Written by Divya Kumari
Edited by Himanshi Shivani
As currently, we’re still struggling with the pandemic of COVID-19, the need to wear a mask for protection has become essential. The CDC and the WHO have now declared masks as a primary safety measure (alongside handwashing and social distancing). However, with scant research and very little explaining, people are still confused about the types of masks and their effectiveness.
N95 masks, surgical masks, and cloth masks are examples of personal protective equipment that are used to safeguard the wearer from airborne particles and other contaminating the face.
A surgical mask, also known as a medical mask, is a loose-fitting, disposable device that generates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the instant environment.
Cloth masks are not tested nor are they FDA approved. These masks simply act as a substitute for masks like N95, surgical masks, etc. Masks like N95 and surgical masks are intended firstly for healthcare staff and first responders since there is a shortage of these masks.
But from three of these masks, a cloth mask is the best option. The homemade cloth masks actually attained better protection (79 percent) than surgical masks (62 percent to 65 percent) in a peer-reviewed study that is conducted at the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine. In the study, the best cloth masks were designed for heavyweight quilter’s cotton with a thread count of 180 or more. Masks with an even thicker thread, tightly woven like a batik, and double-layer masks with a basic cotton outer and flannel inner also proved effective.
The CDC also recommends that members of the public use simple cloth face coverings when in a public setting to slow the spread of the virus since this will help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
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