There are numerous types of masks available in the market, but the question is which one should you buy? We’ll be discussing 5 of the most common masks which are the N95, the KN95, surgical masks, the FFP1 masks and the cloth masks. We’ve got the lowdown for you on what the difference between each mask is and which mask would be right for you.
Facemasks protect the wearer by capturing and blocking virus and numerous other particles. The efficiency of the mask is based on the percentage of the virus particles that are captured by the mask (particles of size 0.3 microns). The higher the percentage the more efficient the mask will be and the better the protection it would offer. Out of the 5 masks (N95, KN95, Surgical masks, FFP1 and cloth masks) the N95 and KN95 are the most efficient. The N95 and KN95 both are rated to capture 95% of the virus particles. Both these masks have a tight fitting and so along with capturing 95% of the virus particles they offer 100% percent protection from bacterial, dust and pollen. Next come the Surgical and the FFP1 masks. Both these masks are again very effective and capture 95% of the virus particles. However because of their loose and relaxed fitting they don’t offer the same level of protection against the airborne particles and keep out and 80 % of bacterial, dust and pollen. Last come the cloth facemasks. Cloth masks are the least efficient masks out of the lot. Because they are made of a simple single layer of cloth they block 0% virus particles. They also provide very little (5%) protection from bacterial, dust and pollen. A second anti-bacterial layer, thicker cloth or enhanced masks with carbon layers may increase a cloth masks’ efficiency but it would do so very minutely.
The costs of all these facemasks are quite variable. Out of all of them The N95 is the most expensive and costs about $6.50 apiece. Next is the KN95. The KN95 costs about $5.49 per piece. The surgical masks and FFP1 have a similar pricing and cost around $1.49 and $1.60 respectively. Last come the cloth facemasks and have a starting price of around $1.50 (singe layered) and go up to around $4 (multi-layered).
Of all the 5 facemasks the cloth facemasks are the most cost efficient as they have an unlimited life. These masks can be washed and reused again and again whereas the rest of the masks are made for single-use (have to be discarded after a single usage) and may compromise their efficiency because of the prolonged usage. (In case of shortage of masks, the N95 and the KN95 may be reused 1-2 times that too only if the mask shows no sign of damage).
When it comes to comfort and looks the cloth facemasks leads every other type of mask. The cloth facemasks are lightweight, nicely fitted and breathable which make them extremely comfortable. Anyone can easily wear them for long periods of time without any hassle or discomfort. Along with being comfortable, cloth facemasks also look amazing. They are available in a variety of colors, styles and designs and simply look amazing. Next on the comfort and look scale are surgical masks. Surgical masks are lightweight and loose which makes them quite comfortable. Surgical masks normally available in two colors (green or blue), but again because of the loose fitting don’t look very appealing.
FFP1 masks come in next. These masks are made of polypropylene. Polypropylene is actually a thermoplastic polymer. To make the masks the polymer is woven and is given that shape and form. Although it makes it an efficient filter it does make them quite uncomfortable. FFP1s are difficult to be worn over a long period of time. They are usually available in only one color (white) and are not appealing at all and fail in the looks department as well.
The bottom two masks in the comfort and looks department are the N95 and the KN95. Both these masks are again made of polypropylene, which means that these masks are pretty hard and have an extremely tight fitting. Both these masks are hard and are very uncomfortable to wear. Appearance vise they look pretty awful. They are commonly available in one color (white). You might find them bearable but I find them really bad because to me they look like a protective cup being worn on the face.
Here are the different places where the use of specific masks are recommended by the CDC (Center of Disease Control) and the WHO (World Health Organization).
Surgical Masks and FFP1 Masks offer a lot more protection than the cloth masks and so should be worn at indoor settings that have a mild risk of infecting an individual. People should use surgical and FFP1 masks in offices, indoor settings, bad ventilated spaces because of their cost and its efficiency.
The N95 and the KN95 are the heavy machinery when it comes to facemasks. These masks offer very high protection, they are expensive and there is a global shortage of these masks which is why these masks should only be used by the first-responders, healthcare workers and others who have to be present in settings that have a high risk transmitting the virus. Apart from them people who know that they are infected should also wear the N95 and KN95 facemasks so that they do not infect others.
In this current time because of the coronavirus pandemic most of the businesses are suffering. Small businesses and daily wagers are the ones suffering the most. In the midst of all this havoc there is a silver lining. Small businesses can use this horrid time to their benefit. Businesses can forever etch themselves in the brain of their consumers. You as a business owner can form and strengthen the already established bond between your current customers and also expand your reach and get introduce yourself to a larger chunk of the audience, very effectively. You can nail an amazing first impression and forever be remembered in a good way by the people. You’ll be building a strong base for your business and when things settle down you’ll have a lot of customers just waiting to do business with you. You can achieve all this and more by simply providing people with customized face masks. Simply purchase cloth face-masks and customize them with your business’s or brand’s logo. Distribute or gift them out them out. These masks will work as the perfect promotional product in the current situation and will market you and your business while offering protection to the wearer. Use this time productively. Think positively and be smart. Invest towards custom facemasks and make your business prosper.
