Face Masks

Face masks are a protective covering of the mouth, nose, or eyes. The use of masks is recommended in environments or situations where the protection of the human respiratory system is required. 

In the event of infectious outbreaks, such as the Avian Flu, SARS, and Coronavirus, the WHO guidelines recommend three types of masks (reusable non-medical masks, disposable medical masks, and other types of well-fitting non-medical masks) for the general public and a respirator or medical mask with PPE is recommended for healthcare workers.

Types of face masks for Sale 

The type of face mask is a vital aspect to consider, as masks reduce the number of respiratory droplets in the air, thus reducing the spread of infectious diseases that spread by droplet form. Masks also reduce the number of droplets that the person wearing the mask can inhale, thus reducing the risk of contracting the disease. 

However, not all mask types are as effective as the other due to the type of material they are made of, their fit and shape, how tightly woven the material is, or how many layers that mask has. Here are different types of masks that are possible for purchase: 

• Surgical masks - Type IIR 
• FFP3 (N95) COVID-19 medical respirator mask 
• FFP2 COVID-19 medical respirator mask 
• PPTEX Reusable face mask
• ViMask- Surgical Type IIR

An FFP3, more commonly called an N99 respirator, is a respirator mask that can filter 99% of particles in the air, including respiration droplet particles. 

FFP2 or N95 respirators are able to filter 95% of particles and are designed to have a very close facial fit. The edges of the respirator are created, when put on, to form a seal around the person's mouth and nose. Surgical N95 respirators are a subset of N95 Filtering Facepiece respirators (FFRs) and are commonly used in healthcare settings. 

Surgical or medical masks are made of 3 layers of synthetic nonwoven materials and don't form a seal around the nose or mouth.

The difference between respirators and masks 

A medical respirator (also knowns as a filtering facepiece respirator) is designed to create a tight seal around the wearer's face and provide very efficient filtration of airborne particles. Disposable, single-use respirators intended for use in healthcare settings are class II devices regulated by the FDA. Respirators are not designed for children (the small size of their face) or people with facial hair, as proper fit (seal) cannot be achieved. 

Medical or surgical masks are made up of 3 layers of synthetic nonwoven materials and are available in different thicknesses. These masks are not created to form a seal around the mouth, nose, and chin but are rather loose on the sides. Surgical masks are available in various different filtration and fluid resistance. These masks are for single use and are disposable. Surgical masks, when worn correctly, are designed to reduce large-particle droplets, splatters, splashes, or sprats that may contain viruses or bacteria from reaching your nose or mouth. These masks may also help reduce your saliva and respiratory secretions from being transmitted to others. 

How to wear a face mask properly

Wearing a face mask according to instructions is essential to avoid transmitting or contracting diseases, with improper use of a mask potentially causing infection. This is because wearing a face mask may result in people touching their faces more frequently than not wearing a mask. 

The essentials of how to wear a mask include: 

• Clean your hands thoroughly before you touch the face mask to put it on and off. 
• Ensure that the mask covers your mouth, chin, and nose. 
• When you are ready to take your mask off, dispose of it if it is a single-use disposable mask, or wash it if it is a fabric or washable, reusable mask. 

Once you have put your mask on, it is essential not to touch your face or mask. 

How to take off a face mask 

When the time comes to take off your face mask, it is recommended to: 

• Ensure that your hands are clean with soap, or an alcohol-based rub or soap, before touching the mask. 
• Remove the straps from behind your ears without touching the front of the mask. 
• As you remove the straps, lean slightly forwards, and pull the mask away from the face. 
• Discard the mask immediately, preferably in a closed bin, if it is for single use only. Do not reuse it, even if it looks "clean." 
• Thoroughly clean your hands after touching the mask. 
• Replace your mask if it gets damp, soiled, or broken. 

When to wear a face mask or respirator 

Medical masks and respirators provide the user with different levels of protection depending if they are worn correctly and how they are used. Loosely woven cloth masks are shown to provide the least amount of protection against airborne particles or droplets, with layered finely woven products offering more protection. 

Well-fitting surgical masks offer even more protection than woven cloth of finely woven masks, with FFP(N99s) offering the most protection. It is important to make sure the N99 or N95 is NIOSH-approved.  

Situations and factors that affect the mask you may choose: 

• Travelling on public transport such as trains, buses, and planes, especially on crowded commutes or when travelling for long periods. 
• If you cannot distance yourself from people physically, you are in crowded outdoor or indoor public settings. 
• People that are at risk of developing severe illness, ex: pregnant or recently pregnant people, older adults, those with underlying medical conditions, people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, and people who are immunocompromised. 
• Front-line jobs where you are interacting with large amounts of people that may not be wearing masks. Or front-line jobs in hospitals, clinics, old-age care homes, prisons, etc.