We may have entered the year 2021, but it doesn’t mean the end of the pandemic. While scientists and medical researchers are working towards developing vaccines for the same, wearing face masks in public areas continues to be a must as it not only prevents you from contracting the virus but also contains the spread of the deadly infection. However, judicious use of the face mask is mandatory to entail complete protection.
Let us begin by understanding what cotton masks, surgical masks and N95 respirators are meant for. A cotton mask is a loose-fitting mask that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. A surgical mask is a 3-ply mask meant to be used by medical personnel during procedures. N95 respirators, on the other hand, are personal protective equipment that protect the wearer from airborne particles and aerosols from entering the respiratory system.
Here are a few misconceptions about face masks you must know:
Myth #1: There is no difference between a Cotton Mask, Surgical Mask and an N95 Respirator
Cotton Masks, no matter how many layers they are made of, do not offer protection against viruses, bacteria and other micro-organisms. They are simply a physical barrier without any filtration capacity of such air-borne pathogens. Wearing a mask can be slightly uncomfortable because unlike any other part of the body our face is not used to being covered. And cotton being soft and comfortable, tends to be the first choice of wearers. However, a cotton mask does not offer any filtration of micro-organisms, since the size of these organisms is much smaller than the cloth pores
As the name suggests, a surgical mask was meant to be used by medical personnel/surgeons to protect a patient from exposure to any potential pathogens that could be transmitted through the mouth or nose of the medical personnel.
Surgical mask if worn for general use, does not provide complete protection to the wearer because of the loose fit between the surface of the mask and your face.
N95 respirators are certified personal protective equipment used to protect the wearer from exposure against different viruses, bacteria, particulate matter, etc. They are designed to filter airborne pathogens of upto 0.3 microns in size and are the ideal choice for protection against coronavirus.
Myth #2: The N95 Respirator and Surgical Mask can be washed, shared or reused
No mask should be shared. Surgical masks are not intended to be washed or used more than once. If your mask is damaged or soiled, or if breathing through the mask becomes difficult, you should discard it safely, and replace it with a new one.
N95 respirators have a special filtration lining to remove up to 95% of all pathogens. Washing these masks destroys the lining, making them completely ineffective. So, these masks should not be washed either. They can be used for a cumulative 12 hours.
Myth #3: Masks with Valves are better
Earlier this year, the Union Health Ministry had warned against the use of masks with valved respirators, which is basically the raised plastic disk that is embedded in the fibre. It is detrimental to the measures adopted for preventing the spread of coronavirus as it does not prevent the virus from escaping out of the mask. The valve is basically a ‘one-way valve’ that only protects the person wearing it and doesn’t filter the air coming out. Hence, an asymptomatic carrier of the novel coronavirus can easily spread the infection to others when the valve releases the unfiltered exhaled air in the immediate surroundings. Thus, in a closed area, people around the carrier have a higher risk of potential exposure to the virus.
Myth #4: Covering your mouth and nose with a mask is enough
Many people think that just by covering the mouth and the nose with a Mask can protect them from the coronavirus. It is important to ensure that your face mask fits you perfectly and that there are no open ends that could promote the entry of the virus. N95 Masks with pliable nose clips and wide facial coverage usually provide the best fit. The edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth and ensure efficient filtration of the airborne particles.
Myth #5: Wearing a face mask can deplete oxygen levels
Wearing a mask can be slightly uncomfortable. However, that does not mean it reduces oxygen levels or promotes CO2 retention, as many still tend to believe. The filtering layer of these masks allows a free flow of these gases until the layer is clogged after the stipulated period of use, post which, it should be discarded.
This year has taught us how wearing a mask, with social distancing and washing hands regularly is the most necessary step in slowing the spread of COVID-19. This makes investing in the right mask and using it the right way very important in keeping safe.
Source: Times of India