How easy is it to install the SIP Valve?

Customers have found the installation process straightforward, though it may take a little practise to perfect.

Does this compromise the mask filtration?

Not significantly.

It’s really important to be mindful when it comes to modifying your masks or respirators. These devices are certified based on their original design, and any changes we make might affect how well they work. So, if you’re thinking of installing SIP on an FFP2 mask, just remember that it technically won’t be an FFP2 anymore.

However, the team behind SIP has really done their homework. They’ve put their valve through rigorous tests, even using a protocol approved by OSHA for quantitative fit testing. The results? Well, they’re quite reassuring. When SIP was installed on an N95 respirator, the fit factor was a tad lower compared to the N95 without the valve. But, and here’s the good news, even when a straw was inserted, the fit factor stayed comfortably above the OSHA’s required standards. So, you can sip away knowing that a lot of thought and care has gone into making sure SIP keeps you safe

Can the SIP Valve be used with any type of mask?

Yes, it is compatible with most mask types, including FFP3, FFP2, N95, KF94, KN95, surgical, and cloth masks.

• Mask
• Scissors or utility knife
• Pen

1. Mark your custom mouth position on the mask

Put your mask on as you would wear it (ie, stretching out any folds or pleats over your face).

– For a center install, pucker up and mark a dot between your lips (on the outside of the mask).

– For a side install, choose which side you’d prefer to drink from. Then mark the dot on your lower lip, halfway between the center and corner of your mouth.

Tip: For your first time, it may be easier to do this in front of a mirror.

2. Draw a 0.625″ circle around the dot

Remove the mask from your face, and place the securing ring around the marked dot, centering it.

Using a pen, trace the ring’s inner circle. Then put aside the securing ring for now.

3. Cut a hole in the mask

Use scissors or a utility knife to cut out the circle you just traced. This should result in a hole with a diameter of 0.625″

Note: Cut around the outside of the circle. DO NOT CUT A HOLE SMALLER THAN THE CIRCLE. Cutting smaller will squeeze and deform the valve, preventing it from sealing properly.

Tip: First pierce a hole through the center of the marked circle using the tip of a knife or scissors. Once you’ve pierced it, you can then put the scissors through and cut out the circle.

4. Squeeze the valve head through the hole

Unfold the mask. Starting from inside the mask, pinch just the valve head and squeeze it through the hole you just made. Push it through like a button.

The valve head should end up on the outside of the mask, while the wider base should remain on the inside.

Pro tip: You can combine steps 4 and 5 by placing the securing ring over the hole and pushing the valve through both the mask hole and the securing ring at the same time.

5. Slip the securing ring over the valve head

Place the securing ring around the valve, squeezing the valve head through the securing ring’s hole. Again, push it through like a button.

6. Inspect the valve

– Pull the bottom edges of the valve head up over the securing ring. Make sure the valve head is fully through and isn’t being pinched on any edge.

– Check that the valve head is round and not being squeezed into an oblong shape.

– Check inside the mask to see if the wider base of the valve (in the mask’s interior) is sitting flush and not rippled/folded. If it is, the hole you cut into the mask is most likely too small (no smaller than 0.625″).

– Going back to the outside of the mask, make sure the valve petals are closed, creating a seal. If the petals are not sealing properly, please reach out to us for further guidance.

7. Place the cap over the valve when not in use

The cap isn’t strictly needed to maintain the airtight seal. It’s simply there to keep the valve clean when not in use.

Use the rectangular tab on the end of the cap to pull it off.

Tip: Push against the securing ring if you need leverage to pull off the cap.

UK SHIPPING

WITHIN EU

OUTSIDE OF EU