Frequently Asked Questions

What Does the OCTO® Respirator Mask Protect Against?  

The OCTO® Respirator blocks some particles and pathogens up to 0.1 micron in diameter. Bacteria are between 1 to 10 microns in size, while most viruses are around 0.01 to 0.1 microns. Additionally, the OCTO Respirator proprietary has a self-sanitizing antimicrobial filter material, which begins killing them on contact.

Please see our Science Page for further information.

 

Will the OCTO® Respirator Mask Help Protect From Odors?

The Octo® Respirator can reduce many of the airborne particles that our noses register as odors, such as those found when air quality is compromised, during natural disasters, but it does not filter chemical fumes or vapors.

 

How Do I Care For My OCTO® Respirator Mask?

You can clean your OCTO® Respirator by boiling it for 3 minutes in clean water, and setting it aside to dry overnight. If you need it dried faster you can heat it for one hour at 120°F (50°C) in an oven.

Do not boil more than 3 minutes ~ it's not necessary and it will reduce the lifespan of the Octo Respirator. Do not exceed any temperatures stated here or in the instruction manual.

NOTE:  The self-sanitizing filter material kills pathogens  while you are wearing the ORM. Pathogens and contamination on the OUTSIDE of the OCTO® Respirator Mask will be neutralized through the high-temperature boiling or autoclaving process. Please discard the water safely, and be careful not to burn yourself.

 

How Do I Dry The Mask After Boiling?

If you want to expedite the drying time, such that the ORM dries in about 3 to 5 hours, please use the Contact-Drying Method: after rinsing or boiling the ORM place it face-up on a surface in an well ventilated area, and position 3 clean, crumpled facial tissues or paper towels into the three chambers of the pleated filter, such that they are in contact with the filter material – please make sure not to rub or scour the filter material. After an hour, remove the tissues, and let the ORM dry open to the air – depending on local conditions, it may take between two and four more hours. This process can also be undertaken using clean cotton fabric.

 

What Is the OCTO® Respirator Mask Made of?  

The OCTO® Respirator Mask is made from non-toxic materials: Medical Grade Silicone, Nylon (PA12, 6, 6/6) and pending the ORM model the strap is made of Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a Nylon/Polyester sponge material.

 

Does the OCTO® Respirator Mask Fit All Sizes? 

The OCTO® Respirator Mask is designed to fit a variety of adult sizes and shapes. Please stay tuned for our child-sized respirators.

 

How Do You Use The OCTO Respirator Mask?

Please find our instructions here.

 

Why Should I Have a Respirator Mask?

There are many reasons why people use respirators: allergies and medical sensitivities, environmental hazards (such as wildfires, pollution, dust, mold), airborne pathogens (such as COVID-19), working with contaminants.. It is important to understand one's needs, and to make sure that the respirator being considered will protect you.

 

When Will My Order Be Shipped? 

Orders are shipped within 48 hours, Monday through Friday.  

 

Does OCTO Safety Devices Ship Overseas?  

Currently we are shipping only within the US. If you are a NGO or government agency, please contact us directly.

 

How Can I Adjust the Straps For a Tighter Fit? 

Please review the procedure to tighten the straps on the support pages here.

 

How Long Will the Filter Last? 

Different versions of the OCTO® Respirator Mask have been produced in the past and future versions are planned. Please check the instruction manual for the number of boiling and autoclave cycles your version it is designed to withstand.

However, if the Octo™ Respirator has been damaged (ie: crushed, filter material torn, etc), please discard it immediately.

 

How Small Is a Micron? 

A micron is 1 millionth of a meter. To put that in perspective, a human hair is around 100 microns in diameter. Human eyes usually cannot see particles smaller than 40 microns in diameter.

 

Does The OCTO® Respirator Mask Filter Particles Smaller Than 1 Micron? 

Yes! Objects smaller than 0.3 microns do not behave like particles. They are so small that they act like a gas. Due to the proprietary antimicrobial filter material, the OCTO Respirator Mask captures and blocks these by about 97%. 

Please see our Science Page for further information.

 

How Do I Return The OCTO® Respirator Mask To You? 

Because the OCTO® Respirator Mask is a personal care item, we only accept returns of unused items in their original, unopened packaging, within 30 days of purchase, with proof of purchase. 

Please contact us directly for instructions.

 

How Long Is The Respirator Warranty Valid?

6 months.

 

What is an elastomeric respirator?

The word elastomeric is derived from elastomer, which is a rubber-like elastic material. This type of respirator has a facial skirt, the part which seals the respirator to the face, made of an elastic material, e.g. silicone.

 

Still Have Questions? 

Please contact us directly with your questions.