Click here to sign in with or

by Thea Van de Mortel, Peta-Anne Zimmerman, The Conversation

Although mask mandates are lifting in some states, many people will continue to wear masks to protect themselves and others from the more transmissible omicron variant.

For instance, they might be visiting a loved one in hospital, traveling on a plane or bus, or still need to wear one at work in hospitality or retail.

Any mask is better than none. However, a type of mask known as a respirator is more effective at preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) than a cloth or surgical mask, provided you use it properly.

Here is a practical guide to getting the most out of your respirator.

Respirators are designed to fit your face closely to help prevent you breathing in airborne particles through the gaps around the edges.

They are made of a plastic with an electrostatic charge that repels viral particles, preventing at least 95% of particles from getting through.

They are made to a specific manufacturing standard. Depending on where they are certified, they may be called N95 (in the U.S.), P2 (Australia or New Zealand), FFP2 (Europe), KF94 (Korea) or KN95 (China).

Some have a cup shape; others look like a duck bill due to the way they stick out.

Who can use a respirator?

Adults can use respirators but the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend them for children. That's because they are not designed for smaller face sizes so may not provide full protection.

Facial hair, unfortunately, interferes with the fit. That's because the edge of the respirator cannot form a tight seal around the face and chin.

If you don't want to remove your beard or mustache, use a surgical mask. Or you can double mask by wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask.

reminder that if you're starting wearing an N95 or similar high-filtration mask that they work significantly better if you remove your beard pic.twitter.com/usuinUuStl— Alan (@akgerber) January 13, 2022

reminder that if you're starting wearing an N95 or similar high-filtration mask that they work significantly better if you remove your beard pic.twitter.com/usuinUuStl

This depends on personal preference and size. Try a few different types to find one that fits well. P2 respirators found in hardware stores are often in larger sizes that suit men. Chemists sell others that might better suit a smaller face.

Look for an adjustable nose piece and straps that go over the back of the head rather than loops that go over the ears. This will ensure a tighter fit.

Do not buy respirators with valves because they do not prevent the release of viral particles into the air.

Avoid a false sense of security when wearing respirators, as they won't have been professionally "fit tested" the way they would be for health workers.

When buying respirators online, look out for counterfeit products. For example, avoid individual respirators with unmarked packaging, or boxes with an FDA logo, as use of the logo to market products is prohibited. The box should include the manufacturer's name and address.

How do I put one on?

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises you:

While respirators are labeled for single use, they can be reused outside health-care settings with care:

Respirators reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 but will not stop it alone. It is essential to stay home if unwell, get fully vaccinated, physically distance where possible, regularly wash or sanitize your hands, and if coughing or sneezing, do so into your elbow. Explore further Time to upgrade from cloth and surgical masks to respirators? Your questions answered Provided by The Conversation

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form. For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines).

Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request

Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.

Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages.

Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Medical Xpress in any form.

Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties.

Daily science news on research developments and the latest scientific innovations

The latest engineering, electronics and technology advances

The most comprehensive sci-tech news coverage on the web

This site uses cookies to assist with navigation, analyse your use of our services, collect data for ads personalisation and provide content from third parties. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.