Your Guide to Masks 2021

1、What are the types of masks?

There are many kinds of masks, and at present, we have three main types of typical masks: medical-surgical masks, medical protective masks (N95 masks), and ordinary cotton gauze masks.

▶ Medical-surgical masks generally have three layers, from outside to inside are waterproof layer, filter layer, comfort layer, comfort layer is a layer of gauze, when wearing white gauze facing inward, blue waterproof layer facing outward, the side with metal piece facing upward, do not wear the opposite, rubber band hanging on both ears after pinching the metal piece and nose fit, smoothing both cheeks, so that the gap between the mask and the face is not left as much as possible, medical-surgical masks can block 70% of pathogenic bacteria.

▶ Medical protective masks (N95 masks) commonly used N95 shows are actually divided into two kinds, one is an anti-biological mask (blue-green), model 1860 or 9132; one is a dust mask (white), model 8210. people should choose anti-biological medical protective covers when buying; 95 masks can block 95% of pathogenic bacteria.

▶ Cotton gauze type masks material may be cotton, gauze, wool, canvas, velvet, etc. Because the material itself is not dense enough, it can only block 36% of the pathogenic bacteria.

Ranking the masks from strongest to weakest germ-blocking ability, the most effective N95 covers are preferred.

The above four masks are ranked from healthy to weak in terms of their ability to block germs. The most effective is the first category (N95/KN95/medical protection) mask, which has a filtration efficiency of ≥95% for non-oily particles. However, first-line medical personnel is the only ones who are likely to encounter splashes of body fluids, or very high environmental concentrations, before the first category masks must be used. Daily protection, the use of medical surgical masks that meet the standard is also sufficient. The key to wearing a mask is to fit closely with the face and not to leak air.

For self-protection and reducing the risk of respiratory infection, the first two types of masks (medical-surgical masks and N95 masks) can be worn.

If you go to a general open-air public place and do not have close contact with respiratory patients, wearing a medical-surgical mask is sufficient. There is no need for excessive protection. However, if you contact patients suspected of having respiratory infections, you need to wear an anti-biological N95 mask to provide adequate protection.

2、When you should wear a mask

▶ A mask should be worn when visiting a hospital or a patient, especially when visiting a hospital fever clinic or respiratory unit.

▶ During the high season of respiratory infectious diseases, wearing a mask is recommended when going to crowded places such as supermarkets, shopping malls, and theaters.

▶ To prevent spreading the disease to others, a mask should be worn promptly when symptoms of respiratory conditions such as fever, cough, and runny nose.

▶ During the new coronary epidemic, wearing a mask is recommended in crowded places such as work areas, elevators, and conference rooms.

3、The correct way to wear a mask

Depending on the type of mask, the wearing method is also divided into head-worn and ear-hung types, and please also remember to wash your hands before wearing!

01-N95 - Headwear

1. Hold the mask with one hand, with the metal side up
2. first, pull the lower lacing over the top of the head and place it under both ears at the back of the neck #9E9E9E==
3. after pulling the upper lacing to the back of the neck above the ears
4. Press the metal nose clip into the shape of the bridge of the nose to make the mask fit the face #607D8B==

02-Medical-surgical mask - ear hanging type

1. put the colored side of the mask outward and the metal side upward. Try not to touch the outside with your hands before touching the inside to avoid bacterial cross-contamination.

2. fasten the rope fixing the mask, or put the rubber band of the cover around the ear so that the show is close to the face.

3. the mask should completely cover the mouth, nose, and chin.

4. press the metal tabs on the mask along the sides of the nose's bridge firmly so that the cover fits snugly on the face.

5. It should not be used for respiratory protection against airborne diseases.

03-How to take off the mask
※ Do not touch the front of the mask (contaminated surface).

※ Untie the lower lacing first, then the upper lacing.

Pinch the mask ties with your fingers and throw them into the medical waste container. Wash your hands after removing the mask.

04-Disposal of masks

What should I do with used masks? Burn them? Cut them up and throw them away?

Used masks in medical institutions should be put directly into medical waste garbage bags.

For people with symptoms such as fever, cough, sputum, sneezing, or people who have been in contact with such people, it is recommended to dispose of the masks in the garbage first and then dispose of them by spreading a 5% disinfectant solution in the ratio of 1:99 on the shows. If a disinfectant is not available, the shows can also be sealed in a Ziploc bag/clothing bag and disposed of in the trash.

For the general public, used masks can be disposed of directly into the dry garbage because of the lower risk.

Precautions for wearing masks

I. Pay attention to the expiration date of medical masks

Once the mask's expiration date is exceeded, the filtration efficiency and protection performance of the filter material will be reduced, and the use of expired medical shows cannot effectively block the infection of viruses and germs. Before using medical masks, be sure to confirm the production date and expiration date.

Be sure to wash your hands before and after wearing a medical mask.

Before wearing the mask, you must wash your hands and avoid touching the mask's inner surface and try to avoid touching the cover during use to prevent it from reducing the protective effect. Try not to touch the outside of the mask when you take off the mask to get bacteria on your hands and be sure to wash your hands after taking it off.

Third, the mask should not be worn for a long time.

To prevent infection, some people may wear a medical mask all day and night, but this will make the nasal mucosa becomes fragile, losing the original physiological function of the nasal cavity, reducing resistance, so in the population density is not high more ventilated places can not wear a mask.

Four, a medical mask, when not in use, folded in a self-sealing bag to save

It is not recommended to take off the mask directly into the pocket or bag, which is easy to cause secondary contamination of the medical mask, must be folded into a clean self-sealing suitcase, and the side that is in contact with the nose mouth will be folded inward.

4、Special people should be careful when wearing protective masks.

One

Pregnant women wearing protective masks should pay attention to their conditions and choose products with better comfort, such as protective masks with exhalation valves to reduce the resistance to exhalation and the feeling of stuffiness. Before wearing, they should consult with a medical professional to confirm that their physical condition is suitable.

Two

The elderly and patients with chronic diseases have different physical conditions, such as cardiopulmonary disease patients wear it; it will cause discomfort and even aggravate the original condition. These people should seek professional guidance from a doctor.

Three

Children are in the growth and development stage, and their faces are small, so it isn't easy to achieve the general mask's effect. It is recommended to choose the children's protective masks produced by regular manufacturers.