How Effect is Face Masks in Protecting against COVID-19?

How Effect is Face Masks in Protecting against COVID-19?

In 2020, mask mandates were introduced to combat and slow the spread of COVID-19, but how effective are masks in protecting the population against COVID-19? According to a study, wearing masks in public and other preventive measures were proven essential to help slow the spread and protect against COVID-19. 

COVID-19 is mainly transmitted via respiratory droplets in the air from speaking, coughing, breathing, sneezing or other contact routes. The average size of these respiratory droplets is around 5-10μm, with droplet transmission occurring within close contact (within 1m). 

How effective are the different types of masks?

Masks are designed to serve as a physical barrier to prevent these respiratory droplets from entering the wearer’s mouth, nose, or respiratory system. Masks are also designed in order to prevent the wearer from spreading respiratory droplets into the environment as far as they would typically be without a covering. Not all masks are created equally, and each provides a different preventative level against COVID-19. 

Face masks are classified into three categories: cloth masks, air filtering respirators, and surgical masks. Not all masks are created equally, and each provides a different preventative level against COVID-19. 

FFP2 (N95) Respirators 

FFP2 respirators are one of the most common air filtering respirators used in the healthcare and community setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. These respirators can block up to 95% of particles from entering the user’s respiratory system and are considered to offer one of the highest levels of protection. These respirators have to meet a test standard according to the EU standard. 

FFP3(N99) Respirators

FPP3 respirators can block up to 99% of particles in the air from entering the user’s respiratory system. These respirators have to meet the EU standard before being cleared for use. FFP3 respirators are considered to offer the highest level of protection against COVID-19. 

Medical (surgical) Masks 

Surgical masks are made of non-woven fabrics, typically with three layers (3-ply). These layers consist of a leakproof layer, a direct contact skin layer, and a high-density filter layer. Studies have shown that surgical masks provide good protection and can prevent COVID-19 spread among the general population. 

Cloth Masks 

Cloth face masks have varying levels of protection against the transmission of COVID-19. This is because they do not need to meet testing standards and vary significantly in the fit and type of material used. It is recommended to use cloth masks that have two or more layers to provide the user with some protection, although the level of protection is not perfect. 

Conclusion

A study by the CDC showed that a well-fitted mask with a minimum of three layers can significantly reduce a person’s exposure to aerosols or respiratory droplets that may be infected with COVID-19.