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INTRODUCTION
By now, it is fair to say that we all know the importance of wearing a face mask to protect us from contracting Covid-19. What is less clear is the specific type of mask that gives us maximum protection. It is why you see some people wear surgical masks and fabric-based masks. In this article, we want to set the record straight by sharing with you a detailed guide on how to choose a proper face mask.
In the early days of the pandemic, the public was discouraged from purchasing high-quality masks like the ffp2 masken Schwarz or N95 masks. That was largely because of the acute shortage at the time. The World Health Organization advised the general population to leave these masks to the healthcare workers who were at the frontline of the pandemic. But this is no longer the case and today everyone has a chance at better protection. High-quality masks like the KN95 and ffp2 masken Schwarz. Additionally, these masks are widely available and are also much less expensive than they were at the start of the pandemic. But with this high cornucopia of high-quality masks, the challenge we have is not knowing which ones offer the best protection. In this article, we answer all your questions regarding the best face masks. Keep reading to learn more.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD MASK?
There are three most important parameters that define a good face mask like ffp2 masken Schwarz. These are filtration, comfort, and fit.
By filtration, it is meant the percentage or amount of particles that a mask material blocks. N95 masks, for example, can filter a minimum of 95% of airborne germs. However, this is only effective as long as there are no gaps around the mask that can allow in the air freely. That is where fit comes in. A properly-fitted mask is one that fits snugly over the chin and around the face. It should not have any gaps around your nose or mouth. The third important metric is comfort. However high-quality a mask may be, it will not do any good if customers find it simply intolerable to wear. There is no better defense against Covid-19 than a good mask. That’s why it is paramount to choose and wear a mask carefully.
Respirator quality is determined by certain standards. N95 is the gold standard for the US when it comes to respirator quality. These masks are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). On the other hand, the OSHA (or Occupational Safety and Health Administration) ensures that people in work settings, for example, hospitals, are properly fitted. The ffp2 masken Schwarz is the European equivalent of N95 masks. It also has a very high filtration rate of at least 94%. In China, there is the KN95 type, while South Korea has the KF94 variety. All these boast an excellent filtration rate.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MASKS FOR KIDS?
With in-person schooling having resumed, many parents are worried, and understandably so about their kids. This is especially for children that haven’t reached the age of vaccination as of yet. If you are such a parent, we advise you to go for kid’s masks that have excellent filtration. And while there isn’t an N95 standard for kids, there are several manufacturers that make high-quality masks just for kids. These masks, for example, schwarze FFP2 maske, have been designed for tiny spaces and are incredibly easy to wear. They are likely to be tolerated by a large section of school-going kids.
WHERE TO FIND LEGITIMATE MASKS?
One challenge with high-filtration masks that are commercially available is that some don’t come from suppliers of known repute. For this reason, we recommend purchasing a mask from the manufacturer’s website. For those in Europe, you can easily get high-filtration schwarze FFP2 maske at the official site.
CAN YOU REUSE MASKS?
The one problem with FFP2 and other masks is the fact that they are single-use. However, experts say these masks are capable of being worn several times. If anything, you can reuse these masks until the point that they become soiled or visibly damaged. And although the virus does not survive for a long time on these masks, rotating and reusing one mask every two or three days can never be a bad idea.
WHAT ABOUT DOUBLE MASKING?
A proven way of increasing the effectiveness of facial coverings is doubling up on a surgical mask with a fabric mask. Recommended by the CDC, this strategy combines the fit of fabric masks with the high filtration efficiency of surgical masks.
You can also ensure a better fit of your mask by purchasing those containing straps that go around your head. Another alternative is to use a mask brace in case you can only access a surgical mask.
High-filtration masks may not be ideal for all and sundry. If you ask me what the best mask is, I’ll tell you to choose the one you can wear properly. Surgical masks are known to be the most convenient if thrown away after each use. Also, cloth masks can work as long as you buy those with three layers.
DOES FACIAL HAIR AFFECT MASK EFFECTIVENESS?
What if you are bewhiskered? Does facial hair have an influence on the effectiveness of certain masks? Although there is only limited data regarding this topic, research shows that a person’s mustache or beard can make a mask less effective especially if it is long. This is because the mask makes a less superior seal with your face.
CONCLUSION
At this time in the coronavirus pandemic, there is more than enough supply of high-quality masks. Also, they are available more readily and more cheaply than before. For these reasons, it is perhaps time to ditch those loose-fitting surgical or cloth masks for those with super filtration efficiency. These respirator-grade masks offer better protection. As we said earlier, a good mask forms the first line of defense against the deadly coronavirus. That explains why you must get it right concerning the mask you buy.
