All that you want to know about different types of masks
Along with other precautionary measures, such as physical or social distancing and appropriate hand hygiene, face masks might be a simple, reasonably priced, and potentially efficient way to stay safe and even the COVID-19 curve.
With so many face masks out there in the market, it becomes a very tough task to find the best one. Paul Edalat, being an expert in this, talks about different types of masks and which one works best:
- Respirators
These are made from tangled fibers that are extremely efficient at filtering air pathogens. These respirators should meet the meticulous filtration standards set by the NIOSH or National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It is important to understand that:
- N99 respirators have the capability to filter 99 % of these particles.
- N95 respirators can filter 95 % of pathogens that are 100 to 300 nm in size.
- N100 respirators can filter 99.7 % of these particles.
Few of these respirators include valves that permit air to move out, making it easy for the user to respire. But, the disadvantage of this is that few people are vulnerable to the pathogens that are exhaled via these valves.
Healthcare workers need to use these masks as these masks offer added advantage.
- Surgical masks
There are a variety of surgical masks available. Usually, these single-use, disposable, masks are cut into a rectangle shape with creases that expand to cover your mouth, nose, and jawline. They are made of breathable fabric. These face masks do not need to meet standards set by NIOSH. They are not necessary to form a sealed seal against the mouth that they cover. In spite of differences in fit and filtration capability, a study found that surgical face masks reduced participant risk of respiratory illnesses. Adherence or appropriate and steady use played a more pivotal role here.
- Cloth masks
These are less effectual at defending the wearer as most have gaps near the jaw, nose, and cheeks where minute droplets can be inhaled. Also, the fabric is frequently permeable and cannot keep out tiny droplets. Even though cloth masks tend to be less effectual than their medical-grade equivalents, experimental results recommend they are far better than no mask at all when worn and built appropriately.
When to wear a face mask?
According to Paul Edalat, wearing cloth face masks in public settings where conformity with physical distancing measures might be hard to achieve and maintain. This is vital in areas where community-based transmission is high. This includes:
- Pharmacies
- Grocery stores
- Job sites, particularly if physical distancing measures are not viable
- Hospitals and other healthcare settings
