The use of face masks has become a hot topic since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the increased risk of transmission of the virus, many people have turned to wearing face masks as a means of protection. However, the debate on the effectiveness of face masks, their level of protection, and the best types of face masks to use, still rages on. This article will examine how medical research supports the use of reusable face masks during a pandemic and provide information on some of the best antiviral face masks available on the market.
The Effectiveness of Face Masks
The primary function of face masks is to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets from the wearer. Respiratory droplets are produced when a person talks, coughs, or sneezes, and can contain viruses such as COVID-19. Wearing a face mask can help to reduce the spread of these droplets and prevent the transmission of the virus.
Medical research has shown that face masks can be effective in reducing the transmission of respiratory infections. According to a study published in The Lancet Digital Health, face masks were effective in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses during the 2003 SARS outbreak. The study found that the use of face masks was associated with a 68% reduction in the risk of SARS transmission.
Another study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that face masks were effective in reducing the spread of influenza virus in a hospital setting. The study found that the use of surgical masks by healthcare workers reduced the risk of transmission of influenza virus by 80%.
Types of Face Masks
There are different types of face masks available on the market, each with different levels of protection. The most common types of face masks include surgical masks, N95 masks, and reusable face masks.
Surgical Masks
Surgical masks are disposable masks that are designed to be worn by healthcare professionals during surgical procedures. They are also used by the general public to help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets. Surgical masks are made of multiple layers of material and are designed to provide a barrier against respiratory droplets. However, they are not designed to provide a tight seal around the face, and therefore, they do not provide as much protection as other types of masks.
N95 Masks
N95 masks are a type of respirator that provides a higher level of protection than surgical masks. They are designed to fit tightly around the face and provide a seal that prevents respiratory droplets from entering the mask. N95 masks are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including large respiratory droplets and small aerosols. However, they are not recommended for the general public as they are in short supply and should be reserved for healthcare workers and other frontline workers.
Reusable Face Masks
Reusable face masks are a more sustainable and cost-effective option compared to disposable surgical masks. They are made of washable material and can be worn multiple times. There are different types of reusable face masks available on the market, including cloth masks and masks with replaceable filters.
Cloth masks are made of multiple layers of fabric and are designed to provide a barrier against respiratory droplets. They are often made of cotton and are designed to be comfortable to wear. While cloth masks may not provide as much protection as N95 masks, they are effective in reducing the spread of respiratory droplets.
The Best Antiviral Face Masks
- Copper Compression Face Mask: The Copper Compression Face Mask is a reusable cloth mask that is infused with copper ions. The copper ions are effective at neutralizing viruses on contact, providing an added layer of protection. The mask is washable and reusable, making it a more sustainable option.
- Atoms Everyday Mask: The Atoms Everyday Mask is a reusable cloth mask that is designed to be comfortable and breathable. It is made from a blend of polyester, nylon, and spandex, and features a multi-layer design for added protection. The mask is available in a variety of colors and sizes.
- ViroMasks: ViroMasks is a reusable cloth mask that features a Multi-layered masks offers an additional protection over regular fabric, surgical or fashion masks. The two kill layers and a trap layer has a neutralization rate of over 99.5%.
