Are N95 Masks Really Effective Slowing The Virus Down?

Can face masks really help slow the spread of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19? Yes, face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as frequent hand-washing and social distancing, help slow the spread of the virus.

Face masks were not recommended at the start of the pandemic, but once experts were able to get data back, they began to change their minds. At that time, experts didn’t know the extent to which people with COVID-19 could spread the virus before symptoms appeared. They also didn’t know that many people can have COVID-19 but not show any symptoms. Due to this, the virus was easy to spread.

These discoveries led public health groups to change their mind on face masks. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now include face masks in their recommendations for slowing the spread of the virus.

Surgical Mask VS N95 Masks

Surgical Masks

Also called a medical mask, a surgical mask is a loose-fitting disposable mask that protects the wearer’s nose and mouth from contact with droplets, splashes and sprays that may contain germs. A surgical mask also filters out large particles in the air. Surgical masks may protect others by reducing exposure to the saliva and respiratory secretions of the mask wearer.

At this time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any type of surgical mask specifically for protection against the coronavirus, but these masks may provide some protection when N95 masks are not available.

N95 Masks

Actually a type of respirator, the N95 mask offers more protection than a surgical mask does, largely because it can filter out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales. As the name indicates, the mask is designed to block 95% of very small particles. Some N95 masks have valves that make them easier to breathe through. With this type of mask, unfiltered air is released when the wearer exhales.

Health care providers must be trained and pass a fit test to confirm a proper seal before using an N95 respirator in the workplace. Like surgical masks, N95 masks are intended to be disposable. However, researchers are testing ways to disinfect N95 masks so they can be reused.

Some N95 masks, and even some cloth masks, have one-way valves that make them easier to breathe through. But because the valve releases unfiltered air when the wearer breathes out, this type of mask doesn’t prevent the wearer from spreading the virus. For this reason, some places have banned them.

Cloth Masks

A cloth mask is intended to trap droplets that are released when the wearer talks, coughs or sneezes. Asking everyone to wear cloth masks may help reduce the spread of the virus by people who have COVID-19 but don’t realize they have it.

Cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus when they are widely used by people in public settings. Countries that require face masks, testing, isolation and social distancing during the pandemic have seen the spread of the virus slow down.

Surgical and N95 masks were in short supply when the pandemic begined, thanks to the manufacturing of PPE, you can find N95 masks just about anywhere.

Masks can be made from common materials, such as sheets made of tightly woven cotton. Instructions are easy to find online. Cloth masks should include multiple layers of fabric. The CDC website even includes directions for no-sew masks made from bandannas and T-shirts.

How to wear a cloth face mask

The CDC recommends that you wear a cloth face mask when you’re around people who don’t live with you and in public settings when social distancing is difficult.

Here are a few pointers for putting on and taking off a cloth mask:

• Wash or sanitize your hands before and after putting on and taking off your mask.
• Place your mask over your mouth and nose.
• Tie it behind your head or use ear loops and make sure it’s snug.
• Don’t touch your mask while wearing it.
• If you accidentally touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands.
• If your mask becomes wet or dirty, switch to a clean one. Put the used mask in a sealable bag until you can wash it.
• Remove the mask by untying it or lifting off the ear loops without touching the front of the mask or your face.
• Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask.
• Regularly wash your mask with soap and water by hand or in the washing machine. It’s fine to launder it with other clothes.

And, here are a few face mask precautions:

• Don’t put masks on anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or otherwise unable to remove the mask without help.
• Don’t put masks on children under 2 years of age.
• Don’t use face masks as a substitute for social distancing.

Tips for adjusting to a face mask

It can be challenging to get used to wearing a face mask. Many mask don’t change, you’re stuck with the size you have. There is one company that we’re familiar with that has adjustable N95 mask: Protectly.co (while they have several N95 masks and KN95 masks, some of them are adjustable, allowing the wearer the opportunity to adjust the mask as needed.

Here are some tips for making the transition:

• Start slow. Wear your mask at home for a short time, such as while watching television. Then wear it during a short walk. Slowly increase the time until you feel more comfortable.
• Find your fit. If your mask isn’t comfortable or is too difficult to breathe through, consider other options. Masks come in a variety of styles and sizes.

If these tips don’t help or you have concerns about wearing a mask, talk with your doctor about how to protect yourself and others during the pandemic.

Source: CDC Website