Corona virus protection: which mask is better?

With the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, people around the world are looking for personal protective equipment against coronaviruses. In many countries, it is now mandatory to wear face protection in public places.

It’s not just about protecting people wearing masks from infection. After all, before any obvious symptoms appear, anyone can be a potential carrier of the virus and know nothing about it.

How effective are face masks or respirators and which ones are better?

Disposable masks: comfortable and breathable

The simplest way to protect the skin of the face and the respiratory organs from various small particles is provided by disposable masks made of nonwovens, which are easily attached with elastic ear loops. The three-layered are also called surgical masks or mouth-nose protection, 4-layered contain a liquid-tight layer and are called surgical masks.

The disposable masks protect others from bacteria exhaled by the wearer. It is recommended to change this mask every 2-3 hours during epidemics, or if it becomes dirty or damaged.

Non-sterile medical masks are used in everyday life because the mask only comes into contact with the outer layers of the skin and does not require any additional disinfection treatment. Disposable masks can also be used for other situations:

• painting
• Gardening
• construction
• nail studio
• For allergy sufferers

The pack contains 50 pieces each, so it is sufficient for several days if you go to the supermarket and use public transport.

Respirators in different protection classes

There are different groups of respirators. Particle filter masks are usually suitable for protection against viruses and microorganisms. This includes particle filter masks known as FFP masks. There are three protection levels for these masks: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. The WHO recommends a minimum protection level of 2 for the medical field.

Respirators provide efficient protection against dust, smoke and liquid mist that can enter the lungs. They fit snugly on the nose and mouth. FPP2 masks are most commonly used in daily use to protect against coronavirus. Thanks to a special carbon filter, the mask absorbs up to 94-95% of pollutants, dust, harmful volatile compounds and perfectly neutralizes odors. The mask is completely hypoallergenic and the valve ensures unimpeded breathing.

The ear loops support the mask reliably, and thanks to the rounded shape, the mask fits exactly on the face and repeats its contour. It is recommended to use the mask during the epidemic of infectious diseases because the activated carbon that forms the basis of the mask is an excellent antibacterial barrier against viruses and microbes. A breathing mask is much more effective than traditional medical masks and has a much longer lifespan.

Face protection

Such masks protect against liquids that can get into your eyes, nose and mouth. Face protection is made of plastic and prevents the spread of body fluids:

• to cough
• Sneeze
• Bacteria and viruses transmitted during a conversation

Because the coronavirus spreads this way, coronavirus test teams and doctors use this protection. Face protection can often be observed in combination with a respirator.

In addition to using protective masks, it is strongly recommended that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap each time and then use disinfectant after visiting public places and contacting other people on the street.

Stay healthy.