When you hear about face masks
for COVID-19 prevention, it’s generally two types:
- the surgical mask
- the N95 respirator
Surgical masks can’t protect against infection with SARS-CoV-2. Not only does the mask not filter out smaller aerosol particles, but air leakage also occurs through the sides of the mask as you inhale.
N95 respirators can protect against smaller respiratory droplets, such as those containing SARS-CoV-2. However, the CDC currently doesn’t recommend their use outside of healthcare settings. There are a variety of reasons for this, including:
- N95 respirators should be fit-tested in order to be used appropriately. A poor seal can lead to leakage, lowering the respirator’s effectiveness.
- Due to their tight fit, N95 respirators can become uncomfortable and stuffy, making them difficult to wear for extended periods of time.
- Our worldwide supply of N95 respirators is limited, making it critical that healthcare workers and first responders have ready access to them.
- Reserve N95 respirators for use by healthcare workers and first responders.
- Only wear a surgical mask if you’re currently ill with COVID-19 or are caring for someone at home who can’t wear a mask.
- Surgical masks are disposable. Don’t reuse them.
- Replace your surgical mask if it becomes damaged or damp.
- Always promptly discard your surgical mask in a closed garbage bin after removing it.
- Clean your hands before putting your surgical mask on and after you take it off. Additionally, clean your hands if you touch the front of the mask while you’re wearing it.
Surgical masks
Surgical masks are disposable, loose-fitting face masks that cover your nose, mouth, and chin. They’re typically used to:
- protect the wearer from sprays, splashes, and large-particle droplets
- prevent the spread of potentially infectious respiratory secretions from the wearer to others
Surgical masks can vary in design, but the mask itself is often flat and rectangular in shape with pleats or folds. The top of the mask contains a metal strip that can be formed to your nose.
Elastic bands or long, straight ties help hold a surgical mask in place while you’re wearing it. These can either be looped behind your ears or tied behind your head.
So, how do you properly use a surgical mask? Follow the steps below:
- Clean your hands, either by washing with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Before putting the mask on, inspect it for any tears or holes.
- Locate the metal strip in the mask. This is the top of the mask.
- Orient the mask so that the colored side faces outward, or away from you.
- Place the top part of the mask on the bridge of your nose, molding the metal strip to the shape of your nose.
- Carefully loop the elastic bands behind your ears or tie the long, straight ties behind your head.
- Pull the bottom of the mask down, ensuring that it covers your nose, mouth, and chin.
- Try to avoid touching the mask while you’re wearing it. If you must touch or adjust your mask, be sure to clean your hands immediately afterward.
- To take off the mask, unloop the bands from behind your ears or undo the ties from behind your head. Avoid touching the front of the mask, which may be contaminated.
- Promptly dispose of the mask in a closed garbage bin, thoroughly cleaning your hands afterward.
N95 Masks
To help meet growing demand for these masks, and other alternatives, Honeywell has increased production at multiple facilities globally.
N: This is a Respirator Rating Letter Class. It stands for “Non-Oil” meaning that if no oil-based particulates are present, then you can use the mask in the work environment. Other masks ratings are R (resistant to oil for 8 hours) and P (oil proof).
95: Masks ending in a 95, have a 95 percent efficiency. Masks ending in a 99 have a 99 percent efficiency. Masks ending in 100 are 99.97 percent efficient and that is the same as a HEPA quality filter.
.3 microns: The masks filter out contaminants like dusts, mists and fumes. The minimum size of .3 microns of particulates and large droplets won’t pass through the barrier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)
Material: The filtration material on the mask is an electrostatic non-woven polypropylene fiber.
Valve: Some disposable N95 masks come with an optional exhalation valve. “The presence of an exhalation valve reduces exhalation resistance, which makes it easier to breathe (exhale,)” according to the CDC.
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What about homemade face masks?
In response to the urgent need for face masks, many people have begun making their own from various materials, such as scarfs and antimicrobial pillowcases.
While these may offer some degree of protection, they offer a lot less protection than surgical masks or respirators.
- One
study indicated that homemade masks may be half as effective as surgical masks and up to 50 times less effective than N95 masks. - Another
study showed that compared to homemade masks, surgical masks performed three times better in a bacterial filtration test and twice as well at blocking droplets in a cough test.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that in settings where face masks aren’t available, homemade face masks can be used as a last resort.
When considering this option, healthcare practitioners should exercise caution and preferably use them in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front and sides of the face and extends to the chin or below.
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