Different types of face masks

Statewide Project

16/10/2021

Face Masks

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT FACE MASKS

If you’re a Victorian Resident, you will by now be aware that it’s mandatory to wear face masks in Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, and we’re sure that you are currently seeing many people out in public wearing a variety of different types of face masks. On Wednesday, you would have undoubtedly hurried out to get your hands on any masks you could find, but are you aware of the protection each type of face mask is offering you? We’d like to help ‘clear the air’, as they say, by de-mystifing any confusion you may have around the different face masks that you can get your hands on!

N95/P2 Face Masks:

Protection Rating:
Filtration: Achieves a minimum 95% filtration against both large and small airborne particles.
Testing & Approvals: Evaluated, tested and approved by NIOSH and designed to US standards. TGA registered.
Intended Use & Purpose: Reduces wearer’s exposure to particles including small particle aerosols and large droplets (only non-oil aerosols).
Reusability: Based on manufacturers’ instructions, N95 masks should be discarded after each use and may be safe for use up to 8 hours. It should also be discarded when it becomes damaged or deformed; no longer forms an effective seal to the face; becomes wet or visibly dirty; breathing becomes difficult; or if it becomes contaminated with blood, respiratory or nasal secretions, or other bodily fluids.
Face Mask Fit Recommendation: Fit according to manufacturer’s instructions, forming a tight seal around the nose and mouth.
Leakage: When properly fitted and donned, minimal leakage occurs around edges of the respirator when user inhales.

Please make sure to regularly change your face masks based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. When available, always choose a mask with a proper protection rating as well as approvals from relevant authorities.

Jason Zhao

KN95 Face Masks:

Protection Rating:
Filtration: Achieves a minimum 95% filtration against both large and small airborne particles.
Testing & Approvals: Evaluated and tested to Chinese standards. TGA Registered.
Intended Use & Purpose: Reduces wearer’s exposure to particles including small particle aerosols and large droplets (only non-oil aerosols).
Reusability: Based on manufacturers’ instructions, KN95 masks should be discarded after each use and may be safe for use up to 8 hours. It should also be discarded when it becomes damaged or deformed; no longer forms an effective seal to the face; becomes wet or visibly dirty; breathing becomes difficult; or if it becomes contaminated with blood, respiratory or nasal secretions, or other bodily fluids.
Face Mask Fit Recommendation: Fit according to manufacturer’s instructions, forming a tight seal around the nose and mouth.
Leakage: When properly fitted and donned, minimal leakage occurs around edges of the respirator when user inhales.

Surgical/Disposable Face Masks:

Protection Rating:
Filtration: Blocks large particle droplets or sprays that may occur. Does not provide complete protection from germs and other small particle contaminants.
Testing & Approvals: TGA Registered. Non-surgical disposable is not regulated by TGA.
Intended Use & Purpose: Fluid resistant and provides the wearer protection against large droplets, splashes, or sprays of bodily or other hazardous fluids. Protects others from the wearer’s respiratory emissions.
Reusability: Should be changed every 4-5 hours, as efficacy can decrease after a 4-hour wear time.
Face Mask Fit Recommendation: Loose fitting, but covering nose and mouth areas.
Leakage: Leakage occurs around the edge of the mask when user inhales.

Cloth Face Masks:

Protection Rating:
Filtration: The DHHS advises that only cloth masks made of three layers of breathable fabrics provide adequate protection.
Testing & Approvals: Approved by DHHS for community use.
Intended Use & Purpose: A cloth mask made of three layers may provide adequate protection against larger particles and droplets. Make sure outer layer is made from water resistant fabric (polyester) and the inner layer from water absorbing fabric (cotton).
Reusability: Depending on the mask type, you will need to either dispose of, or wash your mask each day after use. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Face Mask Fit Recommendation: Securely fitted around the face, specifically covering the nose and mouth. The mask should fit snugly on your face and be secured by ties at the back of your head or ear loops.
Leakage: Leakage occurs around the edge of the mask when user inhales.

Reference:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/UnderstandDifferenceInfographic-508.pdf

https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1517-83822006000300003

https://www.tga.gov.au/advice-surgical-masks-and-gowns-during-covid-19

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Face Masks

Gavin Myers

Gavin is a commercial cleaning specialist here at Statewide. He also manages all social media as well as website content.