The 11 types of masks (and how to use them correctly)
We know that these current times have not been easy for many people, with the arrival of the pandemic and the protection of the quarantine, life as we knew it has taken an unexpected turn, but it has also taught us great lessons that we cannot waste.
One of those lessons is greater care for our health, both maintaining our system strong immune system as having greater attention to the danger of external agents that can harm the same.
The best advice to achieve this is to have a healthy lifestyle but it is also necessary to acquire habits hygiene so that bacteria and viruses do not sneak in due to any weakness that we may have in our organism. Washing your hands regularly, carrying antibacterial with you and the use of masks has become an essential routine for all people in the world, but... for what reason? What is important about the use of masks to protect us from viruses?
- It may interest you: "The 10 differences between cold and flu"
Well in this article We will explain everything you need to know about masks and their functionalities
, as well as the correct use that they should be given to be protected from diseases caused by highly contagious viruses and bacteria.What are masks?
Also known as respirators, face masks, surgical masks or mouth covers, It is a type of device manufactured to filter impurities from the outside air, in order that toxins, bacteria or aerosol viruses do not enter our body. In this way we can prevent viral diseases and infections (such as flu or influenza) since our respiratory system is protected by not being exposed to these negative agents, avoiding the vulnerability of the immunology of the organism.
Most of these masks (especially in the case of surgical masks) cover the person's nose and mouth (to avoid inhaling toxins or bacteria by any means). We can see its use in most by medical personnel during operations or during application of treatments, but its use is also recommended in the civilian population to avoid contagion of diseases.
What is the use of masks for?
The main function of masks is to protect people from inhaling microscopic agents harmful to the body. organisms that are present in the air and that can cause serious diseases in the system respiratory. For what reason? Well, these microorganisms when entering into contact with the body, reproduce within it, altering the functions of the body. immune system and reaching the point where it is decimated by the aggressiveness of viral mutations or bacterial.
It is for this reason that when we get sick, we acquire a very overwhelming fatigue, the body weakens and the organism is fighting an intense battle to eradicate all the harmful microorganisms, which can affect the internal organs or the effectiveness of their functions for a long time, even after having eradicated the trouble.
With the coronavirus, it is important to constantly wear surgical masks that are strong enough and avoid the filtration of these toxic agents, to avoid both the contagion and the spread of the disease. Because this virus can be in the air (aerosol) and in the liquid microparticles that come out after the sneezing or coughing, and they remain attached to surfaces for a long time (depending on the type of material).
Types of masks and how to use them properly
There are different types of masks depending on the function they are expected to fulfill or the material from which they are made and therefore you should be attentive to which one you need the most depending on your situation.
1. According to the origin of the air
This type of mask is used with two functions, the first is that they can filter the air from outside and the second is that they can create their own air system. Among which there are two types:
1.1. Purifying masks
As we have been talking about throughout the article, the main function of this type of mask is to prevent people inhale toxic microorganisms from outside in the air and liquid particles little. It can be from a contaminated environment, to protect itself from toxic chemical agents, to avoid breathing dust or dirt, and to prevent the spread of a viral aerosol disease.
They are the most common and in turn diverse masks of all, they can be obtained in pharmacies or specialized centers and they are quite affordable for all the public.
1.2. Supplied air masks
As the name implies, they are special masks that have their own air system, through cylinders of oxygen, this is done in order to provide air for people who have trouble breathing normally. They are typically used in intensive care units, personnel who work with toxic or biohazard materials, firefighters, chemical experts, and those who work in laboratories.
2. According to its use
In this category you can find the masks according to the use they are given in everyday life.
2.1. Hygienic masks
They are considered a non-sanitary product and are a complement to the distancing measures imposed by the WHO and the governments of each country. They should cover the nose, mouth, and chin, which are attached to the back of the head or around the ears.
They are made with different textile materials but it is recommended that they have a type of fabric that is breathable such as cotton, which should make up the inner layer of it. The outer part must be made of a waterproof material. As they are a non-sanitary product, their use is recommended for prevention and only for those people that do not present any type of symptoms of a viral disease, since this does not prevent the contagion.
2.2. Surgical masks
They are those used by health personnel, doctors, nurses and patients who are infected or suspected of having an infectious agent. They have a design that allows exhaled air to be filtered and their function is to protect the people who are around and not the wearing it as it works as a protective barrier in case of sneezing or coughing, but does not prevent the contagion.
This mask is fitted so that the nose, mouth and chin are closely protected, its duration It will depend on the manufacturer and its use should not exceed four hours for reasons of hygiene and comfort. The colored part goes to the outside while the face with the metal band is the one that fits the nose.
2.3. EPI masks
This type of mask is known as personal protective equipment and its use is to reduce the risk of contagion between the staff and the user. Likewise, it is recommended for those who are very vulnerable since their purpose is to filter the air that is inhaled and thus eliminate the entry of polluting particles into the body.
3. According to European standards (FFP)
These are the classifications derived from EPI masks and are the most recommended for their ability to protect and filter impurities.
3.1. FFP1 mask
They are those that have a degree of effectiveness around 78% and are intended to prevent the person who has it from catching any disease. It is widely used in the world of work, especially what has to do with the use of poison and the manufacture of aerosols.
3.2. FFP2 mask
They are 92% effective and are designed to keep those who use them to become infected and in turn infect other people protected. Its use is common in those cases where it is exposed to the presence of smoke, dust and pollutants that cause respiratory problems.
3.3. FFP3 mask
They are the most effective masks since they have a protection power of 98% and their protection is high. It is widely used in those cases where there are contacts with carcinogenic, radioactive and poisonous particles.
4. According to US standards (N)
These are masks that are evaluated according to their degree of resistance to oil. They are distinguished according to their filtration capacity, which is 3 degrees (95, 99 and 100)
4.1. No oil resistance (Class N)
These masks have a fairly high filtration, between 95% to 99.97% of the microparticles found in the air. Among these are: N 95, N 99 and N 100.
4.2. Oil resistant (Class R)
These masks are indicative of resistance to microscopic fluid particles, such as blood, fluids, or liquids. They can be obtained as: R 95, R 99 and R 100.
4.3. Oil proof (Class P)
They are the most resistant of all and therefore, the ones that can protect most effectively. They are distinguished as: P 95, P 99 and P 100.
General recommendations for the use of masks
Before using your face mask or masks, you should take into account some present recommendations.
Bear in mind that hand washing before and after putting on the masks is extremely important to avoid cross-infection.
Make sure the mask is not loose, that is, there are no gaps on the sides.
Put on the mask properly at all times, avoid having it below the chin when we are in crowded areas.
The mask must be put on and taken off inside the house.
Once placed it is not necessary to touch it, if any readjustment is needed, it must be done through the bands or strips.
The mask must be dry and clean at the time of use, if while using it it gets wet, it must be replaced immediately. When you get home, wash it, dry it and air it out.
Cotton masks are the most recommended.
Although the masks cannot protect us completely, since it is impossible to filter the microscopic-sized particles in their entirety, they are an effective tool to protect our health in times of epidemics and pandemics.