FAQs

Hi there! Thank you for dropping by our FAQ page. We're happy to have you here. We know you may have many questions when choosing a trusted supplier of PPE.

Our commitment to you is always honesty and transparency so please read through this list carefully.

Have a question that is not listed here? Reach out to us on Live Chat or email us, we'll get back to you soon.

• “What is PPE?”
  
  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) comprises items that offer protection against health and safety hazards. These items include safety helmets, masks, aprons, visors, safety footwear etc.

Face Masks FAQs

• "What's the difference between KN95 and 3ply masks?"
  KN95 masks offer more protection than the Disposable 3-PLY masks.

• “What is a 3 ply mask?”
  A 3 ply mask is made up of three layers fastened together.
  The outer layer repels particles (including fluids for certain masks e.g. type IIR), the middle layer is the key section that filters out bacteria, the inner layer is soft next to the skin and can absorb small amounts of fluids e.g. spit.
• "What's the difference between N95 and KN95?"
  They are similar. They both stop 95% of particles greater than 0.3 microns in size. The COVID-19 virus is approximately 0.125 Micron or 125 nanometers in diameter. (Source: National Library of Medicine)
  However, it often travels in biological aerosols from coughing and sneezing which range in size from 0.5-3 Micron.
  
  According to mask manufacturer 3M, “it is reasonable to consider” China’s KN95s “equivalent” to US N95s. Mask standards for Europe (FFP2), Australia (P2), Korea (KMOEL), and Japan (DS) are also highly similar.
  The N95 is the USA Code.
  The KN95 is the Chinese code.
  The DS is the Japanese code.
  The KF94/KMOEL is Korean code.
  The FFP2 is the European Union & United Kingdom code.
  
  Lots of users care most about what percentage of particles the masks capture. On this metric, N95 and KN95 respirator masks are the same. Both masks are rated to capture 95% of tiny particles (0.3 micron particles, to be exact). (Source: Smart Air Filters)
  
  Both ratings require masks to be tested for filtration efficiency at capturing salt particles (NaCl). Both are tested at a flow rate of 85 L/minute. However, there are some differences between N95 and KN95.
  
  Most of these differences are small and would be uninteresting to the average mask user. However, here are the key differences:
  
  1.To be certified as a KN95 mask, the Chinese government requires the manufacturer to run mask fit tests on real humans with ≤ 8% leakage. The N95 mask standard does not require manufacturers to run fit tests.
  
  This does not mean that fit tests aren’t helpful. Many hospitals and companies require their workers to be fit-tested. However, those are requirements of companies themselves, not for the US NIOSH certification on the mask.
  
  1.N95 masks have slightly stricter requirements for pressure drop while inhaling. That means they’re required to be slightly more breathable than KN95 masks.
  N95s also have slightly stricter requirements for pressure drop while exhaling, which should help with breathability.
  
  Bottomline: Difference between N95 and KN95 Masks
  N95s and KN95s are both rated to capture 95% of particles, although only KN95 masks are required to pass fit tests. N95 masks have slightly stronger requirements for breathability. (Source: Smart Air Filters)
  
  
• "Why do the KN95 seem to have holes in them?"
  Those aren't holes. That's where the layers of fabric come together and are compressed by heat to stick. They also enable breathability while wearing the masks. Try pouring some water in the masks and notice how the water does not seep through the masks.
  
  
• "Tell me more about the thickness level for the masks?"
  Sometimes thicker may seem better, but that's not necessarily the case with masks. Our masks are able to achieve high levels of filtration (95%+ according to lab results) with less thickness. Thickness of the masks can also make it harder to breathe while wearing it. Also, some of our customers wear it all day so the heaviness of the masks can become irritating to your ears and face after long use time.
  
  We try to find a perfect balance of thickness, weight and filtration.
  
  
• "Do your KN95 masks really have 95% filtration?"
  According to the lab results we receive from our manufacturers, our KN95 masks have filtration above 95%. We are happy to share these results with you as well.
  
  
• "How long do you recommend wearing the PEDASHIELD KN95 masks?"
  We have to tell you that they are one-time use and disposable. But that really adds up and starts to become really expensive.
  
  We personally use them for up to 11-17 hours, from the moment we rise to the moment we sleep. We caveat this by saying we are also not around toxic environments or actively doing open heart surgery. If you are around those environments or doing things that put you at a higher risk of breathing toxic air, please abide by the 1 time use recommendation.
  
  
• "My first order I received a different type of mask than my second or third order. Why is that?"
  That is very normal, not to worry! Let us explain.
  
  We work with 2-3 manufacturers for each product for a variety of reasons. Some include to spread out risk in case shipping carriers and/or customs agents decide to delay our orders (this happens more often than not) or even to make sure that we aren't overly reliant on one manufacturer in case something drastic happens.
  
  This mixed in with the fact that manufacturers are constantly changing and updating their products due to new weekly regulations from the governments. As well as also taking time to improve the products based on our constant feedback to them results in micro changes to the products frequently.
  
  
• “Why do your masks say it’s for 'non-medical use'?"
  For FDA registered manufacturers, in order to pass customs and import their products into the US they cannot claim "for medical use" on the packaging until they are approved by the FDA. Again, there are only few factories on the "approved" list which is all backed up, highly expensive and do not offer low quantities for ordering.
  
  If you see KN95 boxes that say "for non-medical use," this is because the government of China does not allow the exports of KN95 (all KN95 are made in China) with "for medical use" on the boxes unless they are on the list of CDC Appendix A list of factories. If you look around you will see that 99.5% of the KN95 masks will say "for non-medical use" on the boxes. This is because they have to say this, there is no other way around it.
  
  If you see any boxes of KN95 from other vendors that have the FDA or CE logos on them and say "for medical use," please be cautious. These are likely to be fakes.
  
  With that being said we still have many medical professionals, dentists, first responders and others in higher risk situations use our masks. We have all the documents and lab results to show these are legitimate masks from legitimate factories. They've even come back and order multiple times!

KN95 Packaging 

• "Do you ship with or without the original box?"
  In order to drive down the costs of KN95 masks we ship without any boxes. For bulk orders we can ship with boxes at your request. The boxes may be sent flattened to avoid damages during shipment. The masks will still be wrapped inside the original plastic bags that came from the manufacturer.
  
  

FDA Approved or Registered

• “Are your face masks FDA and CE approved or registered?”
  No,We work with manufacturers who are FDA registered and awaiting acceptance. FDA is backed up and we are not sure how politicized the process is.
  
  For FDA registered manufacturers, in order to pass customs and import their products into the US they cannot claim "for medical use" on the packaging until they are approved by the FDA. Again, there are only few factories on the "approved" list which are all backed up, highly expensive and do not offer low quantities for ordering.
  
  If you see KN95 boxes that say "for non-medical use," this is because the government of China does not allow the exports of KN95 (all KN95 are made in China) with "for medical use" on the boxes unless they are on the list of CDC Appendix A list of factories. If you look around you will see that 99.5% of the KN95 masks will say "for non-medical use" on the boxes. This is because they have to say this, there is no other way around it.
  
  If you see any boxes of KN95 from other vendors that have the FDA or CE logos on them and say "for medical use," please be cautious. These are likely to be fakes.
  
  We are working on sourcing from the factories on the CDC Appendix A, however those factories are backed up for months and are much more expensive. There are only few factories on that list. Please be careful with anyone selling you products from the CDC Appendix A list. Those are more expensive and very hard to attain in low minimum order quantities and may possibly not be real.
  
  With that being said we still have many medical professionals, dentists, first responders and others in higher risk situations use our masks. We have all the documents and lab results to show these are legitimate masks from legitimate factories. They've even come back and order multiple times!

Shoe Covers FAQs

• “Are the PedaShield Shoe and Boot Covers washable?”
  PedaShield Shoe and Boot Covers are meant for one time use only.
• “Are the PedaShield Shoe and Boot Covers waterproof?”
  PedaShield Shoe and Boot Covers are water resistant not waterproof. Water-resistant: able to resist the penetration of water to some degree but not entirely. Water-repellent: not easily penetrated by water, especially as a result of being treated for such a purpose with a surface coating. Waterproof: impervious to water.
• “Are the PedaShield Shoe and Boot Covers non-slip?”
  PedaShield Shoe and Boot Covers have a slip resistant pattern on the sole to minimize (not eliminate) slips.
• “What are the PedaShield Shoe and Boot Covers made of?”
  Heavy Duty non-woven Polypropylene with a higher GSM (42g) compared to competitors (less than 30g) meaning our shoe covers are much thicker, stronger and will get you at least 25% more usage! Tired of easily torn covers or doubling up thin covers? Don’t be fooled by deceptive look-a-likes.
• “Will I need to wear shoes with the covers?”
  Yes.
• “Does PedaShield different sizes of shoe and boot covers?”
  ONE SIZE FITS MOST UP TO MEN’S 13 – Our industrial grade shoe covers contain elastic and snuggly fit USA SMALL – XXL (Women’s 15 and Men’s 13). Our Booties are super comfortable, breathable, and water resistant (not waterproof) with non-skid soles that resists tearing and ripping.

Discounts 

• “Do you offer discounts to first responders, schools, front-line workers and non-profits?“
  Yes. We're a family-owned and operated business with one of the core family values being "to serve." We would love to offer you discounts if you fit in this category. Please reach out to us via Live Chat or E-mail to get your special discounts.

 Our Customers to First-Responders, Schools, Front-line Workers, and Non-profits 

• "What types of businesses or organizations have bought PPE from you?"
  We have sold lots of PPE to companies, organizations and people around the US.
  
  Here is a list of the types of organizations what have ordered from us:
  - Dentists
  - Non-Profits
  - Nursing Homes
  - Funeral Homes
  - Firefighters
  - Law Enforcement Agencies
  - Governmental Departments
  - Chiropractors
  - Child Care Facilities
  - Optometrists
  - ER & First Responders
  - Construction Workers
  - At-Home Care Workers
  - Grocery Stores
  - Teachers
  - ... And Many More!

Manufacturers

• "Who are your manufacturers and where are they based?"
  We have been manufacturing and sourcing products around the world for over 10+ years. Each product has a different source which has been vetted for quality and affordability. Each product also has 1-3 different manufacturers to keep up with demand while guaranteeing the lowest prices. We are more than happy to share documents with you about our manufacturers, specifically our masks, so that you may verify yourself with everything we claim. Please reach out to request this.
• "I'm a happy customer who has bought multiple times from you, but this time the masks I received are a little different. How come?"
  Great question and observance detective! Let us explain.
  
  We work with multiple manufacturers and depending on your order size we send one or the other.
  We work with a few manufacturers instead of one for a few reasons:
  1) There are always delays with shipping. Sometimes shipments don't arrive for weeks because customs decides to hold all masks for unexplainable reasons.
  2) We spread out our risk this way. It's never good for our business to be reliant on 1 manufacturer in case there are ever unforeseen issues in the future that arise.
  3) We make sure manufacturers compete to improve overall quality and price. This is one method we use to continue to drive down costs for our customers while still delivering a quality product.

MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

“What is your minimum order quantity? “
Minimum Order Quantity for each product are as follows:

1. KN95 - 10 pieces
2. 3-Ply Earloop Masks - 50 pieces
3. Shoe Covers – 22 pieces

Pricing

• "I'm skeptical about your prices, why are they so low?"
  It's simple, our mission to provide affordable PPE trumps our greed. There are many middlemen, scammers and profit-hungry companies driving up the costs for products that are essential to the safety of our lives. We aim to help the everyday customer get quality, affordable PPE by cutting through the price gouging and sourcing directly from our manufacturers.
  
  
• "Why are your prices different week by week?"
  Imagine the prices of PPE and shipping costs as volatile as the stock market. The prices change every single day as the demand and supply of the products increase or decrease.
  
  We won't go too deep into it but even the prices to produce the actual material down to the ingredients in the product, to what FedEx, UPS, and other shipping companies are charging us to get the product into our USA warehouses changes daily as well.
  
  We are really excited when the prices go down because it means we can lower our prices. If we pay less, you pay less. We promise.

Wholesale, Distribution, and International Shipping  

• "I want to help you help others, do you work with wholesalers, distributors or help with sourcing products?"
  Yes! Please help us help others! Please reach out via Live Chat or email.
  
  
• “I need to place a really big order; how much can you fill?”
  We can fulfill orders in the multi-millions. Please reach out via Live Chat or email if you have large quantity orders and we’ll always give you a realistic & honest view of our inventory count, time of arrival and bulk pricing.
  
  
• “Do you ship internationally?”
  We can process orders if you take care of the shipping and handling portion. We do not deal with international customs.