The difference between ordinary masks, surgical masks and N95 masks

The difference between ordinary masks, surgical masks and N95 masks

①Mask

Ordinary face masks, also called face shields, are loose-fitting, disposable devices that create a physical barrier around the wearer's mouth and nose con el fin de prevent from potential pollutants in the surrounding environment. Different masks have different uses, different thicknesses, different protective effects on people, and different degrees of wearing comfort.

Common cotton masks and sponge masks are very simple in composition, pressed from different fibers, and have limited protection. Surgical masks are mostly self-priming filter masks, and their working principle is to let the air containing harmful substances pass through the filter material of the mask. Filtered before being inhaled or exhaled.

Mention surgical masks here. A standard surgical mask is divided into 3 layers: the outer layer is a water-blocking layer to prevent liquid splashes, the middle layer is a filter layer, which can block 90% of 5 micron particles, and the inner layer is used to absorb liquid and moisture released by the wearer. Surgical masks are suitable for basic protection of medical personnel or related personnel.

When worn properly, surgical masks can block droplets, sprays or splashes of large particles containing viruses and bacteria from entering the mouth and nose. It also helps to reduce your own saliva and respiratory secretions from splashing on others, thereby preventing infection of others. Surgical masks, however, are not designed to filter or block very small (less than 5 micron) airborne particles that may be spread by coughing, sneezing or certain medical procedures. Surgical masks cannot fully protect bacteria, viruses and other pollutants from entering the wearer's mouth and nose because they are loose and not tight.

In short, ordinary masks have no filter material; surgical masks have filter material, but they cannot filter very small (<5 micron) particles.

②N95 mask

The N95 mask is actually a respirator. A respirator is a kind of respiratory protection equipment. Compared with ordinary masks, it is designed to fit the face more closely and can filter particles in the air very effectively. Among them, N means Not resistant to oil, which can be used to protect non-oily suspended particles; 95 means that the filtration efficiency is greater than or equal to 95%, indicating that after careful testing, this respirator can block at least 95% of very small particles (0.3 Micron level) test particles.

If worn correctly, the filtering ability of N95 is better than the ordinary masks and medical masks mentioned above. However, even when worn in full compliance, the risk of contracting illness or death cannot be 100% eliminated.

To be effective, we need to choose an N95 mask that fits our face shape, check whether it fits before use, put on the respirator and adjust the rubber band so that the respirator fits the face tightly without feeling uncomfortable. It is advisable to read the instructions carefully to see what different manufacturers suggest for a "good fit".