to stay which makes finding the one you like essential. Because of this, many businesses are jumping on the bandwagon to be a part of this new trend.
Uniqlo’s AIRism Facemask was released mid-June in Japan and the reception was incredibly overwhelming, the product was sold out within minutes. The launch was so anticipated that it resulted to long queues and their website crashed due to the high demand.
Photos courtesy of Uniqlo
The retailer developed this product in response to its loyal customers who are looking for a reusable and comfortable facemask that also provides protection. Uniqlo’s AIRism Facemask was designed with a high-performance triple layered structure. The first layer is made of Uniqlo’s signature AIRism material that wicks away moisture while maintaining a smooth and comfortable feel on the skin, the second features a washable built-in filter that protects the skin from bacteria and virus contaminated particles, and the third offers a layer of mesh designed to block 90% of UV rays.
Photo courtesy of Uniqlo
The AIRism Facemask is machine washable to minimize the environmental impact of disposable masks. Uniqlo worked with a testing institution to ensure that the facemask can withstand multiple wears and washes. Testing concluded that when washed with regular household detergent, the filter of the mask retains its efficacy for 20 washes at up to 104 degrees.
Photo courtesy of Uniqlo
With the reception it showed in Japan, Uniqlo is now bringing the AIRism facemask to the global market. In fact, this product is now available here in the Philippines at P590 for a pack of three, and you can get it in-store or on the website. Each pack contains three masks of the same color—either black or white, and it is available in three different sizes—small, medium and large.