Face masks, in conjunction, with other preventative measures, prevented billions of people around the globe from catching and spreading coronavirus. With the sudden increase in the usage of masks, many manufacturers started deploying different varieties of masks in the market. 

Initially, every person had his/her doubts when it came to using unconventional cloth or designer masks. But, nowadays, wearing a designer cloth mask has become a trend. 

In the market, one can easily come across three types of masks, such as N95 respirators, medical masks and cloth masks. 

In this blog, we will take an in-depth look into how these three variants work, followed by how to get the most from wearing a mask.

1- N95 respirator

N95 respirator offers optimal protection compared to both medical and cloth masks. This is because it ends up filtering out both small and particles from the air the wearer inhales. 

However, due to the immense drop in supply, N95 is now recommended to be used only by health care providers. The healthcare providers are required to be trained and pass a fit test in order to use an N95 mask. 

The N95 respirator online is designed to be disposed of after use, but researchers are testing ways to disinfect and reuse them. 

Even though some N95 masks come with have valves for easy breathing, but they don’t offer required air filtration, making their usage limited only to certain places and situations. 

2- Medical masks

Also referred to as surgical masks, medical masks are loose-fitting disposable masks. They are designed to protect the wearer from contacting the germs in droplets and sprays. This type of mask can also filter out large particles in the air. 

To ensure your medical mask is form-fitting, knot the ear loops where they are attached to the mask, and then fold and tuck unrequired material beneath the edges. 

3- Cloth masks

 As the name suggests, a cloth mask is made out of normal fabric. They are intended to trap respiratory droplets that release when the wearer coughs, sneezes or even talks. Cloth masks also help the wearer from inhaling droplets released by surrounding people. 

If the most effective result, opt for cloth masks that are made of multiple cloth layers of fabrics that are tightly woven like cotton. The more layers your cloth masks has, the more difficult it will be for the droplets to get through or escape the mask. 

How to make the most from wearing a mask?

N95 respirators online are designed to fit the face, but cloth masks and medical masks don’t have the required form-fitting. In such cases, you can alter, tuck, fold, knot the loops, etc., to make the masks well fitted to the contours of your face. This way, you can prevent the leakage of air around the edges. 

Whenever you wear a mask and breathe out, you should feel warm air coming through the front of the mask. If you feel the air is coming out of edges, then the mask isn’t snug over the chin, mouth or nose. In such a case, opt for masks that have bendable nose strips. 

If you wear a disposable mask under cloth masks, the cloth mask should press the edges of the disposable mask against your face. If your breathing or vision is obstructed, avoid layering. 

Wrapping up

Regardless of which masks you prefer, ensure to use them as instructed for optimal protection of yourself and everyone around. 

Gloria Butler