New Study Details The Best Types Of Covid-19 Face Masks

Face masks are arguably the most instrumental preventive measure in the battle with Covid-19. With so many options for face masks available in the market, Arun often finds himself confused about which one to go for. 

Furthermore, new Coronavirus variants are emerging across the globe with higher levels of transmissibility. Thus, it becomes essential to choose a face mask that protects against these new strains. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best types of Covid-19 face masks according to the latest research.

The Best Types Of Covid-19 Face Masks

Different types of masks can be used for protection from the virus, and also to prevent onward transmission. They differ in the type of material, structure, number of layers, etc. These factors determine the parameters that are considered to determine the ability of the mask to minimize the chances of infection. These parameters are mask fit and filtration.

Mask fit is the measure of how snugly a face mask fits on the side of your face as well as on your nose. Filtration is your face mask’s ability to filter the air. The best Covid-19 masks have a good fit over your face and ensure excellent filtration without compromising breathability. Take a look at the best Covid-19 face masks that are available in the market.

• N95 masks

N95 respirators masks are the specific masks with breathers and nose wire that ensure significantly fewer chances of infections. The nose wire in the N-95 masks ensures an excellent mask fit. In addition, the breather provides outstanding filtration for both large and small particles when the wearer inhales. N95 Respirators are commonly used by healthcare providers.

• Medical Masks

Medical masks, also called surgical masks, are loose-fitting disposable masks. They save the wearer from contact with respiratory droplets that may contain the virus. These masks are made up of different thicknesses and with different abilities to protect you from the Covid-19 virus. These masks are not washable and must be disposed of after usage.

• Cloth masks

The most effective cloth masks are made of multiple layers of woven fabric like cotton. It must be made of two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric. It also acts as a barrier to protect the wearer from inhaling respiratory droplets released by others. Cloth masks can and should be washed daily.

Make sure that you don’t purchase masks that are made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe such as vinyl. In addition, the fit provided by cloth masks decreases over time. So, be sure to buy a new one once your existing mask gets loose.

How to get the most from your mask

Wearing a mask offers a protective layer and helps to protect you and others from the coronavirus. Face masks should fit across your nose, on the sides, and under your chin. Apart from that, wearing two masks allows you to be protected against the new variants that are much more transmissible.

That being said, if the face mask is too tight or slides around on your face, it can irritate your skin. It can also create irritation around your ears by exerting force on the cartilage. Thus, make sure that your mask provides you a good fit, but should not be too tight.

Getting the most out of your mask also requires you to ensure that the mask is clean and germ-free before usage. Therefore, wash your mask every day after usage. In addition, make sure you sanitize your hands before using or touching the mask. Washing your mask also helps you clean skin cells and oils collected inside your mask.

A popular and effective combination of two masks is a cloth mask with multiple layers of tightly woven, breathable fabric over a surgical mask. This provides you a good fit along with excellent filtration.

Wearing a face mask that fits snugly against the sides of your face and provides excellent filtration will definitely minimize the chances of infection or transmission by large. However, this doesn’t mean that maintaining social distancing and washing your hands regularly isn’t necessary.

Do you still need to wear a facemask after you’re fully vaccinated?

Wearing a mask is essential even if you are fully vaccinated for a variety of reasons. To begin, no vaccine is 100% effective and you can still catch the infection if you’re vaccinated. Moreover, the vaccines might not be as effective for the new variants. Furthermore, the research about whether vaccinated people can be silent spreaders or not is slim. Therefore, you might still infect others without any symptoms of the infection.

In addition to this, there is a population that can’t or doesn’t want to get vaccinated because of the risks involved. These include elder people, people with health conditions, pregnant women, and children. These segments might be at risk of infection if you’re an asymptomatic spreader. 

So, you should continue to wear a mask where required by-laws, rules, regulations, or local guidance even if you’re vaccinated. Follow social distancing and wear two masks in public places. You should think about losing the mask only at small gatherings where all the people are vaccinated.

Conclusion

Wearing a face mask is the first step to prevent and contain the spread of Covid-19. Various types of masks are available out there which can be perplexing for the public about which one to go for. Knowing about the best Covid-19 face masks will help Arun and other readers like him to select the best mask for themselves that provides robust protection against the virus.