Masks are the best way to protect yourself against the covid – 19 virus as you step out for essentials, go to office or care for a loved one who might be infected. There are a variety of masks like cloth masks, N95, FFP (face filtering piece) 2/3 available in the market. What is best for you?
Types of masks and filtration efficiency – The covid-19 virus is typically ≈0.1 μm in size. The major modes of transmission are through large droplets >5 μm or droplet nuclei ~1 μm in size. Available masks are typically characterised by how efficiently they can filter particles ≈0.3 μm in size.
- Triple layer cloth mask ≈ 51.4% efficiency
- Surgical Mask ≈ 56.1% efficiency
- Knotted and tucked Surgical Mask ≈ 77% efficiency
- Double Mask ( cloth mask over surgical mask ) ≈ 85.4% efficiency
- FFP 1 ≈ 80% efficiency
- FFP2 / N95 ≈ 94 -95% efficiency
- FFP3 ≈ 99% efficiency
Majority of users would benefit from using a double mask technique. At the very least a triple layer cloth mask should be used. Single layer mask are very inefficient and should be avoided. While wearing a mask it is very important that the mask fits snuggly around your face and nose.
People who should use a double mask are Health care workers, elderly and people who are caring for someone who is infected with covid – 19 at home.
N95 / FFP2 / FFP3 should be used by medical personnel catering to covid positive patients.
A mask serves to prevent the wearer from getting exposed to covid and also to prevent the spread of the virus from spreading if the the person wearing the mask has covid. Therefore any masks with expiratory valves should be avoided.
