Purchasing Cloth Masks
IU provided reusable masks to IU students and staff in 2020. These masks were supplied by OmniSource Marketing Group after being tested and approved by IU Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). Masks provided were not considered Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and were selected for their structure and effectiveness. The same masks may be purchased with campus or department specific branding following the steps outlined on this page.
- Purchases of cloth masks that have not been approved by EHS require testing and approval. Jump to the Order Other Types of Masks section of the page to learn more about this process.
- Refer to the Masks and PPE page to review a list of preferred mask options.
Order Approved, Branded Masks
Follow the steps below to order branded cloth masks for your campus or department.Step 1: Order masks. The following suppliers carry masks approved by EHS:
- Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple, Inc.
- The Giles Agency
- Imagery LLC
- OmniSource Marketing Group
- Smile Promotions
- Underground Printing
- Wildman Business Group
Step 2: Obtain approval. The supplier returns a quote and artwork mockup for your review. Review the quote and proposed design provided by the supplier. If you approve, then instruct the supplier to submit the design via the Licensing & Trademark online portal for final design approval. The supplier has their own unique link and secure login credentials. If they need help accessing their portal, please have them contact Robin Cooper, Licensing & Trademarks.
Step 3: Enter the requisition in BUY.IU. Be sure to mark COVID-19 in the Special Circumstance field, located in the General section of the requisition. Attach the quote and approval provided by Licensing and Trademarks in the comments section of the requisition. Review the Logging Comments guide to learn how to upload and attach a document to your order.
Order Other Types of Masks
Follow the steps below to purchase masks that have not already been approved by EHS.Step 1: Choose a mask. A list of suppliers is available on the Promotional Items info page. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) recommends the following structural considerations when selecting a mask:
- Consider a 3-ply polyester blend material. This material wicks moisture and prevents an environment conducive for microbial growth.
- Look for a semi-rigid nasal arch to ensure a better fit. Masks with this feature should also be big enough to fully cover the nose and mouth.
- Models should have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask.
- Models with ear loops versus head straps tend to stay in place for longer periods of time, however this can be a personal preference.
- There are options with a replaceable filter. Although these masks perform better at reducing particulate counts, there is greater maintenance necessary on these units. It’s recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidance on filter type and replacement frequency, typically every two weeks.
- Notify the Maintenance, Repair, & Operations team by submitting a Support Form. Select "Requisitions" then "Something else" on the form. State that you are purchasing resusable cloth masks and include as much information as possible about the masks you wish to purchase.
- Contact the supplier and request a sample mask be sent to EHS for testing. The mask should be sent to the following address:
IU Environmental Health and Safety
Attn: Kathryn Manteufel, Associate University Director
2427 E 2nd St. Bloomington, IN 47408
Step 3: Order masks. When contacting the supplier, state what campus or department artwork you wish to use. Send the logos or artwork requested to the supplier if they do not already have it.
Step 4: Obtain approval. The supplier returns a quote and artwork mockup for your review. Review the quote and proposed design provided by the supplier. If you approve, then instruct the supplier to submit the design via the Licensing & Trademark online portal for final design approval. The supplier has their own unique link and secure login credentials. If they need help accessing their portal, please have them contact Robin Cooper, Licensing & Trademarks.
Step 5: Enter the requisition in BUY.IU. Be sure to mark COVID-19 in the Special Circumstance field, located in the General section of the requisition. Attach the quote and approval provided by Licensing and Trademarks in the comments section of the requisition. Review the Logging Comments guide to learn how to upload and attach a document to your order.
Questions about this process? Contact Purchasing using the Support Form.