The Snugpak face coverings are made in the UK
An outdoors gear manufacturer has introduced a range of masks as the need to wear face coverings becomes more widespread.
Snugpak, better known for its sleeping bags and insulated jackets, began manufacturing scrubs and face coverings for local care homes as the Covid-19 pandemic spread.
Now, the West Yorkshire-based company is offering the UK-made face coverings to the public.
A Snugpak spokesperson said its staff used their expertise to manufacture the protective gear for care workers. “While the factory has now re-opened and is busy getting the standard range of products ready for stores re-opening, these face covers are being manufactured by experienced staff who cannot get to the factory but have access to sewing machines at home,” the spokesperson said.
The adult and junior size face covers are made from the same 100 per cent breathable Paratex nylon fabric that Snugpak uses in its top-of-the range sleeping bags and clothing, which is washable and reusable.
The covers are available in a selection of six colours for adults and three for juniors with or without the Snugpak logo.
Snugpak said: “These covers are not a guaranteed or tested medical-grade product but they can be used in conjunction with medical-grade filters if necessary.
“Cloth face-coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission and are recommended to be used when using public transport, shopping, in the workplace and many more situations.
“In some circumstances they might help stop the spread of coronavirus by people who are contagious but have no symptoms. Government advice is that while face coverings should be worn, surgical masks or respirators should be left for healthcare staff and other workers who need them.”
The two-layer masks have elastic straps for fitting round the ears. They have a slit on the front of the cover allowing users to add a filter. They are washable and come in adult and children’s sizes.
The face covers are available via the Snugpak website, priced £4 for a plain model or £5 with a Snugpak logo.
In Scotland, it is obligatory to wear a face covering in shops and on public transport. In England face coverings must be worn on public transport and, from Friday, the public must wear them in shops and supermarkets.
