Which face mask is best Surgical mask, N95 mask and Cloth Face Mask

There are many types of face masks available in the market now. All these different masks are made for one purpose but with different characteristics. So that means it depends on your surrounding which masks to choose in between Surgical mask, N95 mask, and Cloth Face Mask.

Today we will discuss which is the best face mask? And their characteristics in detail.

In This Article

• What is N95 mask?
• How respirator masks work
• Why is N95 commonly used in healthcare?
• Who should wear N95 masks?
• What is a surgical mask?
• How surgical or procedural masks work
• Who should wear surgical masks?
• What is Cloth Face Mask?
• How Cloth Face Mask work
• Who should wear them?
• Features of a good Cloth Face Mask

What is N95 mask?

An N95 mask is a personal protective disposable device respirator. This type of respirator is designed to filter non oil based particles and is 95% effective in filtering these particles. It is a properly fitted respirator, also known as a filter face mask.

How respirator masks work

N95 face mask is designed to reduce the risk of inhaling hazardous airborne particles. The edges of the mask seal around the nose and mouth. N95 masks are able to drain out all types of particles, including viruses and bacteria. It, therefore, protects the individual who wears it.

Why is N95 commonly used in healthcare?

N95 masks are commonly used in healthcare and infectious disease control to filter out small particles of bacteria and viruses. They work well for infection control because they are disposable and the healthcare professional does not have to worry about decontaminating or cleaning the mask.

Who should wear N95 masks?

This is made to use primarily in clinical and hospital where there is a high chance of getting affected. It is the most effective mask but it causes the problem in breathing as it comes with five layers of protection and airtight design.

What is a surgical mask?

Surgical masks are 3 filters layered mask for one time use. They are comfortable fitting and provide only a barrier against droplets, including large respiratory particles.

How surgical or procedural masks work

Surgical mask’s role is to control particles from infected people, to prevent contamination of the surrounding area when they cough or sneeze.

Avoid, during the expiration of the wearer, the projection of droplets of saliva or secretions from the upper respiratory tract. If used by the care taker, the surgical mask protects the patient and his environment with air, surfaces, equipment, and the operating field. If it is worn by a contagious patient, it prevents the latter from contaminating those around him and the surrounding environment.

Protect the wearer against an infection transmissible by “droplets” or against the risks of splashes of biological fluids. In the latter case, the surgical mask must include an impermeable layer. It can also be fitted with a visor to protect the eyes.

Who should wear surgical masks?

So called surgical mask can have several fields of application:

• Surgery
• Dental
• Other medical procedures
• In the case of isolation

These masks, therefore, do not protect the people who wear them, but rather those around them.

Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should wear a surgical mask until they are isolated in the hospital or at home. However, these patients do not need to wear a surgical or procedural mask while in isolation at home.

What is Cloth Face Mask?

A non-medical mask or face covering is called any mask that is handmade or that has not been subjected to the same tests (or obey the same production rules) as the other types of masks. Handmade masks are not medical devices and are not regulated like medical masks. But with the recent study, three layered Cloth Face Mask is slightly better than a surgical mask.

How Cloth Face Mask work

This Cloth Face Mask should cover at least the nose and mouth. They can be useful for short periods of time, when the physical distance is not possible in public places, such as at the grocery store or on public transportation. They can come from one layer to five and health experts recommend wearing three layers Cloth Face Mask.

Care should be taken as most of them are not designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth and the tissues are not the same as used in surgical masks or respirators which can cause so that it is difficult to breathe with them.

Who should wear them?

Wearing a Cloth Face Mask in the community has been proven to protect the wearer. These are a substitute for physical distancing and hand washing. However, this may be an additional measure taken to protect others around you, even if you are not having any symptoms.

Features of a good Cloth Face Mask

Since they are not regulated, here are the characteristics of a handmade mask that must be found to offer you a minimum of protection:

• It should allow you to breathe easily
• It should keep its shape after being washed and dried
• It should be comfortable and be worn without requiring frequent adjustments
• It should be made of at least 2 layers of fabric (like cotton or linen)
• It should completely cover the mouth and nose without leaving any holes
• It must be securely attached to the head by side buckles that are deposited around the ears

So choose the best Face Mask for you and stay healthy.