cOVID-19 FACE MASKS & FAQs

[ALL MASKS ARE Currently out of stock]

— Saturday, 26th September 2020

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic here in the UK, and talks of easing lockdown soon - We’ve decided to give away FREE SOS Essentials Face Masks to keep you safe whilst outdoors!

How to claim:

1. Follow us on Instagram Mobile | Web;

2. Like our “Free Face Masks” post on Instagram;

3. Tag three friends in the comments who may also want this mask; and

4. Share our “Free Face Masks” post on your Instagram feed or story!

Once you’ve completed the above steps, send us a Direct Message via Instagram and we’ll give you a code that makes it 100% off.

Terms & Conditions

This is not a competition. 

The SOS Essentials Face Masks are provided on a first come first served basis. 

Once the masks are out of stock, there is no guarantee they will be back in stock.

Masks are limited to one per household.

We reserve the right to refuse distribution if we feel this giveaway is being abused.

Shipping Cost is £2.50.

— Friday, 29th May 2020

Covid-19 Statement

Due to the effects of the corona virus across the world, and the impact it is having particularly in the UK, we have made the decision to postpone the release of our Spring Summer ’20 collection.

The effects have been far reaching for companies of our size. We also feel that postponing the release of this collection will reduce any unnecessary/non-essential contact our garments may create.  

This means we will now have a limited release at the end of summer focusing our attention on an even better Autumn Winter ’20 collection.

If you have any questions, feel free to DM us or send us an email; otherwise stay tuned for more updates and remember to Stay Safe – Stay At Home & Save Lives.

— Wednesday, 15th April 2020.

QUESTION: What size do I need?

ANSWER: Size Guide

The vertical measurement is from the bridge of your nose, at the top, to the underside of your chin.

The horizontal measurement is from the beginning of the ear cutout on one side, to the beginning of the ear cutout on the other side.

Regular | Large

Vertical Measurement 15cm | 19cm

Horizontal Measurement 26cm | 28cm

QUESTION: Why are the SOS Essentials Face Masks so expensive?

 ANSWER: Our SOS Essentials Face Masks are actually FREE!

In order to regulate claimants of our masks, we have put an absurd price tag so that absolutely no one purchases them.

QUESTION: Why do I have to pay a shipping cost? 

ANSWER: We are still a small business with limited funds, and we’re aiming to support the situation as best we can.

Whilst we have completely absorbed the fabric, manufacturing and packaging costs to provide the free SOS Essentials Masks, unfortunately we do not have the capacity to take on the shipping costs as well.

The shipping cost is made up of the postage and payment processing fee we are charged.

QUESTION: How long will it take for shipping?

 ANSWER: Shipping is limited to the UK only and will usually take 2-3 days to be delivered.

QUESTION: Is SAM O’SULLIVAN™ LTD making any profits by providing these SOS Essentials Face Masks?

 ANSWER: No. 

To clarify, SAM O’SULLIVAN™ LTD is in no way profiting from providing these SOS Essentials Face Masks.

We have paid outright for all the materials used to produce the masks.

The shipping cost is made up of the postage and payment processing fee we are charged.

 QUESTION: Are the SOS Essentials Face Masks effective in reducing the transmission of the virus?

ANSWER: YES. 

While they are not direct substitutes for N95 surgical or procedural masks, our SOS Essential Face Mask do offer a significant degree of protection against droplets with COVID-19, and should help reduce person-to-person droplet transmission of the virus.

On 11th May 2020, the UK government began officially advising to wear “face coverings” in enclosed public spaces such as shops, trains and buses to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

“After careful consideration of the latest scientific evidence from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), the government confirmed face coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission in some circumstances.”

On 3rd April, 2020 in the US, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) also began officially recommending to wear “cloth face coverings” in public, to reduce community-based transmission of COVID-19.

“CDC continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States. We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.”

QUESTION: Are the SOS Essentials Face Masks medical grade masks?

ANSWER: No. 

Our SOS Essentials Face Masks are not medical grade masks and do not replace N95 masks. 

However, the UK government have urged the public “not to buy medical grade masks so they can be saved for frontline health and care workers”.

As you may have heard/read, there is limited medical grade PPE available for frontline health and care workers across the world. 

By NOT purchasing unnecessary medical grade PPE, you are helping protect those who are risking their lives to protect us.

QUESTION: Who are these SOS Essentials Face Masks for?

ANSWER: Depending on what is recommended for your circumstance, this answer can vary. You must check and follow guidance on what PPE is needed for your individual circumstance.

Please contact your local hospital or look for government advice to find out what masks are acceptable.  As an overview, here is who our masks can be used by:

1.  For first responders and front line medical staff : At minimum, when there is a shortage, fabric masks can be used by doctors and nurses on our front lines to protect existing N95s and surgical masks, so that necessary protection can last longer.

2. For other healthcare staff, and those in essential services: Masks can be used by healthcare workers who are not working directly with COVID-19 patients, but who are in and around hospitals and need protections. And, for everyone in essential services such as supermarket assistants and delivery people who are in high-exposure situations.

3. For you and your community : Stopping the spread of COVID-19 is of paramount importance, and it is known that many people are “asymptomatic”. By wearing a mask you are helping to slow the spread of the virus in your community, particularly to those who are elderly or with compromised health.

QUESTION: How do I know that the SOS Essential Face Mask protects against bacteria? 

ANSWER: The SOS Essential Face Mask protects against bacteria because of the silver element it contains, that remain permanent in the fabric many times after washing. This combined with its waterproof properties, the rapid absorption and evaporation rates, and suppression of the rapid production of microorganisms all help stop bacteria remaining on material surfaces. 

Proof of testing for UV protection; Breathability; Waterproofness; Antibacterial protection and toxic substance safety are available on request.