Frequently Asked Questions about DragonWise Products

Dragonscale MERV 16 Face Mask Filter Inserts

We hope this list answers all of your questions but if you have more please reach out to use via email, phone or our contact form and we will be happy to help.

Q: What do your filters protect against? Are they good for COVID-19 protection?
Q: What are the dimensions of your face mask filters?
Q: Will this filter fit in my mask?
Q: What if the filter is too big for my mask?
Q: What if the filter is too small for my mask?
Q: Where are your filters manufactured? Are they imported?
Q: What are your filters made out of?
Q. Is there fiberglass in your filters?
Q: Is there (other dangerous chemical/fiber) in your filters?
Q: Is it safe to have the filter directly on my face if my face mask does not have a filter pocket?
Q: Which way do the filters go in my mask?
Q: I read online that polypropylene filters can't be washed without reducing filtration. Is this true?
Q: Yes but how come your filters don't loose their effectiveness when washed when all the news & scientific articles I read keep talking about how polypropylene must not get wet?

Q: What do your filters protect against? Are they good for COVID-19 protection?

A: The COVID-19 pandemic is the reason we started making masks & filters in the first place. These filters offer 95% filtration efficiency of 0.3 micron particles, which is the same as an N95 mask. In a 2 layer cotton mask this will bring it to well over 99% efficiency. Ultimately, a filter's effectiveness is dependent on the quality of the fit of the mask it is put in and not just the material. Masks should fit well and ensure the air is passed through the filter so it can do its job, and not escape around the sides of the mask.

Q: What are the dimensions of your face mask filters?

A: 5.6in x 3.8in, with proprietary contoured shape for full coverage in your face mask

Q: Will this filter fit in my mask?

A: Except in the very largest of masks these filters should fit well and have full coverage. There are exceptions at times, so check our dimensions and make sure they will fit in your mask before ordering. We do offer a single sample filter at a low cost to check sizing.

Q: What if the filter is too big for my mask?

A: Filters can be easily trimmed with an ordinary scissors

Q: What if the filter is too small for my mask?

A: We will do custom orders of XL filters or special shapes. Please contact us via the form on our site or email us directly and we will be happy to assist you.

Q: Where are your filters manufactured? Are they imported?

A: We use 100% USA made materials and all steps of our process are done right here in America

Q: What are your filters made out of?

A: We use 100% USA made spunbound polypropylene, polyester and thermoplastic polyurethane nanofiber

Q. Is there fiberglass in your filters?

A: No

Q: Is there (other dangerous chemical/fiber) in your filters?

A: No

Q: Is it safe to have the filter directly on my face if my face mask does not have a filter pocket?

A: Yes

Q: Which way do the filters go in my mask?

A: The smooth side goes toward the face, the fuzzy side towards the outside of your mask.

Q: I read online that polypropylene filters can't be washed without reducing filtration. Is this true?

A: The short answer is our filters can get wet and can be washed or sanitized by following our DragonWise Filter Care Method without losing any performance. We have verified that our filters experience absolutely zero loss in performance if following this method to wash or sanitize up to 8 times.

Q: Yes but how come your filters don't loose their effectiveness when washed when all the news & scientific articles I read keep talking about how polypropylene must not get wet?

A: This answer will be slightly longer than the last question so grab some popcorn. In some cases this statement is true, but unfortunately the news articles are making it a little confusing. A more accurate statement would be 'all filters that rely on electrostatic charge should not get wet in order to remain effective'. Let's explain the difference.

There are two ways filters work within our discussion, mechanical filtration means and electrostatic filtration. Mechanical means that there is an actual substance/fiber/web/network of something that physically blocks and captures particles. Electrostatic filtration happens when a material has a electric charge and attracts particles that get stuck to it. If you ever got a sock stuck to your clothes and then went to work/school only to find the offending article of clothing embarrassingly adhered to your outfit hours later after that big presentation... then just imagine that on a microscopic scale.

The filters that the news & articles are talking about rely on this static to work, so if they get wet or doused with alcohol, it can reduce the charge and make them less effective.

Our filters rely on mechanical filtration, so they can get wet to your heart's content and still perform. The only caveat is it's very important not to rub, scrub or overly agitate the filters, or the material can loose efficiency that way instead.

This is why we designed our special no-rub DragonWise Filter Care Method, to allow our customers the most use out of the filters possible. All you need to do is follow our simple instructions and you will have shiny clean filters with the confidence that the material will still work as intended.

We have verified all of our data through testing on a TSI 8130a, [the same machine used to test effectiveness of N95 respirators (42 CFR Part 84), approved by NIOSH].