What to Know About Respirator and Disposable Face Masks
With COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continuing to spread across the globe, it’s important to stay educated about the steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Washing your hands frequently, socially distancing yourself from others and, perhaps most importantly, wearing a face mask in public have proven to be the effective measures to help protect ourselves and others from infection.
These steps seem simple, until you realize how many different types of face mask there are! How do you know what really works, and if your mask is actually protecting you against airborne pathogens, including COVID-19? Don’t worry—we’re here to help with some basic information about respirator and disposable face masks, including feature differences and the best use cases for each type.
Common Types of PPE Face Mask
Many people prefer to wear bandanas and other cloth face masks. They may be comfortable, but cotton masks and bandanas only prevent the spread of viruses if worn correctly and if washed after each use. All too often, cloth masks and bandanas do not properly cover the mouth and nose, as they slide around when we talk and they don’t have the layers necessary to block all airborne particles. Overall, respirator and disposable face masks offer better protection for you and those around you.
One type of face mask that is 95% effective in filtering airborne particles is the type IIR 3-ply mask. These masks are perfect for short-term uses of up to one hour. They are a good choice for regular outings to the grocery store or doctor’s office. The combination of comfort, ease of use and affordability makes a disposable mask a valid choice for most people. If wearing a disposable 3-play mask, you can feel confident you are being protected while also protecting others. The key is that these masks should be thrown away after each use and replaced with a fresh one the next time you go out in public.
What Is the Most Effective Face Mask for COVID-19 Protection?
For those who are looking for safety and protection, the N95 respirator mask is NIOSH® approved and made right here in the United States! With five layers of protection, this makes it an ideal solution to keep you protected and comfortable at the same time. The mask can be worn for up to eight hours, at which point it should be disposed of and replaced.
As we all try to do our part in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne viruses, it’s important that we take time to make sure we’re using the highest-quality and most effective personal protection equipment available to us. Whether you need respirator masks, disposable gloves, at-home rapid test kits, or hand sanitizer, make sure you choose a trustworthy PPE source. You can contact us to learn more about respirator and disposable face masks, and visit MailboxPPE.com to subscribe for a monthly supply of personal protection equipment.