3 Face Masks to Use During the Coronavirus Pandemic to Protect Yourself

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Everyone is trying their best to fight COVID-19. Two of the most effective ways of fighting against coronavirus are social distancing and proper hand hygiene. Another measure is to wear a mask. The face masks are known to effectively capture the droplets when one sneezes or coughs, and protect you from the harmful virus.

Importance of Wearing a Face Mask

In the case of the new coronavirus, the largest amount of viral transmission happens in the early course of the disease. This means that people may be contagious even before they start showing symptoms. Using a mask may help in limiting the transmission of the virus.

Who Needs to Wear a Mask?

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that only two groups of people are required to wear protective masks:

  • People who are sick and showing symptoms of the disease
  • People caring for those suspected with coronavirus

For the rest of the people, social distancing and frequent handwashing are good enough, but wearing a kn95 mask can be an effective preventive measure.

3 Types of Face Masks You Can Use

1. Respirators

Respirators are tight-fitting masks that are designed to create a facial seal. They have two-way protection and filter for both inflow and outflow of air.

N95 byd is the most common respirator being used across the world. It is an American standard managed by NIOSH. These respirator masks have a 94-95 filtration percentage. They are mostly used by healthcare professionals for protection against coronavirus.

These respirators are also known as KN95 or FFP2.

Another effective respirator is the copper face mask. These masks have a copper layer infused in the first outer layer of the fabric. This layer helps in stopping the transmission of bacteria and viruses. A respirator with a 99% filter such as KN99 combined with a unique copper outer layer is highly effective in combating the transmission of the virus.

One advantage of copper-infused masks is that they are completely reusable and washable. This makes them perfect for long-term use. The masks are known to last the lifetime of the product as the copper ions are bonded on a molecular level.

2. Surgical Masks

Surgical masks are usually disposable and single-use masks. They are cut into a rectangle shape with pleats that extend over the nose, mouth, and jawline. Surgical masks are composed of breathable synthetic fabric.

These masks do not meet the NIOSH filtration standards like the respirators. These are mainly used for surgeries, which is why they are not required to form an airtight seal against the area of your face. 

Though the fit and filtration system of the surgical mask is different from that of a respirator, it reduces thespread of respiratory diseases and the virus.

Hospital staff and medical workers mainly use these masks while treating the patients in the hospital. They also give surgical masks to those exhibiting the symptoms of the disease.

3. Cloth Masks

Many people are making their own cloth masks at home. These are less effective in protecting against the spread of the virus as most of the cloth masks have gaps near the nose, jaw, and cheeks. These are the areas through which tiny droplets can be inhaled. Since cloth is also porous, they are ineffective at keeping out the tiny droplets.

Even though cloth masks are less effective than the medical-grade masks, they are better than wearing no mask at all. If constructed properly, they can be effective face masks.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or someone you know is exhibiting the symptoms, use a mask such as a copper-infused face mask. Practice safety measures defined by WHO and stay protected from the virus.

Author Bio

Kunal is a passionate entrepreneur, fascinated by the workings of the human body and natural solutions for common health problems. He’s single-minded in his aim to make Copper Clothing a brand that’s recognized across the globe, by partnering with global brands to make these high-tech materials easily accessible for everyone.