According to a study held by WHO (World Health Organization), professionals found that face masks were strongly protective against coronavirus. In this study, the data showed that people who always wore a face mask when going out had a risk reduction of 70% for infecting coronavirus.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) strongly recommend people to wear different types of face masks that cover their mouths and noses while they’re out.
However, when confronted with different types of face masks, people are puzzled because they don’t know which is the most suitable one to protect them against coronavirus. Thus, this article will guide you in clarifying the effectiveness of different types of face masks.
Table of Contents
The Different Types of Face Masks
The WHO and CDC approve the public to different types of face masks mainly include the following:
Cloth Face Mask
A cloth face mask is a type of mask made of common textiles, usually cotton, worn over the mouth and nose. Though cloth face masks are less effective than other different types of face masks, the CDC suggests people should consider wearing them for personal protection if there are no other types of face masks. According to statistics, if the fabric combination of cloth face masks is used appropriately, the filter efficiency can reach up to 80% with particles less than 300nm. Thus, if you don’t have any other types of face masks, the cloth face mask will protect you against coronavirus to some extent.
Surgical Mask
The surgical mask is a piece of personal protective equipment worn by health professionals normally during medical procedures. When the disposable surgical mask is worn correctly, it prevents airborne transmission of infections between patients and treating personnel by blocking the movement of pathogens shed in respiratory droplets and aerosols.
Disposable surgical masks used in the US, the EEA (European Economic Area), and China should conform to ASTM F2100, EN 14683, and YY 0469, respectively. In these three standards, a surgical mask must have a BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) of more than 95%, simulated with particles of size 3.0 μm. It is worth mentioning that the surgical face masks from China not only resist splashing but also achieve PFE (Particle Filtration Efficiency) more than 30%. Thus, disposable surgical masks, which are produced under rigorous standards and tests, effectively prevent people from coronavirus.
FFP2 Face Mask
The FFP2 face mask is a type of mask that effectively stops powdered chemicals and serves as a protector to fight against respiratory viruses. It is strictly tested under EN 149, a European standard of marking and testing requirements for filtering half masks. Unlike other standards, EN 149 requires an additional paraffin oil aerosol test. And all FFP2 face masks are tested at a range of different flow rates. Under the filter penetration limit(at 95 L/min airflows), the FFP2 face mask can filter at least 94% of airborne particles, and the inward leakage is less than 8%. Therefore, the FFP2 face mask, which has high filtration, is regarded as an effective face mask in preventing COVID-19.
KN95 Face Mask
The KN95 face mask is a type of mask that is regarded as the most efficient protector against coronavirus. It is rigorously produced under GB2626-2016, a mandatory national standard launched by the Standardization Administration of China. All KN95 face masks are strictly tested under various aspects, including filter efficiency, inward leakage performance, exhalation valve, respiratory resistance, visual field, and others related to personal protection. To mention that, the filtration efficiency of KN95 face masks can filtrate aerodynamic particles more than 95% with a diameter of 0.075 µm ± 0.020 µm. Thus, KN95 face masks with high filtration efficiency are considered the most effective face masks against coronavirus.
Conclusion
As aforementioned, you must have an explicit understanding of different types of face masks and their effectiveness towards coronavirus. It is essential for you to find a reliable face masks supplier.
ZHENG KANG, an expert in providing different types of face masks, is your capable partner. ZHENG KANG is constantly dedicated to offering high-quality surgical masks and FFP2 face masks with qualified filtration worldwide. All face masks from ZHENG KANG are produced under rigorous tests and international standards. Thus, if you are in the market and want to find a face mask manufacturer, ZHENGKANG is the best one you can’t miss! Come and spend time hearing how they may help you.