How do you choose your face mask?

Is it about style, comfort or safety? There are so many things to consider when buying a face mask. For us, it’s always about protection first and foremost.

Our tryst with masks started with the inevitable N95, as tensions dropped, we adjusted to the “new normal”, out were the N95s and in came the cotton masks – a stylish alternative but are they as effective in stopping transmission?

With the looming third wave, new variants and new guidelines, we decided it’s time for a refresher course in picking the right mask!

New Variants, New Mask Choices

Considering the global guidelines and statements coming from scientists and doctors, it’s time to discard our cloth masks for the more practical and protective N95 or FFP2 S masks.

N95 respirators are personal protective equipment that protects the wearer from airborne particles and aerosols from entering the respiratory system.

The N95/FFP2 S ranks as a high barrier to transmission of flu, infection, and inevitable air-borne viruses. Rigorously tested for several transmission conditions, N95/FFP2 S masks usually use five layers with electrostatically charged melt-blown filters that provide adequate protection from airborne particulates aerosols as small as 0.3 micron.

Studies from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have found that a surgical mask blocked 59% of respiratory aerosols from a cough, whereas a three-layer cotton mask blocked 51% of these aerosols, compared to an N95 mask which blocked up to 95% of the aerosols.

This means that it has the power to filter out most bacterial, viral and particulate aerosols. Such masks are designed to give the optimum fit which means leakage from the side of the mask is also minimized.

Masks with valves allow air to leave the mask without filtering it – which means that the virus can spread from an infected (even asymptomatic) person to others. So, for the safety of others it is better to use a mask without a valve.

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The advanced construct of a good quality FFP2 S mask-like Savlon which is comparable to an N95 mask has a splash-resistant outer layer, sweat or moisture resistant inner layer and one or more electrostatically charged melt-blown filter layers. Electrostatically charged Melt Blown filters enhance the masks’ ability to trap infectious aerosols and is the differentiator when it comes to achieving high levels of filtration while also providing for relative ease of breathing. Every batch undergoes rigorous testing on quality performance and efficacy as prescribed in the Bureau of Indian Standards.

How Do You Identify A Counterfeit N95 or FFP2 S Mask?

1.       A BIS approved FFP2 S mask has the ISI mark, a CM/L (license) number, brand name/TM and clear call-out of the classification e.g. FFP2 S

2.       A NIOSH approved N95 will have the logo or acronym in bold, a TC (testing & certification approval number), manufacturers name.

3.       Moreover, NIOSH only approves head-band masks (the ones where the loops go behind the head rather than the ears).

4.       Check for misspellings. When it comes to fake products, brand names and ingredients are often misspelt to escape persecution

5.       Check for things like expiry date, changes in any design, usage instructions for kids among other things

6.       Masks that are decorated or printed are counterfeits and can pose a threat to your safety

With the resurgence of new waves of panic, it’s time to be cautious and go that extra mile to stay healthy!

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