Chinstraps, masks or face masks have become an emblem in the fight against the coronavirus. In most countries of the world, it is an obligation to use these implements to stop the spread of this disease. And that is why it is important to know what are the safest and most effective face masks or chinstraps of all?
Keeping in mind what type of face mask to use is not something so simple, since some are capable of offering more protection than others. There are even covid masks that should be used exclusively by health professionals. Therefore, you always have to be informed in this situation.
How do chinstraps work depending on the type?
Surgical masks
Among the safest chinstraps, medical masks are disposable and those that are not as tight. Its main purpose is to protect the wearer from small droplets and aerosols that may contain germs. Likewise, it is in charge of filtering large air particles, at the moment that the person wearing the chinstrap inhales.
For this face mask to hold much better, it is necessary to tie a knot in the elastics that will be placed around the ears. Then you just have to fold the material that is not needed and place it under the edge.
When talking about the most effective face masks, you have to know that surgical masks filter up to 80 percent of small particles. If used properly, it can work very well in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Trapping the small droplets that people expel when sneezing or coughing.
Masks are often made with layers of synthetic fabric. Very similar to paper, cut into a rectangular shape and has creases to allow it to expand. Offering a better fit to the face of the wearer. Although they are quite effective against larger particles, they will not be as effective against smaller particles.
N95 masks
This is considered one of the most effective face masks, also considered a type of respirator. Unlike medical masks, the N95 mask offers much more protection. This is because it is responsible for filtering not only large particles, it also filters small particles at the time of use.
Because these masks are in short supply, the CDC indicates that they should be used exclusively by health professionals and caregivers. These professionals have to train and go through laborious exams. That will serve to determine that the N95 mask is well sealed before being used.
As with surgical masks, the N95 has to be disposable. However, providers are trying different ways to disinfect them and they can be used again. There are face masks of this type and some that are made of cloth, which have valves that allow people to breathe much better. Unfortunately these masks do not filter the air that the person exhales when wearing it.
In other words, they are masks that are designed to be used only once. They are made of polyester as well as other synthetic fibers. It has layers of tangled fibers that work as a filter, in order to make it more difficult for small particles to pass through.
It is necessary to ensure that there are no empty spaces between the edges of the mask and the skin. It also includes a fairly flexible piece that molds to the nose and offers greater comfort for the face.
Homemade or cloth face masks
Although the safest masks are N95 and surgical masks, due to the scarcity of these, there are people who have decided to make their own masks. Or they also prefer to buy one that is homemade. Depending on the type of fabric used and the process used to make them, cloth face coverings are as protective as a surgical mask.
Therefore, it can be said that cloth masks are among the safest masks, when compared to any other kind of face covering. So wearing cloth masks could be better than nothing. For a more effective mask to be made of cloth, it is necessary that the material has the appropriate density to capture viral particles. Without forgetting that it should allow the person to breathe without any difficulty.
Materials such as t-shirts, which contain a high amount of cotton, can be used. Although certain rags or flannels can also be used to make this type of chinstrap. As long as the material contains a large number of threads, it will offer greater protection against the virus particles in question. Making them is very simple and on the internet it is possible to find various videos that show their manufacturing process.
Homemade face mask with filter
Other of the safest chinstraps that can be used are those made of cloth that contain a filter. This is another type of homemade mask made with cotton materials, but with a sewn-in pocket to insert a filter. A coffee filter is usually used, but a paper towel can also work.
There are experiments that were able to show that two layers of paper by themselves are capable of blocking up to 33% of microparticles. There are even people who have experimented with other materials such as air filters or vacuum cleaner bags. Although the latter are quite effective, they present certain health risks. Some are not made from breathable materials, and may contain fibers that are highly damaging.
Similarly, a person does not require the level of filtration that materials like these can offer. Regardless of the type of filter chosen to make a mask more effective, there needs to be a layer of cotton fabric.
Does the mask fit well when worn?
Although the safest masks are very effective, it is also important that they are correctly placed. Having the correct fit is essential to avoid gaps between the skin and the mask. In this way, when breathing the aerosols they will not escape through any orifice, such as one that is near the nose.
This is something known as leakage, and for greater protection it is necessary to avoid it. And research has shown that leakage is what makes a mask less effective. There are many profiles and facial features. So a chinstrap could fit much better on one face than others, and probably leave some gaps depending on the case.
Even if the wire that holds the chinstrap at the level of the nose is pressed well, it is possible that it will move. Causing some gaps to appear, especially when speaking. Leaving some free parts on the cheeks or on the jaw bone.
It means then, that one of the most essential things is to check how tight the covid mask is on the face. If at any time the air escapes from the sides or from the top of the mask, it will be necessary to buy one that adapts much better to the face. For better comfort and better protection against coronavirus.
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How is the filtering of the particles in the face mask?
For a mask to be considered one of the safest chinstraps, it must have a good filtering capacity. According to what was mentioned in the previous point, leaks will depend on the ability of a mask to filter infectious agents, droplets and also aerosols. While at the same time allowing the user to breathe properly.
This filtering capacity in a covid mask is determined by establishing the degree to which droplets and aerosols penetrate through it. These protection mechanisms work by regulating the flow of air through the fabric. Decreasing the amount of particles that pass in both directions. As mentioned, various kinds of fabrics, nanofibers, and polymers are used to make face masks more effectively.
The effectiveness of the safest chinstrap fabrics has shown that the most appropriate are those with more layers of cotton or polyester. In such a way that it is important to pay close attention to the fabric with which the mask that you want to buy is made.
Is the chinstrap used comfortable?
Not only is breathability a factor of great importance in the safest chinstraps, but so is comfort. Since together, they are essential aspects that encourage the use of chinstraps in the most appropriate way.
There are reports suggesting that when wearing masks, people may experience headaches. And not only that, they could also cause itchy faces and difficulty breathing. Since it will be compromised by the increase in temperature of both the air and the skin.
If masks worn daily are thought to be uncomfortable, there is a good chance they are not worn correctly. Thing that could contribute to the spread of the current knowledge of coronavirus. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure that the mask does not cause any kind of discomfort. Since in this way, the user is prevented from removing the mask with some frequency, thus undermining the effort made to protect themselves from the virus in question.
How to find the most appropriate mask?
To be sure that the mask that is used is the one that will really prevent the transmission of the virus, there are some tips that can be applied. But there are also companies that have worked hard to design masks that are more effective. Thus evaluating the filtration of the tissues and establishing awareness in people about the importance of the key elements mentioned above.
A mask will be efficient only if it is placed in the most appropriate way. It should fit comfortably from the top of your nose, all the way down to the bottom of your chin. Avoiding of course that there are some spaces where the air can filter.
Keep in mind that face masks that have a band located above the nose will help prevent air from escaping through the upper edge. Similarly, those who have chosen to place a disposable mask under a cloth mask. And if this is the case, the cloth mask must correctly press the edges of the disposable chinstrap. It is necessary to avoid adding layers of fabric if it cannot breathe properly.
All the time you are away from home, you must wear a mask. No need to move it up or down. Although none of the masks that have been described is one hundred percent effective, they will serve to protect the user. As well as they will serve to protect the…