Wearing face masks has become the new normal in the COVID era. Different types of face masks are already available in the market and are being worn by millions of people around the world. While face masks and coverings have proved to be effective in protecting against the novel coronavirus, there are still many misconceptions and confusion over the choice and use of face coverings, even among the healthcare community. Also, with the emergence of numerous wholesale face mask suppliers, it becomes more difficult to select the proper type of face mask. Knowing about specific features of face masks and respirators is crucial for choosing the right type according to the medical setting. So, let’s uncover the true facts about face masks and face coverings.
Why Are Face Masks Important?
While wearing face masks does guarantee complete protection against the infection, they do offer some protection to wearers. It’s always good to have something rather than nothing.
According to the WHO, healthcare staff including community healthcare employees and caregivers, working in medical settings, should always wear medical-grade masks throughout their working hours. Of course, they can take it off when eating and drinking, or change their masks after providing care to patients who need droplets or contact precautions for other purposes.
Experts suggest healthcare personnel continuously use face masks in potential higher transmission risk settings like triage, outpatient departments, family physician/GP practices, emergency rooms, COVID-19 patient rooms, transplant units, hematological, cancer, long-term chronic health, residential facilities, and more.
However, when wearing medical masks like N95 respirators, healthcare staff need to ensure that:
- They change the mask if it is worn out, soiled, or wet.
- They do not touch the mask to adjust it if it is displaced from the face for any reason. In such situations, they should safely remove and replace the mask, and perform hand hygiene.
- They immediately discard and change the face mask and other personal protective equipment after caring for a patient on close contact or droplet precautions for other microorganisms.
Healthcare professionals in settings for COVID-19 patients, where Aerosol Generating Procedures are performed, should wear US NIOSH-certified N95, N99, US FDA surgical N95, EU standard FFP2 or FFP3, or equivalent respirator masks. They must always wear these masks throughout the entire shift.
What Type of Face Mask is Suitable for You?
With several wholesale face mask suppliers in the market today, it becomes difficult to choose from various types of face masks or respirators available. From simple surgical masks to N95 respirator masks, you can choose one based on the level of protection you need.
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Cloth Masks
Cloth masks are ideal for the general public who is not working in healthcare settings. People can wear cloth masks when going out in public settings. While surgical and N95 respirator masks may be in limited supply and are reserved for healthcare workers, cloth masks are easily available for the people. These masks can be washed and reused as long as they are not damaged.
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Surgical Masks
These masks are intended to protect against particles or droplets with a diameter greater than 100 μm. However, the coronavirus is spherical, although slightly pleomorphic, with 60-140nm of diameter, which is around 100x smaller than the pore diameter. Therefore, surgical masks cannot protect wearers against inhalation of minute airborne particles, including the SARS CoV2. However, these masks can protect the wearer from large-sized droplets and sprays.
Generally, surgical masks are meant to be disposed of after a single use as they can lead to self-contamination if reused.
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N95 Respirator Masks
The N95 respirator is the most commonly used particulate-filtering respirator that complies with the US NIOSH N95 classification of air filtration standards. It filters nearly 95% of airborne particles. N95 respirator masks have been designed to achieve a compact facial fit to provide the necessary air seal to the user.
Some N95 masks come with valves that make them easier to breathe. However, with this type of mask, the user exhales unfiltered air into the environment. This reduces its efficiency in controlling the spread of coronavirus. Hence, an asymptomatic carrier of the COVID-19 virus wearing masks with valves can easily spread the infection to surrounding people. The valve will release the unfiltered exhaled air into the environment.
Healthcare workers must be properly trained and qualify for a filter test to confirm a perfect seal before wearing an N95 respirator mask in clinical settings.
While N95 respirators are intended to be discarded after their use, however, disinfecting them can extend their use, especially during a shortage of supply.
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N99 Masks
Quite similar to N95 masks, N99 masks are also effective in preventing tiny particles. These masks can block 99% of all fine particles and only come with respiratory valves.
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FFP Masks
A Filtering Face Piece or FFP mask is another form of protective mask. It is certified by the CEN European Committee for Standardization. It is designed to protect against small particles. The EN 149 standard has defined 2 categories of filter efficiency for FPP masks, namely FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3. As compared to surgical masks, FPP masks protect the user from inhaling airborne particles or pollutants in the form of droplets, aerosols, etc.
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Elastomeric Respirators
These masks are a great alternative for N95 respirator masks in case there’s a shortage of supply. Elastomeric respirators can be reused with replaceable cartridge filters that provide protection equivalent to N95 masks.
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Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs)s
Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) come with a battery-powered blower that blows air through a filter to the user. These are the most expensive masks available. Due to the positive pressure they generate, these masks must be tightly-fitted. Usually, PAPRs do not filter exhaust from the user and are not typically intended for use by healthcare professionals.
Final Note
Other than the above-mentioned types of face masks, there are several other types available in the market. Earlier during the pandemic, there was an acute shortage of essential face masks like N95 respirators. Today, with the emergence of numerous wholesale face mask suppliers, the demand has been addressed gradually. Now, people can easily find face masks that meet their needs, budget, and purpose.
As new COVID-19 variants are emerging and spreading worldwide, people must continue using face masks to protect themselves and the community. To ensure better protection against the virus, you must choose the right type of face mask and use it in the right way. Face masks not only protect us from virus transmission but also saves the lives of surrounding people.
Wearing face masks might leave scars or marks on your face but those are at least better than getting infected.
If you’re looking to buy high-quality face masks or respirators in bulk, you can contact us to place your order today!
Frequently Asked Question
Q.1. What type of cloth mask will provide adequate protection?
Ans. There are several types of cloth masks made of a variety of fabrics. However, you must look for a cloth mask with:
- A proper fit over your mouth, nose, and chin to prevent leakages.
- Multiple layers of closely woven and breathable material
- A nose wire
- Material that restricts light when held up to a source of light.
Q.2. Should small children wear face masks or respirators?
Ans. Kids of age 2 years or more who are not vaccinated must continue wearing face masks in public places. While there are respirators available for children, you can still use cloth masks or disposable masks if your child faces a breathing problem.