Types of Masks against Covid 19
Face masks have become an essential element in the fight against coronavirus in recent months. Moreover, with the onset of the new normal, their use is mandatory on the street, public transport, or public spaces. Due to their importance, at DH Medical Material, a store for products for protection against covid-19, we have decided to explain everything you need to know about the world of masks.
Currently, there are many types of masks, and depending on the case, it is advisable to wear one or the other. We are going to review the different types of masks that exist, specify the degree of protection they provide and what their uses are.
Before starting, and logically, the type of mask we should wear will largely depend on our degree of contact with the virus.
Cloth Masks
These masks offer different degrees of protection depending on the material they are made from. They need to be washed frequently, but can be reused without problems. We recommend including a filter for greater protection.
Hygienic Masks
These masks are recommended for healthy people without contact with the virus. They can be reusable or single-use.
Surgical Masks
This type of mask fits more comfortably, but they are less effective than professional masks. They are single-use masks.
A mask that is often seen today is this simple protective piece for the mouth and nose known as a surgical mask. It consists of several layers of paper or non-woven fabric with a thin wire to fit over the nose. When the user coughs or sneezes, the surgical mask blocks large droplets, but when inhaled, the air also flows over the sides. This means that this mask protects others from infection more than the wearer.
There are three types of surgical masks according to bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE). From least to most effective we have: type I, type 2 and type IIR. In addition, the latter are resistant to splashes of blood or other biological fluids. If you are thinking of buying surgical masks, at DH Medical Material, you will find them at the best price.
Professional Masks against Covid 19
We can generally distinguish between two main types:
Filtering mask or FFP
FFP masks are capable of filtering even the smallest particles present in the air, therefore, they are the most effective in preventing possible contagions and offer protection both to the person wearing it and to those around them. In addition to guaranteeing maximum safety, they also offer greater comfort thanks to their ergonomic design, which allows them to be perfectly adjusted around the mouth, nose and chin.
However, those that incorporate exhalation valves, although they facilitate breathing, increase the risk of the virus escaping. There are three types of FFP masks:
FFP 1: this mask presents a type 1 filter, that is, it has 78% efficiency in filtering air particles and a maximum of 22% leakage into the interior. These masks are usually used in the construction and food sector.
FFP 2: in this case, the mask presents a type 2 filter, that is, it guarantees a 92% filtration efficiency and a maximum 8% leakage into the interior. These masks are usually used in the metallurgical industry and mining, that is in industries that are in contact with aerosols, fog and smoke. They are also recommended for daily use by medical personnel in contact with coronavirus patients. At Dh Medical Material, you can find several models of this type of mask, all of them with the relevant certificates in order to guarantee the maximum safety during its use and offer you the highest level of protection.
FFP 3: this mask presents a type 3 filter, that is, it has a 98% efficiency in filtering air particles and a maximum of 2% leakage into the interior. These masks, in addition to protecting against viruses, bacteria and fungi, filter poisonous, oncogenic and radioactive particles. Therefore, they are also indicated for daily use by medical personnel in specific cases where the risk level is high.
The FFP masks are PPE material and have in common that they filter the inhaled air preventing the entry of contaminating particles into our body. The FFP2 and FFP3 are the most effective on the market and their use is especially recommended for people with higher risk or exposure, as they offer a higher filtration capacity for more hours.
N95/KN95 Mask
The N95 mask blocks 95% of small particles, making it ideal for workers who are on the front line against covid-19. But it has to be adjusted correctly to prevent particles from entering. These masks are especially recommended for healthcare personnel. These masks protect both the person wearing it and those around them.
They are in the middle of the ffp2 and ffp3. The N95 mask is according to US standards, and the KN95 is according to Chinese standards.
The KN95 masks will no longer be able to be marketed in Spain because the authorization period established by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to sell medical equipment with technical specifications different from European standards, such as KN95s compliant with the Chinese standard GB2626-2006, has ended. Also affected are those produced according to the American specification NIOSH-42CFR84 (types N95, R95 and P95), as well as the Australian AS/NZ 1716:2012, the Korean KMOEL- 2017-64 and the Japanese Japan JMHLW-Notification 214, 2018.
Finally, keep in mind that regardless of the mask you choose, you must complement it if used with hygiene measures such as thorough hand washing and maintaining a safe distance from others.
Lastly, we remind you of the importance of always wearing a mask when leaving the house, as well as following the indications and precautions of the authorities. A recent study has revealed that when we do not wear a mask, our body fluids from the mouth that we release when coughing, sneezing or speaking can reach up to 3 meters away.
Are you looking to buy masks to protect yourself against covid-19? At DH Medical Material, we have all types of protective, hygienic and surgical masks. Check out our extensive catalog!
On behalf of the entire team at DH Medical Material, we hope this information helps you find the best type of protection for your case or business. We all stop this virus!
