Respiratory droplets are the primary mode of transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Inhalation of respiratory droplets occurs when someone sneezes, coughs, speaks, yells, or sings. Face masks, which became a necessity due to this virus, act as a critical barrier to the spread of respiratory droplets. Masks have been demonstrated to reduce the volume of sprayed droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. You can buy face masks of various brands from online stores. 

What Are the Different Masks’ Mechanisms of Action?

Masks Used In A Medical Setting

These surgical masks, or disposable masks, are loose-fitting and disposable. Wearing a medical mask removes large particles from the air that the wearer inhales. Medical masks can be made more comfortable and form-fitting by knotting the ear loops together. As the last step, fold and tuck away any excess fabric.

P2 Mask

Essentially, a P2 mask is a breathing apparatus that shields the wearer from the elements. It filters out both large and small particles when the user inhales via the mouthpiece and provides more excellent protection than a medical mask.

The filtration rate of P2 mast is 94%. P2 masks can also be worn for protection against particles generated by mechanical and thermal processes, such as grinding, sanding, drilling, mining, etc. 

Cloth-based Masks

Cloth-based masks can capture tiny droplets of respiratory secretion during coughing, sneezing or conversing. It also prevents the user from inhaling droplets emitted by other people. Many layers of tightly-woven fabric, such as cotton, make the most effective cloth masks. The more layers you have on your mask, the fewer droplets will be able to pass through or escape.

Using a Face Mask to Its Full Potential

It is possible to improve the effectiveness of cloth and medical masks by tailoring them to the contours of your face to avoid air leakage around the edges of the masks when you buy face masks. There should be no openings or gaps in the mask worn over the nose, mouth, and chin. Your exhalation should cause warm air to stream into your mask’s upper part. Under no circumstances should you be able to detect any air escaping from the mask’s edges.

When it comes to stopping air from seeping out of the top of the face mask, flexible nose strips are better than rigid ones. Certain Australians use disposable masks to maintain their breathing more accessible. The fabric mask should be pushed against the disposable mask’s corners to prevent sliding off throughout this procedure. Don’t add layers if they make it difficult to breathe or impede your ability to see well. How you use and preserve your mask affects its ability to protect you. Putting on and removing your mask is as simple as the steps shown below:

• Before applying your mask, be sure to wash or sterilise your hands thoroughly.
• Put on your mask and breathe normally. The mask should not be touched.
• Use ear loops to keep it in place, or tie it behind your head. Verify if it is a good match.
• Please keep your hands away from your mask while it is on.
• As soon as you touch your face mask, wash or sterilise yourself.
• Replace your mask if it becomes soiled or damp; otherwise, throw it away and get a new one. Until you have time to dispose of or clean the mask, lock it in a bag.
• Be careful not to touch the mask’s front or your skin when removing it.
• Keep washcloth masks in your arsenal if you wash them regularly. They can be washed in the same way as your regular laundry.
• Be cautious about washing your hands after removing your mask quickly.