All You Need to Know about Face Masks

The two month long lock down during the COVID-19 Pandemic has had our country going into economic regression and the government has no other alternative but to relax the lock down for allowing people to start working and fuel the economy.
But with more and more people returning to work and coming out of the safety of their homes, it has become even more important to continue the safety measures like social distancing,wearing face masks and keeping hands germ free as the number of people suffering is now running into millions and this virus has very high infectivity and virulence.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we interact socially and publicly

A good face  mask can control the spread of the infection

What are the Different types of Face Masks?

Face Masks can be divided into three basic categories

1.Cloth face Masks 

                                                           

Cloth face masks are cheap and easily washable but are they effective ?

Cloth face masks or coverings can be either stitched or even a folded handkerchief or scarf that can be used to cover the nose and mouth.

To be effective the cloth mask should not be loose and fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face The covering should be well secured with ties or ear loops at the sides for a snug fit.The coverings should Include multiple layers of fabric for best filtration.The cloth mask should be made of cloth that should allow for breathing without restriction. It should be home washable and easily dried without losing its shape or getting damaged while washing.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Can Cloth Coverings Reduce the risk of contracting Corona Infection ?

The cloth face coverings are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.The highly permeable materials such as cotton, do not prevent viral particles from being inhaled.

According to Dr. Steven Gordon, MD, Chairman of Cleveland clinic’s Department of infectious disease and Pulmonologist “Cloth face coverings are intended to keep the wearer from spreading respiratory secretions when talking, sneezing or coughing,”

2. Surgical Disposable Face Masks                                                       

3.Respirator Face Masks 

                 

Respirator face masks are highly specialised face masks

                                             

There is some confusion about N95 vs. KN95 ,well both N95s and KN95s are  rated to capture 95% of particles, although only KN95 masks have slightly stronger requirements for breathability.
These masks are also used to combat air pollution when the suspended particulate matter in the air is dangerously high.

Other than having a good Bacteria filtration efficiency  (BFE) in vitro,Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE), Breathing and Splash resistance etc. ,a face mask should fit well to be efficient so pay attention to the size while choosing one.

Buy it  Here

How to put on Your Face Mask properly

1.Wash your hands -Use an alcohol – based hand sanitizer or a hand wash or soap to kill germs and bacteria that may transfer from your hand to your mask. Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds for optimal results.
2. Put on the mask -Make sure it fits snugly and is as close to your face as possible with minimum gaps between the mask and your facial skin.
3.Position it – Ensure that it fully covers your mouth and nose, because these are the areas that can catch and spread pathogen-containing droplets to other parts of your face. You can pinch the

Face masks should be worn and taken off  in the right way to be effective (pexels.com)

                                                       

How to take off your Face mask  safely

1. Avoid touching the front of the mask because there is a good chance that it could be contaminated
with pathogens. Also, your hands are important vectors of infection, so if you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after coming into contact with outer side of the mask you could be indirectly transmitting the virus to the areas. So, avoid touching the mask and  hold the mask only by the ear loops and pull it forward to minimize the risk of infection.

2. Dispose it properly
Still holding it by the ear loops carefully deposit the mask into a paper bag into a bin.Disinfect the face mask with a 2% domestic bleach solution before discarding it.
3.Wash your hands after discarding the face mask with  an alcohol-based sanitizer and rub your hands for at least 20 seconds to get the job done properly.

Stay safe ,Wear a mask (pexels.com)