The ultimate guide to face masks

The importance of face masks

Masks serve as a barrier to protect individuals from inhaling harmful particles, pollutants, and allergens. They are essential in various settings to ensure respiratory health by:

• Blocking airborne particles: Preventing inhalation of dust, pollen, and other contaminants.
• Reducing exposure: Minimizing contact with environmental pollutants.
• Protecting respiratory health: Safeguarding against potential respiratory issues caused by inhaling harmful substances.

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Types of masks & their effectiveness

N95/FFP2/FFP3 Masks

• Protection Level: High
• Filtration Efficiency: Filters at least 95% of airborne particles.
• Fit: Designed to achieve a close facial fit with a tight seal.
• Usage: Ideal for environments with high levels of airborne particles, such as construction sites or industrial settings.

Note: Proper fit is crucial for effectiveness; users should perform a fit test to ensure a secure seal.

Respirator masks are the most protective masks. They have a particle filtration efficiency of above 95%. This means the mask can filter out 95% of small particles, which can be important for preventing the spread of certain diseases. Wearing a respirator mask protects the wearer from spreading and inhaling respiratory droplets that can contain viruses.

The most commonly known respirator in the US is the “N95 respirator” but there are many respirators that protect the wearer and people around the wearer. These include KN95s, FFP2s, and FFP3s. Because they have the highest protection level, those in healthcare settings wear respirator masks as personal protective equipment (PPE) against infectious disease.

But respirator masks with valves are not recommended.

Respirator masks are designed to be used by workers in hot environments like in construction or mining. When wearing a mask with a valve, moisture from the breath escapes through the valve. This means that respirator masks with valves do not protect those around you from your breath. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says DO NOT wear masks with valves or vents that allow particles to escape.

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KN95 & N95: Why is ’95’ in the name?

Different countries have different regulatory bodies that certify face masks. ‘N95’ masks are certified by the USA and ‘KN95’ masks are certified by China, but they both do the same thing. In terms of performance and protection, there’s no difference between an N95 mask and a KN95 mask. Both have the same Particulate Filtering Efficiency (PFE) of above 95%. That’s why ’95’ is in the name.

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Surgical Masks

• Protection Level: Moderate
• Filtration Efficiency: Effective against large droplets and splashes.
• Fit: Loose-fitting, providing a barrier against large respiratory particles.
• Usage: Commonly used in medical settings to protect against splashes and sprays.

Note: While they offer protection against larger particles, they are less effective against smaller airborne particles due to their loose fit.

Surgical masks, also known as “medical masks,” were designed for surgeons to protect patients in surgery from being exposed to the surgeons’ respiratory droplets while in close contact. These are the blue 3-ply masks, regulated by the FDA, meant for one-time use. The term “medical mask” can be incredibly confusing. When people are looking to buy masks, they assume if it’s “medical,” it protects the wearer. Unfortunately, that’s not true.

Unlike the respirator face mask, which has two-way protection, 3-ply masks protect those around the wearer instead of the wearer themselves. 3-ply masks do protect wearers against large droplets, splashes, or sprays of harmful fluids and substances.

Cloth Masks

• Protection Level: Variable
• Filtration Efficiency: Depends on the fabric and number of layers; multiple layers of tightly woven fabric offer better protection.
• Fit: Should fit snugly against the sides of the face without gaps.
• Usage: Suitable for general use in low-risk environments.

Note: The effectiveness of cloth masks can be enhanced by using a filter insert and ensuring proper fit.

Cloth masks are unregulated.

Cloth face masks provide the most basic and minimal protection for the wearer and those they contact. A cloth mask aims to trap released droplets when the wearer is speaking or if the wearer sneezes. Unlike the masks mentioned above, which are regulated by the CDC, FDA, or any other governing body, there are no regulations, standards, or tests in place for cloth face masks.

Cloth masks are useful when made of more than one layer, according to early evidence.

A nylon neck warmer, for example, is only a single layer of cloth fabric and does not prevent the spread or contraction of diseases. Surprisingly, it can increase the spread.

KF94 Masks

• Protection Level: High
• Filtration Efficiency: Filters at least 94% of airborne particles.
• Fit: Designed to provide a close fit with adjustable features.
• Usage: Popular in various countries for daily protection against airborne particles.

Note: Ensure authenticity by purchasing from reputable sources to avoid counterfeit products.

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How are masks tested?

There are two types of tests used to regulate masks:

Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE)

This test rates masks based on how well they can block tiny particles (smaller than one micron in size), such as the tiny droplets in someone’s breath. PFE is tested by securing the respirator down, blowing particles through it, then measuring how many particles transmit through the respirator.

You should choose masks that have a PFE of greater than 95%. This usually appears as ‘PFE >95%’ on packaging and in product descriptions.

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Bacterial Filtration Efficiency

This test measures how well a mask can filter out particles that are 3 microns or larger (the size of bacteria). Bacteria are larger than viruses, so masks with a BFE rating are not the most protective.

Some 3-ply surgical masks are tested based on Bacterial Filtration Efficiency, so while surgical masks do provide some protection by stopping respiratory droplets from spreading, they do not provide a seal around the face and do not protect the person wearing them.

To protect yourself better, make sure the mask is tested for Particle Filtration Efficiency.

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Ensuring proper fit & usage

For a mask to be effective, proper fit and usage are essential:

• Coverage: The mask should fully cover the nose and mouth.
• Fit: It should fit snugly against the sides of the face without gaps.
• Nose Wire: A nose wire can help improve the seal and prevent air leakage.
• Seal Check: Perform a seal check by inhaling and exhaling to ensure no air escapes from the edges.

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Masks to avoid

Certain masks may not provide adequate protection:

• Masks with Exhalation Valves: These allow unfiltered air to escape, reducing their effectiveness in protecting others.
• Single-Layer Cloth Masks: Offer minimal protection; opt for masks with multiple layers.
• Counterfeit Masks: Be cautious of fake N95 or KF94 masks; purchase from reputable retailers.

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Mask maintenance & re-use

Proper maintenance extends the life and effectiveness of masks:

• N95 Masks: Can be reused a limited number of times if stored properly in a breathable container between uses.
• Cloth Masks: Should be washed after each use with hot water and detergent.
• Surgical Masks: Intended for single use; dispose of them after each use.

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Choosing the right mask

Select a mask based on your environment and needs:

• High-Risk Environments: Opt for N95, FFP2, or KF94 masks for maximum protection.
• General Use: Surgical masks or multi-layered cloth masks are suitable for everyday activities.

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By understanding the different types of masks and their appropriate usage, you can make informed decisions to protect your respiratory health in various environments.

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For more information on how wearing PPE protects you from COVID-19, read our previous blog post: How PPE Protects You