With the end of 2020 nearing, and most of the world still struggling to cope with the coronavirus, face masks are being recommended or made mandatory by governments. But what kind of face masks? 

The most popular types of face masks are the N95 respirators, surgical masks, and cloth masks. Each of these masks offers great benefits and preventative measures. Keep reading to find out what they are, and if you’re wondering how to stay safe from coronavirus, your best bet is to have one of these. 

Types of Face Masks

Because of how coronavirus spreads, face masks are the best defense people have at keeping the virus from spreading like wildfire through communities. Here are the best tips to know before buying:

• It should be comfortable
• Fitted to your face
• “One size fits all” approaches are not useful
• Good quality i.e. has two or more layers

The types of face masks listed below will follow most, if not all, of these tips. It’s important to follow these tips as you could end up wearing a mask for hours and expect to be wearing these every day for a while. So making sure it fits right, and is comfortable, is essential for routine usage. 

NP5 Respirator

The N95 respirator is a heavy-duty medical grade face mask. Accompanied by filter valves, these masks should sit close against your face and can protect users from virus sized droplets. These masks provide up to 95% protection when worn correctly. Because of this, children and those with facial hair are recommended not to use these types of masks.

N95 masks should not be used more than once. They do come in forms that have bands around the head, rather than ears, for those unable to support ear loops.

Surgical Face Mask

Surgical masks, while also medical grade, are different than the N95 respirator. With these masks, you will almost always have gaps between your face and the mask. Yet, they do protect users from big droplets of germs and coronavirus. Also useful for protecting others from your germs. 

Surgical masks are disposable but do watch out for normal disposable face masks claiming to be surgical. Different surgical masks have different thicknesses and fittings so it’s easy to customize what you need.

Cloth Coverings

Cloth face masks offer a sustainable choice for the general public. Found online and in most stores, cloth masks are washable and reusable. Cloth masks offer many fittings, some having a cup shape or mimicking the pleated shape of surgical masks. Because of this, it’s easier for users to find a mask with a secure fit. Or you can even make one. 

While cloth masks are not a medical mask, they do offer protection from big droplets of germs and coronavirus. Cloth masks also offer solutions to those who can not wear masks hooked around the ear (either for comfort or disability reasons). 

This option is highly recommended by the CDC as it doesn’t impede on medical supplies but still offers protection.

Preventative Measures

How to stay safe from coronavirus is to follow government guidance and protect yourself and others by wearing a mask. The three types of face masks discussed cover a range of face masks available, each with their own pros and cons. Armed with the information above, you can feel confident when choosing the right mask for you. 

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