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Types of Face Coverings to Prevent Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Archana Das is a research enthusiast. She likes to write about trendy topics and put her thoughts on them.

The United States CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), WHO (World Health Organization), and public health officials have been advised wearing face coverings to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. A coronavirus is a group of RNA viruses that cause diseases in birds and mammals. In birds and humans, they cause respiratory tract infections to range from mild to lethal illnesses such as common cold, headache, fever, etc. It has been one of the biggest medical problems in entire world history. The counties are doing everything to combat the spread of this virus. Every day people are affected by its symptoms and are finding positive. Therefore, medical professionals have recommended taking care of hygiene, washing hands regularly, sanitizing, and wearing face masks to prevent its virus.

Different Types of Face Masks

People are now wearing different types of face masks to prevent COVID-19 symptoms. In many cases, face-covering helps minimize the effects of droplet spread from sneezes, coughs, and conversation.

1. Cloth Face Mask

This face mask is recommending for public use in this coronavirus crisis. It is a standard, everyday use face mask. You can wear it while going out buying groceries or any other open public place.

2. Bandana

A bandana is a square piece of cloth (cotton, etc.) that works as a neck or head covering. Wearing it over your nose and mouth helps you keep dust, pollution, and other particles from the respiratory system. This cloth mask called Bandana offers some protection against this universal medical dread. Generally, droplets can spread more than eight feet, as per the research from Florida Atlantic University. Tying it over your mouth can help you reduce about four feet.

3. Disposable surgical masks

Surgical masks are thin, flat, and paper-like, usually come in white and light blue color. As per the 2013 study in Aerosol Science and Technology, surgical face masks can filter out 60% of smaller, inhaled particles, which was published. It can also help to stop droplets, splatters, and sprays spread. It decreases the fear of getting affected. The study has also shown that wearing masks in public spaces can reduce the spread of respiratory infection. However, surgical masks are made to use more than once, and you are suggesting disposing of them after use.

4. Cone-style masks

The cone-style masks are molded masks produced to cover the mouth and nose; usually, there is a metal strip at the top to fit it at the bridge of the nose. According to the study by Arizona State University professions and researchers, cone-style face masks don’t work better at containing droplets and spray than cloth face coverings made of cotton.

5. N95 Face Respirators

N95 face respirators provide the most protection against coronavirus and other respiratory diseases. The mask filters out about 95% of particles from the air that you breathe in. However, wearing cotton and disposable masks are helpful to protect others around you from your own respiratory droplets and spray. Additionally, cloth and disposable masks also filter particles, states the CDC, and offers personal protection.

Filtering Face Piece Respirator

This respirator is like a surgical mask, also disposable. It doesn’t stop the spread of airborne illnesses, but it is used to reduce exposure to particles that come from animal dander, pollen, and wood dust. If a person has allergy problems can use this during the pandemic.

Full-Length Face Shield

A full-length face shield mask is a plastic version of the glass. You must have seen it being worn by welders. It covers your entire face from forehead to chin and secures with a cushioned headband. Generally, it isn’t ideal during pandemic crises as it’s tough to breathe.

KN95 Respirator

This mask is similar to the N95. It can capture 95% of small particles in the air. But, the difference is that N95 masks can filter larger particles.

However, N95 masks are reserved for healthcare providers. The CDC does not recommend the public to use it. They consider if you have any N95 respirators, then donate them to your local hospitals.

Apart from these all masks, N99 respirators are effective, filters 99%, N95 filters 95% and partially resistant to oil, N100 filters 99.97%, P95, P99, and P100 respirator filters 95%, 99%, 99.97% respectively.


© 2021 Archana Das


Archana Das (author) from New Delhi, India on January 12, 2021:

Thank you so much Brenda that you find my article helpful and interesting.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on January 12, 2021:

I was advised by doctors to use the N95 masks, but we cannot get them.

They are marked for hospital use and no company keeps them in stock or available for order.

It's a shame really. Since many people would benefit from them when they already have an illness.

Interesting article.

Umesh Chandra Bhatt from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India on January 12, 2021:

Nice information. Thanks.

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