A medical mask is a simple but effective way to protect yourself from airborne viruses and infections. In the conditions of quarantine, all Ukrainians are strongly recommended to purchase a mask to reduce the chain of infections. But before you buy a respiratory remedy, you need to study its varieties, since certain masks are not suitable for everyone. How to choose a means of protection and use it correctly-instructs Pilo4ki.com

Mask and its purpose


The medical mask protects the respiratory tract from infection by creating a barrier against direct transmission of viral microparticles. The product is attached to the ears with elastic bands or ropes and covers the nose and mouth. Until recently, masks were made of gauze, but modern products are made of synthetic nonwovens.


Medical masks are designed to protect against the following diseases:

  • acute respiratory viral infections;
  • flu;
  • measles;
  • Chickenpox;
  • Rubella;
  • Sore throat;
  • choking cough;
  • tuberculosis.

 The effectiveness of the protection


According to the recommendations of the world health organization, medical masks should be used in the spread of a pandemic of influenza and respiratory diseases with severe consequences. However, the effect of its protection is justified only in the initial stages of use. As a result of laboratory studies, it was found that respiratory products can prevent infections in public places. They should be used primarily by people with cold symptoms to prevent the spread of the virus.

Types of masks


All personal protective equipment is divided into two large groups: disposable and reusable. If the former are used once and immediately removed, the latter require prolonged wear for several months. Therefore, reusable masks have a low penetration rate and a higher cost.
Both types are used not only for personal purposes, but also in health care institutions, beauty salons, in production and in the threat of anthropogenic factors. In this respect, their extensive classification is distinguished.


Disposable masks


This type is used in medicine, cosmetology and in everyday life. The maximum duration of wearing such a mask is no more than 2 hours, after which it should be replaced with a new one. Traditionally, it consists of an outer layer and a filter layer. In addition, a hydrophobic layer or foil can be used to protect the lenses from fogging. There are products with a flexible aluminum plate for a tight fit to the shape of the nose.


According to the degree of filtration, disposable ones are divided into:

  • two layers: daily masks with a degree of protection up to 98%;
  • three layers - for everyday use, with a filter in the center;
  • four layers - surgical products with protection against penetration of liquids.

What materials are produced from:

  • Cotton-with cotton filters;
  • spunbond-have high breathability;
  • from meltblown - with an internal filter layer;
  • homemade - homemade (gauze, cotton, linen).

 Depending on the availability of additional equipment:

 

  • with valve-adjustable humidity output;
  • without a valve-the fabric has heat-absorbing properties.

Reusable masks


In addition to the activities described, there are reusable masks that are more convenient to wear and maintain. They can be washed at high temperatures after each use without affecting the protective effect.


The so-called pitt mask is a tight-fitting polyurethane foam filter. It belongs to reusable types and contains up to 90% of pathogenic microparticles. This mask can be washed and used after drying, but not longer than 2 months.

The cost is much higher than with a one-time option. Available in white and black (with activated carbon filter).
Reusable fabric masks are regularly washed and heat treated. Such a product retains about 90% of the smallest particles and various mixtures of droplets in the air.

 

Respirators

Respirators are enhanced personal protective equipment for the respiratory system. They are equipped with a drain valve and a nose clip. The filter of a respirator consists of a large number of thin fibers through which the air changes direction when passing.
These products differ in their class of filters, there are 6 in total. in order to combat the spread of coronavirus, who recommends the use of FFP 2 filters. They belong to the second level of filtering action and are able to retain up to 94% of harmful particles.