Surgical Mask or N95 for Coronavirus

These two masks had been more in the limelight and more scrutiny since the coronavirus outbreak.  A lot had been said about these two masks.

Which one really works best for coronavirus? If they do both work against the coronavirus, how do they differ in features and functions?

A surgical masks had been there time immemorial.  They really work because they’ve been protecting mankind since way back. It’s one of the best if not the best to protect yourself and others against respiratory viruses. 

It also a means of protection to protect the airways. The best surgical mask should have at least 3 plies of layers or up to be able to block the infected air. It should also fit tightly to keep out germs, and small airborne particles to get through.

If you do choose to wear a mask, make sure it fits properly by covering your nose, mouth, and chin. Surgical masks, in general, are discarded after each use.

Surgical masks are not NIOSH approved but has ASTM classification on them. They are not designed to pass a fit test and their purpose is to help protect the environment and other nearby persons from the wearer's contaminants.

Watch out that there will be no gaps that allow small particles to enter through the sides of the mask.

On the other hand, if you do choose to wear an N95 mask, make sure it fits properly by covering your nose, mouth, and chin. These masks are designed to fit tightly around the nose and mouth and need to be worn correctly and they can block at least 95 percent of small airborne particles.

N95 masks might be more uncomfortable to wear but it’s protection that works. You can choose one that comes in with a valve for better air-flow.

It should fit you securely at all times and must be adjusted to your face to provide the intended effectiveness of filtering 95 percent of particles with a mass median diameter of 0.3 micrometers. An N95 mask should be NIOSH certified.

In the middle of this global issue like the coronavirus, it’s important to remain calm and educate yourself with the facts of the situation. 

Be updated with the health reports and be abreast of the latest reports in your country and around the world. 

Now is not the time for panic. It’s time to monitor the situation closely and choose the mask that will serve you best and give the best protection you deserve.