An increasing amount of research shows that wearing a face mask in public helps discourage COVID-19 spread. You should wear a mask even if you feel perfectly fine since people spread the virus even when they show no symptoms. It is the main reason experts advise us to don masks: to keep those around us protected.
But face masks also offer some protection to the wearer. How much of this protection depends a lot on the type of mask you are wearing. Even the finest masks like FFP2 maske kaufen schweiz will not guarantee full protection, and you should not view them as a replacement for frequent hand washing, physical distancing, and avoiding crowds. Combining these masks with the above measures works a treat.
So, what type of mask is the most preferable? Experts advise us to focus on three things when choosing a mask. These are breathability, fit, and fabric. The protection ability of a mask depends on both how well the mask seals to the face and the material of which it is made. However, if it is hard to breathe through, the chances of you removing it are pretty high.
In this article, we will look at various types of masks in the market, including ffp2 maske farbig schweiz, and rate their effectiveness in protecting not only you but also those around you.
Fabric Masks
The first thing you want to consider is the type of fabric the mask is made of. Weave tightness is highly critical. You can check your fabric by holding it up against the light. If you easily see individual fiber outlines, this mask will not be an effective filter.
Fabric masks made of 100% cotton and have the right weave are a good bet. The reason is that the natural fibers contained in cotton have a more 3-D structure compared to synthetic fibers that are smoother. This 3D structure creates more roadblocks to stop a particle from attempting to get inside.
Think multiple layers
A growing body of studies shows that masks containing multiple layers do a better job of blocking small particles.
A two-layered mask containing a tight-woven fabric with an in-built pocket to place a filter is a good option.
And when it comes to filters, the best bet for fabric is polypropylene, a plastic derivative. Apart from being great as a filter, polypropylene has another benefit. It has an electric charge. This can trap outgoing and incoming droplets.
But if you cannot access polypropylene, you can use tissues. Take two facial tissue sheets and fold them over after which you should place them inside the pockets of the mask. This way, you end up with a filter with four layers.
FFP2 Masks
These are the gold standard for masks in European countries. FFP is an abbreviation for filtering face pieces. The masks are graded from one to three, with one being the lowest rated while three is the highest rated. On average, an FFP2 maske farbig schweiz can filter a minimum of 94% aerosols. This includes airborne viruses like covid-19. They are single-use masks with several layers of varying fabrics. These include a polypropylene filter manufactured when a polymer is melt-blown to create miniaturized, irregular patterns capable of trapping the tiniest airborne particles.
According to a study by the Max Plank Institute, it was found that well-fitting ffp2 masks kept the risk of covid-19 infection to just 0.01%, which translates to 99.99% efficiency. On the other hand, medical or fabric masks only disrupt the speaker’s airflow and trap the biggest particles in the woven materials of which they are made. The effectiveness of these masks varies a lot based on the fabric used and the design. A tight-fitting and multi-layered mask made from dense materials will offer greater protection compared to single-layer masks made of linen.
N95 respirators
These types of masks are mainly used in the US market and are equivalent to ffp2 masks. They create a firm seal around the mouth and the nose. The masks can block a minimum of 95% of tiny airborne droplets when worn correctly. The respirators protect both the wearer and those around them. One thing that makes them so effective is the fact they are made of several fine layers of polypropylene fibers. As we have already said, polypropylene takes advantage of static electricity to catch incoming and outgoing droplets and particles.
KN95 respirators
Like the N95 respirator, the KN95 mask is also designed to filter out a minimum of 95% of airborne particles. But this has not been substantiated by research done on these masks. Created and regulated by the Chinese government, it was found that their performance is “all over the place.” This is brought about by the fact that there are some counterfeits of the original products. The bottom line is that if you have KN95 masks, it is possible you could be getting much lower protection. This is why it is important not to lower your guard. Maintain physical distance, wash your hands regularly, and avoid crowded places.
Surgical masks
Surgical masks refer to disposable face coverings donned loosely around the face. At the start of the pandemic, these masks were in acute supply but they are more commonly available now. These masks are primarily meant to protect the people around the wearer. They block larger splashes or particle droplets in the air. Most surgical masks are paper-made, although there are some that are manufactured using polypropylene. Research shows that these types of masks can block the majority of respiratory droplets that infected people emit. However, how well these masks protect the wearer can vary greatly. For example, one mask can block as much as 80% of particles, while another could only manage 30%.
Conclusion
When it comes to masking up, there are several options. From making your mask at home to surgical to respirator-grade mask, the options are endless. An ffp2 maske farbig schweiz and N95 masks offer superior protection against coronavirus. And although you have some level of protection when you wear an ffp2 maske kaufen, this should never be a replacement for keeping physical distance, washing hands regularly, and avoiding crowds.