What Type of Masks should you wear for Protection against Covid-19?
In late 2019, a novel coronavirus developed in China. From that point forward, it has quickly spread all through the world. This epic coronavirus is called SARS-CoV-2 and the infection that it causes is called COVID-19.
While some with COVID-19 have a gentle sickness, others may encounter trouble breathing, pneumonia, and even respiratory Failure. Older Generation with respiratory problems are most at risk.
You may have heard a great deal as of late about utilizing face mask to prevent infection for COVID-19 .
All in all, are face masks successful and assuming this is the case, when would it be a good idea for you to wear them? Let’s get familiar with the types of masks that help you protect from bacteria and viruses.
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.
An N95 respirator is a more tight-fitting face mask. In addition to splashes, sprays, and large droplets, this respirator can also filter out 95% of very small particles. This includes viruses and bacteria.
The respirator itself is generally circular or oval in shape and is designed to form a tight seal to your face. Elastic bands help hold it firmly to your face. Some types may have an attachment called an exhalation valve, which can help with breathing and the buildup of heat and humidity.
N95 respirators aren’t one-size-fits-all. They actually must be fit-tested before use to make sure that a proper seal is formed. If the mask doesn’t seal effectively to your face, you won’t receive the appropriate protection.
After being fit-tested, users of N95 respirators must continue to perform a seal check each time they put one on. It’s also important to note that a tight seal can’t be achieved in some groups. These include children and people with facial hair.
Which Mask will protect you against Covid-19?
Surgical Masks:
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 Masks:
N95 masks can protect against smaller respiratory droplets, such as those containing SARS-CoV-2. However, the governments across world currently don’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.
- Worldwide supply of N95 respirators is limited, making it critical that healthcare workers and first responders have ready access to them.