Which masks to choose?

Guide to mask types and features

You may have noticed that there are many different types of masks. They all share the ability to offer protection to your airways, but they also differ in specific characteristics.

Let's see in this list what are the characteristics of the most popular masks:

Fabric masks: although they are not certified, they are recognized as a valuable tool to combat the spread of Covid-19. Properly worn, they provide adequate protection from droplets. They are reusable as long as they are washed thoroughly at high temperatures;

Surgical masks: usually used by doctors and dentists, during the pandemic period they have become widely used among the population. Surgical masks are excellent in terms of filtering towards the outside, but they lose a little in terms of internal filtering. The surgical mask is disposable and should be replaced after 4-5 hours of use;

FFP3 and FFP2 masks: these are personal protective equipment (PPE). Their filtering capacity, both external and internal, is superior to that of surgical masks. Available in both disposable and reusable versions, they must be replaced after approximately 6 hours;

N95 and KN95 masks: worn correctly, they guarantee 95% protection from the virus. They are disposable, should be used within the indicated expiration date and replaced after about 8 hours of continuous use.

Masks, types and differences in protection

We have already seen in the previous paragraph that antivirus masks are distinguished by types and differences in protection.

The differences concern the technical structures of each one. Although they are all suitable for guaranteeing protection from airborne viral agents, they differ in their degree of effectiveness. For example, those made of fabric do not have a high protective capacity, but this could be increased if equipped with a filter.

As for surgical masks, which are excellent in protecting those close to us, they do not provide an excellent shield against other people's droplets. This difference is due to its shape that does not adhere well to the contour of our face.

You may have heard of FFP masks. This acronym stands for "facial filters for personal protection". It guarantees that the device has been produced in compliance with European standard EN - 149 2001.

But now let's see in detail the differences between the different types of masks:

Fabric masks: offer safety and protection only from larger viral particles. They are not ideal in terms of effectiveness against smaller particles;

Surgical masks: also known as "altruistic masks" because they offer more outward filtering than inward filtering. Wearing a surgical mask will protect 95% of others, while reserving only 20% safety from viral load for yourself.

FFP3 and FFP2 masks: ensure a filtering capacity of 92 and 98% respectively. We advise you to prefer those without a valve, which are safer not only for you but also for those around you;

N95 and KN95 masks: these are devices that guarantee protection from viruses equal to that of an FFP2 mask.