![]() ![]() Manufacturers should also clearly state which level of certification it has, with Level 3 being the most protective. Sachs advises you should look for language from the retailer that says "Meets ASTM F2100" on any mask page you come across. How resistant the mask is when it comes to liquid, or in this case, tests involving synthetic blood.How breathable they are, or examining differential pressure as you breathe.How well the mask can filter or trap sub-micron particles.How well the mask can filter bacteria for the wearer.Manufacturers submit disposable medical masks to labs that follow ASTM protocol for testing, and based on the results brands can use one of three levels of certification levels one through three, indicating how rigorously it was tested (3 is the most protective!). Sachs explains that ASTM standards dictate a need for a filtration efficiency test as well as a test for protection against any fluids in a medical setting. The criteria for disposable masks are outlined in ASTM F2100-20, a set of standards that guide manufacturers in their design, creating top-notch medical masks as it relates to construction and fit. Those guidelines come from ASTM, a group of industry professionals that develop testing standards for a myriad of products ( including face masks as a whole!). If you're looking for a disposable face mask that's been tested and made to provide you similar protection as outlined in CDC-sponsored research, you'll need to look for labeling that shows it conforms to certain criteria, explains Lexie Sachs, Textiles Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. For medical masks in particular, though, data suggests a plain disposable option alone provided more protection over cloth-based sewn masks - and when knotted for a tight fit, efficacy in reducing spread increased an additional 25%. It also provides more protection: The study's lab results suggest that tight-fitting masks could lower transmission risks by up to 96% if everyone in public wore them. These things don't universally work, but it's crucial for every individual to find a way to make masks fit better."ĬDC-published research suggests that a tight-fitting disposable medical mask (also sometimes referred to as surgical masks!) can greatly reduce the spread of COVID-19 via airborne particles and infectious respiratory droplets. "The ear loops can also be knotted close to the mask attachment. "Fit is important, and there are some hacks to make these masks fit better, like adding a new parallel wire to the nose band," says Steven Rogak, PhD, a mechanical engineering professor at the University of British Columbia who has conducted field tests on face masks' fabrics efficacy. And because COVID-19 continues to spread and cause breakthrough cases due to the viral Delta variant, upgrading your collection of masks for maximized protection while in public is more crucial now than ever before.Įarlier this year, a recommendation for double masking was made by federal health officials to help Americans create a more secure mask fit - something that a disposable surgical mask is perfect for on its own when you shorten its ear loops. For maximum effectiveness, the mask should fit snugly on your face with no gaps.Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend masking for unvaccinated individuals as well as fully vaccinated Americans in indoor spaces that may be poorly ventilated. ![]() What’s the most effective face mask for COVID-19?Īccording to the CDC, the most effective mask for COVID-19 protection is a NIOSH-approved respirator, such as an N95. If a mask no longer fits or is damaged or dirty, throw it away. It may be advisable to air out each mask in between uses and wait at least 1 or 2 days before using it again. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people to reuse an N95 or KN95 face mask a maximum of five times or 40 hours. How many times can you reuse an N95 or KN95 face mask? ![]() N95 and KN95 masks capture at least 95 percent of tiny particles. However, they are not regulated by the United States. The second-best option is a KN95 mask, which meets China’s standards of protection. They are also approved for use in a healthcare setting. Frequently asked questions Which is better for COVID-19, N95, or KN95 masks?Ī well-fitting N95 mask approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) offers the most protection from COVID-19. ![]()
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