A facemask is your first line of defence against the novel coronavirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads though the contamination of mucous membranes in the eyes, nose and mouth by droplets released when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes. A mask acts as a barrier against infected droplets and prevents them from contacting those within close proximity.
Owing to the global shortage of personal protective equipment, governments across the world have advised the general public against purchasing surgical and N95 masks to ensure their availability for frontline healthcare professionals. Instead they have been advised to wear reusable cloth masks. Here are three things to keep in mind while choosing a mask for your personal use.
More layers, better protection
Multiple layers mean that particles have less chance of penetrating the mask. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States recommend a minimum of two-layers in a mask. On the other hand, experts at the World Health Organisation recommend wearing a mask with three layers, consisting of a water-resistant outer layer, a water-absorbent inner layer and a middle layer that functions as a filter. While single-layer masks have been proven to be more effective than wearing no mask at all, a multi-layer mask stitched with the right fabric is your best option.
Choosing the right fabric
Masks made of cotton, natural silk and chiffon can significantly filter droplets and aerosol particles. One study conducted by researchers at the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois showed that cotton with a higher thread count and tighter weaves was highly resistant to particles that were around the same size as the novel coronavirus. Likewise, silk was also shown to offer significant resistance due to its electrostatic properties.
If possible, choose a facemask that combines one or more of these materials. According to research, a combination of one layer of tightly woven cotton with a different material, such as silk, chiffon or flannel, offers more protection than a mask made of a single material. These hybrid masks have also been shown to outperform N95 masks for particles smaller than 300 nanometres and were only slightly inferior to them for larger particles.
Find the right fit
Finally, your mask should accommodate all the contours of your face, extending from your nose to chin, with no gaps. Experts believe that the fitting of a mask can be even more important than its fabric. According to the Argonne study mentioned earlier, leakages through gaps can reduce protection by more than half. A bendable nose strip can hold your mask firmly in place. But while it is important to ensure firm fitting, also pay attention to comfort. Your mask should allow you to breathe comfortably and not exert too much pressure on your skin.
Keeping these pointers in mind will help you find a mask that’s perfect for you. You can check out a range of facemasks on our website here.
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