What will other people think?

Fair question! Here's what one early wearer had to say after her first trip to Costco with Narwall:

“It surprised me that people, instead of looking at me like I was crazy like I thought I was going to be looked at – it was more like they thought it was interesting. A lady came up to me and said, “cool mask, I like your mask!” That was encouraging, I was surprised about that. I thought people were going to be [snickering]."

Across the country, that tends to be the experience: lots of interest and compliments! Just check the reviews.

Can I fly with Narwall?

Yes, many people have enjoyed peace of mind while flying with Narwall.

The CDC's mask travel guidance is clear that Narwall Mask is allowed for air travel: Narwall is a manufactured, reusable mask with no exhalation valves that fits snugly to your face, completely covering your nose and mouth.

It is also quick to remove in case of emergency, and you do not need to change the filters during even a very long flight.

For more tips and information about flying with Narwall, please see our usage guide.

How has the mask been tested?

We commissioned a third party testing company to conduct N95 fit tests on people of a variety of ethnicities, body types, genders, and ages – and all passed!

You can read more about how these tests were conducted in the Baltimore Sun, and more about how our filter material was tested just below.

What is the filter material and how is it tested?

Our filters are made in the USA with material tested by Nelson Labs to 99.99% VFE (viral filtration efficiency).

We use Technostat 150 Plus, an advanced electrostatic filter material with great filtration and very low air resistance for remarkably easy, comfortable breathing.

Note that unlike NIOSH-rated N95 masks, Narwall is not intended for industrial settings like mining or construction, and should not be used during heavy exercise or when the air is visibly thick with dust.

Is the Narwall Mask's exhale filtered?

Yes, absolutely. The exact same filters are used for inhale (on top of your head) and exhale (in front of your mouth) so others are protected, just like you.

There is NO vent or direct exhaust valve.

How long do the filters last?

Like N95's, our filters are designed for about 8 hours of active use. It is important to change Narwall's filters frequently (eg; after a long flight, or after a week of occasional use).

Narwall's filters use electrostatic material without a meltblown component, so they are always accumulating particles and will no longer function effectively once they become loaded with particulates.

This design has the advantage of enabling extremely comfortable breathing and great filtration, but it also means that it's more important to change your filters frequently than with other masks.

How can I buy more filters?

Replacement filters are available here:

• $14 for 14 filters (7 pairs) – good for one week of all-day use or about one month of short daily trips.
• $40 for 60 filters (30 pairs) – good for one month of all-day use or three months of short daily trips.

How do you clean the Narwall mask?

Easy – just remove the filters and put it in the dishwasher! You can also use alcohol sanitizing wipes, warm water and soap, and other options.

Learn more about cleaning Narwall in our usage guide.

Why is eye protection important?

Eyes are part of the mucous membrane, which means pathogens can enter through them. A typical path of infection for the common cold, for example, is touching one's eyes with contaminated hands.

There have been several reports and studies suggesting that eye protection may be important for protection in this pandemic.

Narwall provides a solid barrier to prevent you from touching your face—otherwise a difficult thing to stop doing.

Of course, foreign objects in your eyes can also cause pain and potentially permanent damage; Narwall can protect your eyes when woodworking, painting, or doing other projects that require standard eye protection.

How do you put the mask on and take it off?

Hold it up to your chin and pull the elastic straps up and over your head, like this: 

And to take it off, just pull up from the chin (optionally with a sanitizing wipe):

More detail in our usage guide.

How can I tell if I have a good seal?

With most masks, it's hard to tell if you have any leaks around the edge of the mask

With Narwall, the silicone seal around your face makes it easy to tell when there's a gap. Usually, just breathing in you'll hear a whistle or feel a small tickle on your skin if there's air leaking in somewhere, and you can tighten the mask or adjust your fit.

For a more thorough check, we provide a silicone disc with each mask that you can use to conduct a simple negative pressure test:

Read more about this process in our usage guide.

Does Narwall fit all face shapes perfectly?

We're all such wonderfully unique beings. Most people are able to get a great fit by choosing the right size and making the proper adjustments!

Some faces are sized or shaped differently than Narwall can handle perfectly. If you order a mask and can't get a good fit even with our help, we'll be more than happy to issue a full refund.

The biggest incompatibility we've found is that people under 5'0", including most children, usually find the S/M size too large for an airtight seal.

If you're concerned about getting a good fit, please reach out to us at hello@narwallmask.com, and we'll do our best to help.

Can I wear Narwall if I have a lung disease?

Individuals with serious lung disorders, such as COPD or other reasons to use supplemental oxygen, should consult their physician before wearing Narwall.

Can I wear Narwall if I have a beard?

As with other respirators, men with beards longer than 1/8" may not be able to achieve a good seal. Here's a relevant study.

Can I wear glasses with the Narwall mask?

Narwall pairs best with contact lenses, if you can wear them.

Wearing glasses with Narwall can cause a gap near the temples that prevents a good seal, and may be uncomfortable for some wearers.

Sign up here and we'll let you know when a solution for glasses is ready.

Does it fog up?

Nope! Early adopters of the mask have gleefully reported that there is no fogging with this mask – something we worked hard on. 

The one-way airflow of the mask, which keeps your exhale isolated from your eyes and your inhale, ensures that the moisture from your breath does not fog up the clear part of the mask, plus your every inhale provides fresh air.

Note that if you get the inside of the mask wet (eg; by sweating), or move between hot and cold environments, some fogging can occur.

How long can you wear it for?

Narwall can be comfortably worn for long flights (ie; 8+ hours) and is perfect for 1-3 hour shopping trips.

Note that the tight seal on your face can leave an impression on the skin, and if the mask is over-tightened, cause tenderness. For those with less collagen in their skin (ie; folks of a distinguished age), this mark can last for as long as several hours.

We don't recommend extended wear in hot environments or during extended physical exertion.

What hairstyles can I wear with the mask?

Just like with a bike helmet, some hairstyles work and some will need adjustment.

The elastic straps cover much of the top of your head, so unfortunately high ponytails and buns usually won't work (a tight high bun can go under the straps). 

For straight and wavy hair: low ponytails, pigtails, french braids, and just down usually works well.

For curly hair, braids are often your best bet.

Does it get hot?

Extended wear at room temperature is quite comfortable! In fact, most users report the air around their face is much cooler and fresher than with other masks, which can get hot and stuffy.

That said, we don't recommend wearing Narwall for extended periods of time in hot climates or for prolonged intense exercise.

Can people hear me?

In quiet settings, yes – just fine!

In loud settings (eg; a noisy street or a work environment), you may need to raise your voice.

If you're concerned about audibility or planning to use Narwall all day at work, we recommend pairing the mask with a personal voice amplifier like this one (wired) or this one this one (wireless) – simply put the voice amp on your head, and then put the Narwall Mask over it.

Can I use the Narwall mask for snorkeling?

Please don't get the filters wet!

In seriousness, while Narwall mask as sold is not suitable for swimming, we may sell a simple snorkel conversion kit after the pandemic so you can turn your PPE into a more comfortable way to breathe while swimming at the beach/pool!

If you're interested in this, you can leave your email here.

Where does the name come from?

We love Narwhals – the unicorns of the ocean 🦄🌊. Fun fact, a Narwhal's "horn" is actually a tooth!

We liked the reference to an aquatic hero with something sticking out of its head, equipped to fend off assailants, and tweaked the spelling a bit in a nod to the barrier (err, wall) the product provides. 

...We know. We're nerds.