A Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Face Mask
Introduction
With the coronavirus mutating itself into several deadlier forms, we cannot afford to lower our guard just yet. The difference between the early days of the pandemic and now is that consumers now have a wider range of choices and not just cloth and surgical masks. Also, better masks are available now at relatively affordable prices. You can grab a pack of ffp2 maske schwarz from your nearest pharmacy or shop, and your head won’t be turned off by the asking price.
Wearing masks is probably the best method of protecting oneself against covid-19, apart from social distancing and vaccination. With a good-quality mask, you can be next to an infected person and not worry. But what should you consider when choosing a face mask? In this guide, we take you through eh most critical things to consider when shopping for a face mask.
What are Respirators?
The types of face masks called FFP2, N95, and KN95 are called respirators. The masks are specially designed with several layers that ensure maximum protection against coronavirus. With a filtration efficiency of up to 95%, the masks can block out almost all particles in the air. They also have a perfect fit, which further enhances their reputation as the top-grade masks in the industry. The masks are regulated by government authorities that are specific to each country.
For example, NIOSH is the American body that regulates N95 masks. It ensures that N95 masks filter 95% of airborne particles, including viruses and bacteria. According to the CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these masks can filter out very minute particles including the SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes coronavirus.
Different countries and regions have their standards to guide them. The EU, for example, don’t have an N95 mask but FFP (filtering face-piece) masks that are denoted as 1,2 and3. FFP3 is the best while FFP1 is the least in quality. The masks must have EU certification which is what guarantees that they abide by the highest filtration and manufacturing standards. You can almost certainly find schwarze FFP2 maske at most shops, and they come in a whole host of colors to suit your fashion style.
Tips for Shopping Disposable Masks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a multitude of tips for those looking to find the best face masks that protect them against Covid-19. The following are the bare minimum features that a face mask should contain:
- The mask should fit snugly on your nose and mouth to prevent air from leaking in or out
- It should have a nose wire
- Should be devoid of an exhalation valve
- It should be multilayered with non-woven material. Experts recommend choosing at least a three-ply mask for heightened protection.
But the guidelines from the CDC aren’t the only things you should consider when choosing a mask. There are other more important considerations to make when shopping for a face mask. One other thing to give prominence when selecting a face mask includes ensuring that the mask has an inner lining with moisture-wicking and antibacterial traits. Another thing to consider is whether the mask you want to purchase a medical or non-medical grade face-covering. It is the only way to be sure that you have purchased the right type of masks for your specific needs.
Why wear a face mask?
There is no question as to the effectiveness in helping stop the spread of covid-19. This is also supported by a CDC research that was conducted in February 2020 that showed that masks reduce transmission risks between two people by up to 95%.
Millions of people in the world have already received vaccines and even booster shots. However, this does not then mean that we should stop wearing masks. Indeed, CDC still advises the public to put on masks especially when they are outdoors where they are likely to be in the company of other people. If you have other underlying conditions, you should wear masks at all times. Public spaces like transportation hubs are fertile grounds for COVID-19 and whether you have received a vaccine or not, you should ensure you have masked up at all times. But if you are in an open-air space, you can take it off. An example of outside space is a ferry deck.
Most people wear a mask to be protected from these that might have the virus. However, a mask does more than that. It also protects the people around you. Asymptomatic people have the virus but don’t show any symptoms. The sad part is that they can still transmit the virus even with no symptoms. Wearing a mask ensures you don’t spread the virus to other people, some of whom might get seriously sick but have no access to medical cover. Without a mask, you can easily pass the virus to another person that may spread it further. It is why governments and health bodies recommend wearing masks any time you are out in the public. Everyone needs to wear a mask and not just sick people. Always put on a top-quality mask like an ffp2 maske schwarz whether you are sick or not. You should form a habit of wearing masks even when you don’t think you can get the virus.
Conclusion
We were only used to seeing doctors wearing surgical masks but today, it has become a habit for everyone. Doctors and other health experts say that mask-wearing is one of the most effective techniques of preventing COVID-19. But the problem is that a lot of people have yet to understand these masks and how they protect against covid-19. There are several factors that consumers need to take into account when selecting a mask. Next time you go shopping for a mask, make sure you consider the above factors even if you are buying a Schwarze ffp2 maske.