More than a year now to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, many people remain confused about the best mask to use to stay safe. In part, that is because the dilemma was a disagreement on which is better or not. The best one depends upon three things: that you are wearing a mask properly, use the suitable materials to prevent droplets or aerosol from passing, and the length of usage. It also depends on your day-to-day activity. Suppose you are a first responder or working in the frontline, such as a nurse and other medical professionals. In that case, N95 is the preferred mask to use because its material is made to protect them from droplets and other bodily fluids that they encounter every day with their patients.
N95 Mask
They are called N95 masks since they are intended to block ninety-five percent of tiny particles that can contact your face. Nonetheless, these masks aren’t appropriate for general public usage and must be earmarked for health care workers and other medical responders. They are also not advisable for children. Medical front liners are meant for this type of mask. A valved mask should not be used in areas that are supposed to be sterile, such as hospital operating rooms, and would not protect others from what is breathed outside.
Surgical Mask
Individuals should avoid sharing those masks, which may come with or without a face protector. Experts acknowledge that the only use of a health mask isn’t necessarily attainable but notice it is preferable since long-term utilization and reuse could result in self-contamination. Surgical masks are made out of breathable, paperlike artificial fabric materials that have pleats to help them expand and fit more snugly around your face. They are disposable and meant to be used just once.
Cloth Face Mask
Recent research looked at various kinds of substances for handmade facial masks (such as silk, flannel, cotton, chiffon, and polyester) to check out that they may best filter out tiny particles, which were considerably smaller than particles that carry the coronavirus from the atmosphere. They discovered a mask using two layers of unique fabrics was like an N95 mask in this form. Both blocked around accurately the equal amount of similarly tiny particles from passing through them.
Bottom Line
A mask is a solid protective gear only if worn correctly, fitting closely by the nose’s cover below the chin without any openings. Masks must be worn correctly all the time you’re out and shouldn’t be transferred up and down. While no mask is a hundred percent safe, it might keep both you and other people safe when coupled with social distancing and regular hand washing.