What are the types of face masks? [WE EXPLAIN]

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In Poland, we have an obligation to cover our mouth and nose everywhere in public space. It is worth knowing what types of protective masks are. Not all masks have the same purpose, and not all are used in the same way. Which are the most effective protection against pollution and microorganisms suspended in the cloud of exhaled air? How do they protect against the coronavirus? We explain.

What is the purpose of wearing the mask?

The purpose of wearing a face mask is primarily to protect other people. Just wearing the mask will not prevent the person wearing it from contracting the virus. However, if it is the carrier, thanks to the mask it will limit the spread of germs at a distance. Even a single sneeze causes as many as 200 million virus particles to be released from the body. Thanks to the mask, most of the saliva is retained.

A face shield also reduces possible transmission of the pathogen. In addition, thanks to it, the face is touched less often, and viruses are often transferred to the hands. Masks can also be helpful in shortening social distance. So the mask does not fully protect against infection, but in some way it will limit the transmission of the virus and limit the entry of microorganisms into the body.

Disposable surgical masks

The most common are surgical masks disposable. Their job is not to filter the air, but to create a physical barrier between mucous membranes and potential contamination. They protect against larger particles, above 1 micrometer (μm) in diameter, and not against the viruses themselves, with a diameter measured in nanometers (in the case of coronavirus it is 60–140 nm). However, they are an effective barrier to aerosols in which viruses may be present.

Types of disposable surgical masks

As for the degree of filtration, the standards of such masks are defined by the European standard EN 14683, according to which we divide surgical masks into three types: type I (filtration efficiency ≥ 95), type II (filtration efficiency ≥ 98) and type IIR (filtration efficiency ≥ 98) .

Medics, for example in surgical operations, use type II and IIR masks. They consist of three layers of non-woven polypropylene. Type IIR masks differ from type II masks in that they are resistant to seepage. At Medonet Market you can now buy Nexodis Hygenic medical masks (50 pieces) Nexodis and biodegradable FFP2 masks. Masks with or without valves and FFP3 masks are also available. See the entire offer and choose something for yourself.

Disposable surgical masks pick up moisture and are therefore not suitable for long-term wear. They should be taken off a dozen or so minutes after putting them on. They must be thrown away after use. Sick people should wear antiviral masks to ensure prevent the virus from spreading in the microdroplets of water vapor when talking or cough. However, it should be remembered that surgical masks do not provide full tightness because they fit loosely around the face.

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 offer also includes biodegradable FFP2 masks.

See also: Washing hands can protect against viruses. How to do it effectively?

Filtering half masks – medical FFP3 and N95 masks

Half masks that are designed to trap airborne dust and aerosols consist not only of a material (with a very dense weave), but also of a purifying filter. You can find among them both disposable and reusable models (this group includes anti-smog masks). The type of mask can be identified by labeling: R – for multiple use, NR – single use (max. 8 hours of use). In reusable masks, you need to change the filter regularly (every 28 days or more often).

According to the PN-EN 149 standard, we can distinguish three classes of half masks: FFP1 (the lowest level of protection), FFP2 (medium efficiency) and FFP3 (high efficiency). They differ by the limit of maximum internal leakage (i.e. the leak resulting from the incomplete adhesion of the mask to the skin and the passage of air through the exhalation valve). For the FFP1 mask, the maximum inward leakage limit is 25%, for FFP2 it is 11%, and for FFP3 it is 5%. The designations P1, P2 and P3 inform about the class of filtration efficiency.

1. FFP1 masks – ≥ 1 μm
2. FFP2 masks – 0,5 ÷ 1 μm
3. FFP3 masks – 0,3 ÷ 0,5 μm

See also the offer of the Meringer brand, which offers filtering mask sets TW PLAST F 98% filtration, or the Adrianno Damianii brand offering filtering masks FFP2.

Cotton masks – WHO recommendations

In addition to surgical masks and several types of half masks, material masks fulfill the protective and antiviral function. The most popular are cotton masks that you can buy or make yourself. WHO recommends that these types of masks be three-layered:

1. inner layer of the mask – it should be made of a hydrophilic material (easily absorbs moisture), e.g. cotton; light-colored cotton is a good idea, which will allow you to easily recognize when the anti-virus mask becomes dirty or wet;
2. middle layer of the mask – an additional material layer or insert (preferably made of polypropylene fabric), which is to act as a filter;
3. outer layer of the mask – it is recommended to use a hydrophobic fabric that repels the droplet and reduces the penetration of moisture; this layer may be a synthetic material such as polyester or a mixture of polyester and cotton.

Cotton masks constitute a physical barrier between the mucous membranes and external factors. These types of anti-virus masks are a reusable protection measure. Before the next use, they should be washed in warm or hot water (preferably 60 degrees C) with the addition of soap or laundry detergent.

At Medonet Market you can order Loffme reusable protective masks that can be washed at 90 degrees C. They filter particles at the level of over 97%.

1. Check: How to disinfect cotton masks to effectively protect against coronavirus?

How to use the mask? Basic rules

No mask is XNUMX% effective. All protective guarantees apply provided the mask is put on, worn and removed correctly. It is obligatory to check the adhesion of the mask to the face, and when removing it, avoid touching the bowl (adjusting the mask in people with facial hair may be difficult). Some face masks have a metal strip on the top. They are put on so that the center of the strip is in the middle of the upper part of the nose. After removing the mask, you must immediately dispose of it, and then wash or disinfect your hands.

Before wearing it, disinfect your hands. With clean hands, wear the mask so that it adheres to the skin and covers the mouth and nose. At the same time, the mask should not be touched while wearing, and if this occurs, then disinfect your hands. When the mask becomes wet, it should be washed or disinfected and put on again.

How to care for a protective mask?

Most of the masks available in stores and pharmacies are cotton masks. This means that it is washable and reusable. To get rid of viruses on the material, it should be washed at 60 degrees. It is also useful to use washing detergents that destroy the lipid envelope of the viruses. It is best not to wash the mask with other clothes – it is worth washing it by hand.

When washing the mask by hand, moisten it in a bowl with water and adding liquid, washing powder, dishwashing liquid or gray soap. Protective masks are made of a delicate fabric, so they should not be washed too intensively, but gently soaked. After washing, the mask can be sprayed with disinfectant and ironed – the mask prepared in this way can be reused.

Antiviral masks – only effective when properly worn

Antivirus masks fulfill their virus protection function only if they are properly used. It is therefore important not only to follow the recommendations when putting on, taking off and disposing of, but also when wearing masks. Wearing anti-viral masks allows you to cover your mouth and nose, so this protective measure should be used in such a way that it actually covers the mouth and nose. Slipping the mask over the chin or wearing it only on the lips (with the nose exposed) is pointless and does not provide adequate protection.

1. Also read: How to wear a mask? See the most common mistakes!

Protective masks – what are the recommendations of WHO and CDC?

After an initial discussion of the effectiveness of face masks in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a recommendation for the general public to wear face masks. Masks have been recognized as one of the key protection measures that limits potential exposure to the coronavirus and may reduce its transmission.

Wearing anti-virus masks is advisable in situations where it is not possible to keep a minimum distance of one meter from other people, especially in closed spaces. Covering the nose and mouth is recommended for both those showing symptoms of infection and those without any symptoms.

WHO emphasizes that wearing a mask alone does not provide protection against infection and can provide a deceptive sense of security – must be combined with other precautionary measures, notably hand hygiene, avoiding crowds or improving indoor ventilation.

1. See also: Incorrect use of masks causes harm. WHO underlined its position

Also, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends wearing protective masks in public places, when it is impossible to keep the recommended distance. The organization emphasizes the importance of keeping the distance of two meters, but also points out that at-home masks can be used as an additional measure for public health (they constitute a mechanical barrier). It recommends that fabric face hats be worn in public places where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g. grocery stores and pharmacies).

N95 masks are a medical device and are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. They can cause breathing difficulties, especially in children and people struggling with respiratory and heart diseases.

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