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Medical Masks vs. N95: Which One Offers Better Protection Against Corona Virus?

The emergence of Corona in Wuhan sparked a global health crisis, with its rapid spread causing a deadly wave of pneumonia. Amidst this crisis, arming yourself with the right knowledge and tools is crucial. This includes understanding the importance of choosing the right mask to protect yourself from this deadly virus. The question on everyone's mind is: which mask is up to the task, the surgical mask or the N95? Let's delve into this pressing matter and explore the best options to safeguard our health.

Administrator

13 July, 2024

Face masks are an essential accessory when going outdoors to protect yourself from dust, smoke, and bacteria that can affect your health. With the evolving complexity of the Corona epidemic, the article below will provide you with more detailed information on choosing the right mask to protect yourself from the Corona virus.

1. Medical Masks

According to experts and doctors, while wearing medical masks can help prevent the spread of the Corona virus to some extent, it does not provide a 100% guarantee. However, medical masks are inexpensive, easily accessible, and user-friendly.

PGS.TS Tran Dac Phu, former Director of the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Health, advised people not to panic and to know how to protect themselves. He recommended avoiding contact with people showing symptoms of pneumonia or other illnesses to minimize the risk of infection.

2. N95 Masks

N95 masks are designed to filter out 95% of fine dust particles of 0.3 microns in the air, which means they can theoretically provide better air filtration than medical masks. However, their actual effectiveness in preventing infectious diseases and viruses in the community is unclear and influenced by various factors.

Additionally, N95 masks are designed to fit tightly and may cause discomfort and difficulty breathing for those unaccustomed to wearing them. They are also not suitable for children due to their smaller face size and tend to be less effective for individuals with facial hair as they may not seal properly.

N95 masks can be misused: Due to their higher price and limited supply, people tend to reuse them. However, this practice can increase the risk of transmitting pathogens by touching the contaminated surface of the mask.

3. Effectiveness of the Two Types of Masks

A 2017 meta-analysis found that both types of masks are effective in preventing the spread of respiratory infections, but N95 masks did not show a significant advantage in preventing viral infections.

Since the primary transmission routes of the Corona virus are through contact and droplets (sneezing, coughing), many experts believe that medical masks are sufficiently effective at the community level.

4. How to Use Medical Masks Effectively

Wear the mask correctly: Use your thumb and middle finger to pull the loops of the mask and place them over your ears. The inner side of the mask should be in contact with your face. The inner side is usually lighter in color and smoother than the outer side.

Ideally, wear a mask only once a day and do not reuse or store it in your personal bag.

Wear the mask in the right direction: The top of the mask usually has a thin metal strip. When wearing the mask, use your thumb and middle finger to mold the metal strip to the shape of your nose, ensuring a tight seal along the bridge of your nose. The bottom of the mask typically has a soft, dimpled edge to provide a snug fit under the chin.

Depending on your family’s economic situation, you can choose a suitable type of mask to protect your health during hot and dusty days. This is especially important as the Corona respiratory epidemic rages on in Wuhan, with the potential to spread globally.

Frequently asked questions

Medical masks are loose-fitting, disposable masks that create a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. On the other hand, N95 respirators are designed to achieve a very close facial fit and efficient filtration of airborne particles.

N95 respirators provide better protection against the Corona virus compared to medical masks. They are designed to filter out at least 95% of very small particles, including viruses and bacteria, when worn correctly.

A proper fit is crucial because it ensures that all the air being breathed in is directed through the filter material. If the N95 respirator does not fit properly, unfiltered air can leak into the respirator and be inhaled, reducing the protection provided.

You can perform a user seal check to determine if your N9 respirator fits properly. Simply put on the respirator and adjust the straps for a comfortable, tight fit. Then, exhale sharply and observe if the respirator presses gently against your face while maintaining the seal. If you feel air leaking from the edges, readjust the straps and try again until a proper seal is achieved.

N95 respirators are intended to be disposable, but in certain situations, they can be reused. It is important to follow guidelines from the CDC and other health organizations for proper reuse, which may include leaving the respirator hanging in a designated storage area for at least 5 days before reusing it.