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For over a year we have become familiar with the protective masks, previously used only in specific situations and now become, in effect, an integral part of our outfit.
If at first they were difficult to find, today they are easily purchasable at pharmacies, supermarkets, authorized resellers, online stores. But the protective masks they are not all the same: on the market there are in fact of different types, each produced for specific uses and with a different filtering power.
How to recognize the one that’s right for us? So let’s see which protective masks to choose, taking into account personal needs.
Because they are important
Since the SARS-CoV-2 virus officially entered us, institutions have recommended the use of protection devices (which also includes masks), to be combined with hand cleansing with alcohol-based sanitizers.
It’s about a security measure, aimed at slowing down the spread of the virus and avoiding infecting others or being infected. In a pandemic context like this, in fact, protective masks have become one necessary tool to wear whenever you leave the house, go to work or show up on an appointment.
There main function protective masks is precisely to protect the body as much as possible from the attack of viruses responsible for respiratory infections. And this is as true for SARS-CoV-2 as it is for other viruses that circulate undisturbed in the air.
In fact, the droplets produced by a sneeze or cough of an infected individual spread through the air. In the case of closed environments without adequate ventilation, these can remain suspended even for some time. It goes without saying that without a device that acts as a screen – such as protective masks – there is a greater risk of inhaling the virus through the nose or mouth and consequently, of becoming infected.
Which ones to choose
The protective masks that can be used are different. There choice of a typology, rather than another depends on:
- the use to be made of it;
- the desired level of protection;
- the comfort. Specifically, there are masks produced in different sizes (S, M, L) and that fit well to the face, thus offering a greater degree of comfort than a one size fits all that could instead be very large or very small. In this case, the effectiveness of the mask itself could also fail, as if it is too large it may not adhere well to the face and not provide adequate protection;
- whether it is disposable or reusable. Generally, surgical masks, as well as personal protective equipment (for example FFP2) are disposable. However, there are also masks that can be used several times. This is the case of those made of fabric (and washable after each use) or those equipped with a filter, to be replaced from time to time.
Community masks
They are those in fabric that can be made at home, but those are also among them without certification. As such, they have an unknown and probably very low filtering capacity. They are useful for reducing the spread of the virus, but they cannot be considered personal protective equipment (PPE) or medical devices. You can wash them at a temperature of 60 °, where allowed, and for a number of times that is indicated on the package.
Surgical masks
They are the most widespread and used. It is about medical devices, designed to be used in the healthcare sector and their filtering capacity is greater towards the outside than towards the inside. As a result, the wearer effectively protects others, but a little less himself. For this reason, they are more suitable in open spaces and must be replaced after each use. For more information on use, the advice is to always refer to the instructions on the package.
FFP3 personal protective equipment
These are masks classified as personal protective equipment. They have approximately 98% filtering power in and out, but some may find it harder to breathe. They are not very widespread and are mostly used by health personnel.
FFP2 personal protective equipment
FFP2, on the other hand, are more widespread. They have inlet and outlet filtration greater than or equal to 94% and are ideal indoors. In addition, they can be worn for up to 8 hours. They are recommended for healthcare professionals and those who work in the industrial sector, but they can be used by anyone, especially if you are in risky situations or have to come into contact with infected individuals. Also in this case, it is good to refer to the information on the package.
Click here to discover the lightweight FFP2 mask made in Italy with a filtering power of 99.7%
How to choose them
Before purchasing protective masks such as PPE, it is advisable to inquire about the manufacturer, characteristics and certifications of the device in question. In the case of FFP2, it is important that these are:
- light and hypoallergenic;
- comfortable (therefore they should have tubular elastics that do not cause irritation and be of your size);
- produced in safe and controlled environments;
- packaged, if possible, in single bags;
- certified and that, above all, this can be demonstrable through a specific certificate that can be consulted.
Recommendations for use
The protective masks, without the due attention, can lose their effectiveness or worse, become a vehicle for the transmission of viruses. To prevent this from happening, it is advisable:
- wash your hands before and after putting on the mask;
- wear the device trying to touch only the rubber bands (otherwise, it is good to clean your hands immediately);
- close the mask in a specific bag when not in use;
- use it only once, unless otherwise indicated. For example, cloth masks can be used several times, but they must be washed each time with detergent and hot water;
- avoid touching nose, mouth, eyes, with unclean hands;
- dispose of the mask in unsorted waste, taking care to close it properly.
In general, therefore, protective masks provide good protection from viruses as long as their use is accompanied by washing hands and following some precautions.
It is also advisable to make the choice fall on comfortable and certified masks, produced in controlled environments and therefore compliant with current regulations.
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