US specialists are considering updating their mask guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Protective masks worn by medical personnel are considered to be more effective, but not everyone is comfortable wearing them. How to buy a mask that will be comfortable and how to make sure it’s effective?
- The American CDC agency is considering the recommendation of medical masks in connection with the subsequent waves of the COVID-19 epidemic around the world
- Different countries have different markings for professional masks used by medical personnel, in Poland the markings start with the letters FFP
- Experts advise on how to get a good-quality mask and not buy a fake. They also point out that the first thing you should do is fit
- Research shows that cotton masks are also an effective weapon in the fight against the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus, but in the case of the Omikron variant, they may not be sufficient
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
The CDC (US federal government agency of the Department of Health and Human Services) currently recommends any mask that fits snugly, has two layers of breathable material, and a wire to fold around the nose.
Read: What are the types of face masks? [WE EXPLAIN]
As experts point out, masks N95 i KN95which were used primarily in healthcare and industry prior to the pandemic can sometimes be difficult to wear all day long. Probably the CDC’s guidelines then boil down to the recommendation that if we tolerate the wearing of the KN95 or N95 mask, then we should use it.
The markings of the masks differ depending on the country of production. In Poland, according to the PN-EN 149 standard, we can distinguish half-masks of three classes: FFP1 (lowest protection level), FFP2 (average effectiveness) i FFP3 (high efficiency). In the USA, the designation is – N (N95, N99, N97). The US CDC for medical use during the COVID-19 pandemic recommends the N95 mask, which in terms of the degree of particle retention is similar to the FFP2 mask.
How to buy an effective mask?
Getting a good-quality, effective and comfortable mask is not that easy. Experts warn against fakes, which are easy to find if we buy the mask online and do not check the manufacturer or the store where we order the product. Pay particular attention to broken links and website addresses. A mask bought from an unreliable source and sold as a professional may not meet the standards. Always read the product description carefully and check whether the mask sold as medical has the appropriate certificates.
We recommend masks available on Medonet Market. Check the offer.
Professional face mask it is worth looking at the manufacturers’ websites and buy it directly from them, not necessarily looking for products in large online stores or auction sites.
American experts also recommend spending some time on reviewing commentsespecially the negative ones. In addition to the material from which the masks are made, it is worth paying attention to the comments about the fit and comfort of wearing.
It is not worth focusing on technological innovations — experts observe. Let’s not look for a mask that sends information about the level of protection in real time to our smartphone via Bluetooth. More important is a high level of air filtration and the actual fit to the face.
Cotton masks effective, but may not protect against Omicron
Experts from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute published their research results in early 2021. “Cotton mask fabrics are actually better than we thought.” — then admitted Christopher Zangmeister, one of the study’s authors. Natural cotton fabrics easily become wet under the influence of use, and thus increase their ability to trap particles. Microscopic particles absorb some of this moisture as it grows, making it difficult for them to freely penetrate the fabric — the scientists explained. However, specialists warn that this is not a reason to wear moist masks. They should be replaced with clean ones and washed at a temperature of at least 60 degrees C.
However, to protect yourself more effectively against the Omikron variant, much more infectious than previous coronavirus mutations it is worth choosing a medical mask, which fits much better than a cotton mask and has a higher level of filtration.
Are you looking for masks that do not harm the environment? Check out the first biodegradable face masks on the market, available in affordable packages.
The editorial board recommends:
- We are not afraid of the Omicron, and… we should. The variant is not as mild as we think
- WHO: More than half of Europe will get infected with Omicron. »Six to eight weeks»
- Doctors for COVID-19 patients: don’t wait until you start dying
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