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The Best Face Masks for Virus Protection to Prevent Infection

Fact checked by Andrew Carnegie

​As a reminder, for accurate information about COVID-19, you need to check CDC website!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.

The right way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions, such as hand washing, to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.

The infamous virus is fast spreading all over the world right now and it is understandable why so many people are afraid of it. Most of those who do not want to contract the virus are looking for the best face mask for virus protection.

Tens of thousands of people all over the world have been infected by the deadly virus that originated from the province of Wuhan in Mainland China. The main way for this virus to be transmitted is through the saliva when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Anybody within six feet is susceptible to the virus.

best face mask for virus protection

If another person inhales the water droplets that carry the virus, he will most likely contract the disease. The question now is how to not get a virus? Aside from practicing good personal hygiene (keeping your hands clean most of all), the right way to prevent the spread of the virus is by wearing a face mask.

You need to pick a mask that can filter the virus particles. However, many people still ask “can wearing a face mask protect you from the new virus?”. The answer is yes but it is still important to look for and wear the right one.

Not all face masks can protect you from viruses and because the virus is still spreading, knowing which ones are effective is of the utmost importance. The following article will teach you all of the things that you need to know about the right kinds of face masks and why face masks are good preventative measures against the virus.

You may also want to check out the following face masks recommended in this article.

mask-to-prevent-infection

Top 1

WWDOLL KN95 (PM2.5)

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Top 2

LEVENIS GK-002A KN95

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Top 3

3M 8511 N95

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7 Best Mask for Virus Protection Reviews of 2023

1. WWDOLL KN95 (PM2.5) Protective Mask KN95 Face Mask

Designed with 5 layers of protection, this pack of 25 KN95 masks can keep you safe when you have to go out to work, run errands, or travel during the pandemic. It can filter big and small particles and block out droplets from getting into or out of the mask!

To help me seal this mask onto my face, it is equipped with a bendable nose clip. I can simply press it down to take the form of my nose and cheeks, closing all the gaps. This way, no particle nor moisture can get in from the side or top. At the same time, it keeps the mask from slipping down my face, even when I start to perspire.

Comfort is another strong point of this product as it is made of skin-friendly and breathable cotton fabric. As such, it does not irritate my skin. On that note, let me add that I’m super impressed that it does not tear up easily. Furthermore, the ear loops are attached securely to the mask. Overall, I think they are quite durable.

While many people say that this mask fits their faces well, it is not the same for me. Specifically, the ear loops feel tight. After wearing this for a couple of hours, I can already feel my ears getting a little strained. Also, it has a weird chemical smell, but it dissipates after a while.
What We Like
  • Protects against particles and droplets
  • Lets you fit the mask to the head
  • Does not slip down from the face
  • Breathable and comfy to wear
  • Offers 25 durable-quality mask
What We Don’t Like
  • The ear loops feel tight
  • Has a weird chemical odor
With this pack of 25 high-quality masks, you can stay protected against viral diseases when leaving your house! No matter how long you wear it, the cotton fabric will not irritate your skin!

2. LEVENIS GK-002A KN95 Face Masks

If you’re looking for masks for Omicron, then check out this pack of 50 KN95s from LEVENIS. In my case, I prefer this over a reusable face mask because I don’t always have the time and energy to wash it after work!

Essentially, this mask is composed of layers that can filter out moisture and particles coming in and out. I tried blowing a candle through it and my breath didn’t pass through! Hence, I would consider it the most effective face mask to wear if you want to lower the chances of viral disease transmission!

I think that construction and materials ensure that the mask is durable and comfy. This product instantly became my favorite because it’s not every day that I find a KN95 that doesn’t hurt my ears. The elastic loops are stretchy while the fabric is soft. More importantly, it fits my face well, while the nose clip prevents slipping. I can wear it for long hours without discomfort.

Sadly, this one has a strong, annoying chemical odor, even though the packaging claims it doesn’t have one. I had to take them out of the box to dispel the smell. To be fair, this technique has always worked. That’s why I don’t make a big deal out of this issue.
What We Like
  • Easy on the ears
  • Helps prevent viral transmission
  • Comfy to wear for long hours
  • Designed to fit any face perfectly
  • Prevents the mask from slipping
What We Don’t Like
  • Emits a chemical smell
Here’s the verdict: This mask scores high in protection, comfort, and durability. If you have to wear prescription glasses and a mask all the time, I promise you that this one will not strain your ears!

3. 3M 8511 N95 Respirator Mask

First of all, this 3M face mask/respirator is certified N95 by the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). This means that it can effectively keep out particles larger than 0.3 microns. This is enough to block the water droplets carrying the virus.

I am happy that this respirator/mask comes with 3M’s patented CoolFlow valve. This helps let out the heat and water vapor from my breath. It even helped keep the inside of the mask cool and dry. This infected mask also comes with an adjustable metal nose clip. This feature made it easy to create a good seal around my face.

There are no gaps that will allow foreign particles from getting inside my nose and mouth. The braided elastic band provided just enough tightness to keep the mask secured against my face. Fortunately, it is not so much that the mask will leave a mark on my skin when it goes off.

The problem that I think most people, or at least larger people, will have with this face mask is that the elastic bands are extremely tight. Luckily, this is not so much that it becomes uncomfortable but this tightness can sometimes get annoying.
What We Like
  • NIOSH approved N95 particulate filter, which makes it effective for viruses
  • Comes equipped with a CoolFlow valve
  • Allows you to breathe 30% easier compared to similar products
  • Features an adjustable metal nose clip
  • Has a tight elastic headband
What We Don’t Like
  • The elastic headband might be uncomfortable for bigger folks.
In hindsight, having a slightly tight-fitting mask to prevent infection might be a good idea, as it will make sure that nothing can get past the mask. This can protect you from the virus. Dealing with the slight tightness is much easier than getting infected by a virus.

4. Coopower Disposable Face Masks

Many people say that medical face masks are not effective in protecting against viruses. However, by putting two layers of tissue paper inside, this disposable face mask can be of great help. One thing I liked about this face mask is that it is quite cheap. For its affordable price, you can get 100 pieces of disposable face masks.

On its own, this mask can block particulates that are larger than 2.5 microns wide. To give you some perspective on how small that is, a single human hair is 70 microns thick. Another thing I liked about this face mask is how soft and comfortable it is to wear. It is made of three layers of non-woven fabric which serves as the filter.

They are also soft to the touch. I can wear them for hours on end without feeling any discomfort whatsoever. I am also greatly satisfied with the fact that it comes with a soft metal nose clip. Just by pressing on the metal nose clip, you can create a good seal around your mouth and nose.

The thing that I slightly have issues with is that this is not rated for blocking viruses. If a person with virus sneezes in your face, or at least from three feet away, there is still a good chance of infection.
What We Like
  • Very affordable price
  • Made of soft and comfortable materials
  • Comes with a metal nose clip for better sealing
  • Can block particulates that are 2.5 microns wide
  • Has comfortable elastic bands
What We Don’t Like
  • Medical face masks like this one are not meant for blocking viruses.
Although you might not be able to completely protect yourself against viruses, it is still better than not wearing any breathing protection at all. Besides, with a couple of simple tweaks, this medical mask can be made into an effective barrier against viruses.

5. Honeywell Nuisance Disposable Dust Mask

This dust mask may not be NIOSH-approved, which is why it does not have any rating but it does do a good job at filtering common airborne particles. Even though there is nothing that states if this is good for keeping out viruses, it is still better than using nothing at all.

I like that the mask material is very soft. This allows it to fit snugly against my face. The material has no problem following the contours of my face. This mask also has a metal band at the bridge of the nose.

You can pinch it so it can clip onto your nose and create a good seal around your nose and mouth. At first, I thought that the single elastic band will not be enough to keep the face mask in place but when I tried it on, it surprisingly held on quite well.

The biggest problem that I have with this mask is that it is not NIOSH-approved. Although it does a great job of blocking dust and certain non-chemical smells, there is no way of knowing if this is effective against the virus.
What We Like
  • Made of soft and lightweight materials
  • Can filter the usual airborne contaminants
  • Has a single elastic band holding it in place
  • Comes with a metal nose clip
  • Very comfortable to use
What We Don’t Like
  • There is no exhalation valve.
Even though this particulate mask is not meant for blocking particles as small as viruses, you can still make do of these in a pinch. You just need to tweak them a bit.

6. Dynarex 2201 Medical Surgical Face Mask

These masks are not N95 rated but they will do in a pinch. A lot of people are saying that these kinds of face masks are not effective but in the absence of true particulate filter masks, you can still expect them to be great substitutes.

Another reason why I like this product is that it is very affordable. You can get a modest amount of protection every day for just a low price, which is more practical than getting sick.

Although this product is affordable, take note that this does not mean it slacks at giving proper protection. First of all, this is made of medical-grade materials and can block most particulate matter in the air.

The elastic bands also provide just enough tension to keep the mask firmly pressed against the face but without restricting breathing. The bands are also durable that they could last an entire day.

I have just one issue with this face mask – and that is it is a bit too thin compared to other similar products. Yes, it is very possible that it can still block particulate matter but it is not that reassuring.
What We Like
  • Can be handy in a pinch
  • Made of medical-grade materials that are known to be non-toxic and hypoallergenic
  • Has a metal nose clip that secures the mask onto the face
  • Comes equipped with strong elastic bands
  • Very affordable
What We Don’t Like
  • Not rated N95, not even a true surgical mas
Although this is not an N95 mask, if you are worried about the virus, this will do well in a pinch. You can make this effective just by adding a couple of sheets of tissue paper. This will be infinitely better than not wearing any mask at all.

7. GVS SPR451 Elipse P100 Half Mask Respirator

The best feature of this respirator is that it is NIOSH-approved and rated P100. This means that it can filter almost 100% of all particles suspended in the air, including petroleum-based chemicals.

This N95 respirator mask is made of 100% silicone, which means it is completely hypoallergenic and very soft. It can make a complete seal around the nose and mouth, nothing can get inside the mask.

Speaking of the filters, if you will not be using them for construction purposes, they can be used for a couple of weeks to a month. You just need to replace the filters when they get too clogged up with dust.

The mask also has a downward pointing exhalation valve. What this means is if you are wearing glasses, they will not fog up every time you exhale. This also keeps the inside of the mask dry and cool.

The only issue I have about this mask is that it is meant for work and not for wearing in public. This mask will certainly help protect you from viruses. It is just that it makes the wearer stand out from the crowd.
What We Like
  • NIOSH-approved and rated P100
  • Can effectively protect against dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and other airborne particles
  • The filter cartridges can last a long time.
  • Comes with an exhalation valve
  • Made from hypoallergenic silicone
What We Don’t Like
  • Looks weird when worn outside the workshop
The issue I have about this product is purely subjective. If you are not worried about looking strange while out in the public and you want the best face mask for virus protection then you will need this mask.

3M 1860 Medical Mask N95 (Outdated)

Aside from being NIOSH-certified, this surgical mask is also cleared by the FDA as safe for medical use. These are rated N95 so they can filter at least 95% of all airborne particles and that includes most bacteria and viruses.

The small detail that I like about this mask is that there is a bit of foam padding over the metal nose clip. This provides a bit of comfort and makes it bearable to wear the mask for hours on end.

The two elastic straps that go over the head provide the right amount of elasticity to keep the mask firmly in place. Having two bands also helps distribute the pressure evenly over the mask. This prevents it from twisting out of place after a while.

Speaking of the headbands, they are quite durable. I have been using these masks until the recommended length of time and the elastic bands did not loosen one bit. The thing that I did not like about this mask is that it does not have an exhalation valve. After a while, the heat that builds up inside the mask gets a little too unbearable.
What We Like
  • Not just rated N95 but also approved for medical use
  • There is a small foam padding over the nose clip, promoting comfort.
  • Has two durable elastic headbands
  • Made of soft and comfortable materials
  • Made of hypoallergenic materials
What We Don’t Like
  • Has no exhalation valve, causing it to get hot inside after a while
Despite the discomfort caused by not having any exhaust valves, this mask performs well. I also discovered its effectiveness in blocking a lot of the foreign particles in the air, which hopefully also includes viruses.

SolidWork Foldable Respirator Mask (Outdated)

The thing that I am so impressed with in this mask is that it has an exhalation valve. This helped keep the inside of the mask cool and dry, which is an issue that I usually have with plain surgical ones.

If you are doubtful then I can reassure you that this mask is NIOSH-approved as an N95 respirator. This means that it can block at least 95% of all known airborne non-petroleum based particles.

This also has a durable double layer of filter material for optimum protection and durability. This product is originally intended as a dust mask used by craftsmen, so they need to be durable.

Another thing that I loved about this mask is that it is very comfortable. Although it might look like it is stiff and hard, it conforms to the contours of your face and creates a complete seal around the nose and mouth.

The only issue I have with this product is that it is not in the CDC’s list of approved N95 filtration masks. This is not a huge issue personally since there are so many brands that were not tested by the CDC but it would have been better if this product was endorsed.
What We Like
  • Has a very effective exhalation valve
  • NIOSH-approved N95 rated
  • Can block almost all airborne particles
  • Double layer of material for improved durability
  • Soft and comfortable to wear for extended periods
What We Don’t Like
  • Not included in the approved list of the CDC
As I mentioned earlier, there are plenty of other face mask brands that were not included in the list released by the CDC. The good news is that even if it is not included in the list, this does not mean that it is not effective in blocking viruses.

Disposable Face Mask 3-Ply Breathable Filter Safety Mask (Outdated)

At first, I was worried as these are just generic surgical masks but they do perform quite well. With a bit of tweaking, these face masks will be able to block foreign particles from reaching my nose and mouth.

The fit of this mask is also great. Although this is sized for an average adult face, the elastic bands are flexible enough that they can even properly fit on small children. Also, even if these are generic face masks, the fact that they are made in the USA gave me a bit of relief.

With the virus spreading as fast as it is right now, it pays to be picky. Furthermore, even with all of the panic going around, this face mask is still being sold at a reasonable price while still having a decent enough quality. The price is affordable and reasonable for a day or two of breathing protection.

The one thing that I do not like is that these are not branded. I have no qualms about using off-brand products but these should have at least the name of the manufacturer on them just to get customer care later.
What We Like
  • Does an acceptable job of blocking foreign airborne particles
  • Made in the USA, which somewhat speaks of quality
  • Fits comfortably and securely on the face
  • Priced reasonably
  • Can be used for one or two days
What We Don’t Like
  • There is no branding.
The branding issue is quite unfortunate but if you have very limited choices, using unbranded breathing protection is perfectly fine just as long as the products do what they are intended to do.

Kimberly-Clark Fluidshield Procedure Face Mask (Outdated)

The good thing about this medical face mask is that it has the highest fluid resistance rating, which is level 3, according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

I am greatly satisfied with this product because it came from one of the most trusted pharmaceutical companies in the world, Kimberly-Clark, and they will not risk putting their brand on just any surgical mask.

A tiny detail that many might have overlooked is the small foam strip that is placed on the metal nose clip. This small piece of foam provides a bit of padding that helps make the face mask a bit more comfortable to wear.

Another thing that I liked about this mask is that it is soft and breathable. One would think that with the level of protection this provides, the user would have to compromise on comfort but it does not at all.

The problem I have with these masks is not about performance. They truly work well. It is just that I noticed that they are so thin that it is hard to convince myself of the product’s effectiveness.
What We Like
  • Has level 3 fluid protection rating
  • Made by one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world
  • Light and breathable
  • Very comfortable to wear
  • Creates a good seal around the nose and mouth
What We Don’t Like
  • Very thin that it seems scary to wear
The issue that I have about this mask is purely subjective. You might not be fazed by it and good for you if you are. This is truly a good mask that can protect you against viruses.

Universal 4530 Heavy-Duty Non-Toxic Safety Mask (Outdated)

This mask is great at creating a good seal around the mouth and nose. At first, I thought that this is too stiff but when I gave one a try, I was surprised that it conformed to the shape of my face rather well.

I was also pleasantly surprised at how lightweight this mask is. After an hour or so, I completely forgot that I was wearing it. The mask features a metal band positioned around the nose. When pressed against the nose, the band will bend and form around the bridge of your nose, creating a good seal around your nose and mouth.

The mask is held in place by a single yet strong and elastic band. The band has just enough elasticity to securely keep the mask flat against your face but not so much that it is uncomfortably tight.

There is one issue with these masks. They are not NIOSH-approved N95 masks. This might discourage some from even giving these respirators a try.
What We Like
  • Conforms to the shape of the user’s face well
  • Very lightweight and breathable
  • Comfortable to wear even for long periods
  • Completely seals the mouth and nose from the outside air
  • Has a single strap that keeps the mask in place
What We Don’t Like
  • Not NIOSH approved
Although this face mask is not NIOSH-approved, if you are in a bind, this will work better than just using a handkerchief to cover up your nose and mouth. Besides, these masks might be N95 equivalent (at least in my experience, they seem to be).

What is a Face Mask for Virus Protection

best-mask-for-virus-protection

While there are no face masks that are specifically made to protect against viruses alone, you can still find highly effective products that can filter viruses and other airborne particles. If you are worried about getting infected by viruses, then you need to get face masks that are NIOSH-approved and given a rating of N95 or P100.

These are the ones that are proven to be able to block viruses most of the time. You can tell which face masks are rated N95 or P100 because they are required to print this detail on the mask itself.

If you cannot find any indication of the mask’s rating on the surface, or even on the box that it came from, then it is likely that it is not NIOSH-approved at all. Aside from N95 and P100 face masks, you can also use medical-grade masks that have high fluid resistance.

Ideally, these should be the ones that have level 3 resistance according to the ASTM.

How Does It Work

Face masks are air filters that you wear on your face. The masks are made of non-woven materials. These are fibers that are stuck on the surface of a static-charged mesh. This creates a lattice of very tiny holes arranged randomly. This filter will provide a physical barrier between the outside air and your nose and mouth.

Face masks work by blocking harmful particles, including viruses, in the air from getting into the nose or mouth. It is like a tiny net that catches those extremely tiny particles in the air, thereby preventing them from getting inside the nose and mouth.

Types of Face Masks for Virus Protection

how-to-not-get-a-virus

There are many different types of face masks that you can wear to serve as protection against viruses. Here are some of the more popular choices:

Medical/Surgical Mask – This is the most common mask that people are using nowadays. These look like pieces of paper that have elastic bands at the sides that hook behind the ears. This form of breathing protection relies on the filter material that makes up the entirety of the mask.

The colored side of the mask is the fluid-resistant side. This is the part that you want to be on the outside if you want to protect yourself from diseases. Now, if you are the one with the flu, you need to put the colored part of the mask inside.

Disposable Dust Masks – This is the kind of mask that is usually used by craftsmen like woodworkers, drywall installers, carpenters, welders, and others who need respiratory protection. You will notice that these masks look like they are made of stiff paper.

However, the truth is they are made of fibers that are joined together to create a fine mesh network, thereby preventing solid and liquid particles from getting through. Just like the medical/surgical masks, dust masks can only be used once.

After that, you should then properly dispose of it. You must never reuse this mask as its effectiveness will have already diminished by quite a lot.

Half-face Respirators – These are the heavy-duty ones that are used for hazardous work environments. These have removable filters that are NIOSH-approved and rated N95 or P100, because they need to be able to block microscopic irritants in the air, like asbestos fibers, fiberglass, silica, and others.

Will these masks be able to protect against viruses? Of course, they could. The only problem is that they will look alarming when worn outside the workplace. Also, they will be very uncomfortable to wear for an entire afternoon or so.

Why Do You Need a Face Mask for Virus Protection

When it comes to the virus outbreak, the reason why you need a face mask is so you can significantly lower the chances of you getting infected with the deadly disease. If your nose and mouth have a barrier that prevents the aerosols that are carrying the virus from getting through then you will not get infected by them.

The way that the virus is spread is through sneezing or coughing of an infected person. The virus is carried in their saliva and at the limited time that these particles are in the air, if another person inhales it then there is a good chance that they will get infected by the disease themselves.

As of now, the virus is not airborne but it has a limited distance that it can travel. Aside from wearing a mask, you should also practice good personal hygiene as well. You need to keep your hands clean because you might unknowingly touch a surface that is covered with the virus.

This might put you at risk of touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with the virus, leading to you contracting the alarming disease.

Buying Guide

n95-respirator-mask

When it is your health that is on the line, you need to make sure that the face mask that you buy can truly provide you with enough care and protection that you need. Here are some of the things that you need to keep an eye out for when shopping for a good face mask designed to protect you from the virus:

Protection – The first and foremost reason why you are thinking of buying face masks is that you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting infected with the deadly virus that is going around right now. This is why, as much as possible, you should get one that is listed in the CDC’s approved list of face masks.

Now, it is understandable that due to people panic buying face masks in bulk, most of the things in the CDC’s list might be out of stock. If that is the case, then you should get one that is NIOSH-approved and rated N95 or P100.

These have the highest chances of blocking harmful particles in the air, which also happens to include bacteria and viruses.

Comfort – Many might think that comfort is not that important when it comes to face masks but it is. Even if you are dead serious about wearing your mask for protection if, after an hour or so, it becomes unbearably uncomfortable under the mask, you will not want to wear it anymore.

This might also be the time when you will start to get complacent and more prone to infection. A good face mask should be so lightweight that you will forget that you are wearing it after a while. Also, there should be a way for your exhaled breath to get out of the mask.

This will prevent the inside of the mask from getting hot and balmy. Also, this will keep you from recycling your breath, meaning you will not be breathing in the carbon dioxide that you just exhaled.

Another factor that can contribute to comfort levels is the head strap that is used for keeping the mask in place. This should neither be too tight nor too loose. It should provide just enough elasticity to keep the mask in place.

Type of Mask – As mentioned earlier, many different types of face masks can be used to protect oneself against virus infections and the levels of protection they provide vary as well.

First, there is what we call as the disposable mask. You can buy this disposable type in bulk for just pennies apiece. The level of protection they provide is moderate at best but if you are in a bind then you can expect this to work already.

There are also the reusable N95 or P100 masks. These masks are much better at protecting against viruses but they are a bit more expensive. Also, you can use them for more than just one day but not by much. Most of the reusable face masks can be used for around three days or until they get too dirty.

There are also heavy-duty half-face respirators. These are the ones used by professional tradesmen when they have to work in hazardous environments, like when they have to tear down walls and ceilings containing asbestos or if they have to work with fine fiberglass.

Although these will provide you with more than enough protection, they are cumbersome to use in public and you will also look very alarming to other people.

Fit – Regardless of the type chosen, a good face mask, should fit properly over your face. There should not be any gaps along the sides that will allow outside air to get inside the mask. This defeats the purpose of wearing the mask in the first place.

One good way to find out if there is a gap between the mask and your face is to wear glasses while wearing the mask. If you fog up the lenses when you exhale then there is a gap around the nose of your mask.

To close this gap, pinch the metal band in the mask that is located at the bridge of your nose so that it will take the shape of your nose. This will close off the gap at the top of the mask.

Length of Use – Medical masks and dust masks are usually just one-time use only. Medical masks are just usable for three to four hours. If you feel that the inside is already moist then you need to dispose of it immediately.

There are also reusable face masks. They are usually the ones that have exhale valves. You will often find the mask usable for at least three days up to a week depending on the brand and make.

Then there are professional-grade ones. These are the masks that can be reused indefinitely. You just need to replace the filter cartridges once they are full. Most masks that fall into this category are large and bulky and would look weird when worn in public.

However, you can also find some of them that look like regular face masks but with smaller filter cartridges/pads.

Cost and Quantity – If you are thinking of buying the disposable type of face mask, you should make sure that you are getting the most out of your money, literally. Disposable masks, like medical face masks, are quite cheap, unless the seller jacks up the price because of the surge in demand, which is unethical by the way.

This does not mean you should get the cheapest out there. It is because you cannot be sure of their quality. You should buy masks that you are sure of the quality in bulk. This is because they are generally cheaper that way. A box of 100 masks may be a lot more expensive than a pack of 6.

When you do the math, you will find that the box of 100s has a much cheaper unit price. Besides, with the way things are going right now, you might need to wear face masks for a long time, so it is best to have a lot in stock.

If you want something that is on the heavy-duty side and is worthy of being put in anyone’s survival kit, expect to pay upwards of a hundred dollars for a full-face or half-face respirator.

Care and Maintenance

If you will be using disposable face masks then you should immediately dispose of them at the end of the day. You should never reuse disposable face masks, especially the medical masks.

Also, if your medical face mask gets wet, dispose of it immediately and use a new one instead. Another thing to remember is that when you start to feel that the mask is already moist inside, it is no longer usable.

Typically, all disposable masks, regardless if they are medical or dust masks, need to be disposed of after a day of use. If any viruses are caught on the surface of the mask, reusing it will most likely get you infected.

You need to dispose of masks properly. First, place them inside a plastic bag, tie it off and then place them in the hazardous waste bin. On the other hand, if you have a reusable face mask, you should still dispose of the spend filter cartridges properly and properly clean the mask itself.

Most reusable masks are made of silicone so they are quite easy to clean. Just wipe them down with a solution made of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol and you are done.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular brands of face mask for virus protection?

Because there are so many different brands and makers of face masks, some of them may not be as reliable as the others. Fortunately, I have tried and tested a lot of different masks in the last couple of years and I have discovered some truly reliable ones.

Among these trusted brands are 3M, Coopower, Honeywell, Dynarex, SolidWork, Kimberly-Clark, Universal, and GVS. If you can manage to find face masks from these brands, there is a good chance that you will be getting the best that your money can buy.

How to use face mask properly?

First of all, you need to make sure that the mask is right-side up. For most disposable masks, the top is where the metal nose clip is located. If there is branding on the mask, you can also use that to orient the product to the right position.

Now, which side should you wear against your face? If you will be using according to most health workers, you should put the colored side of the mask on the outside because that is the layer that prevents liquids from penetrating the layers of the mask.

Since the virus is carried by the saliva of the infected person, the colored part will prevent it from reaching your nose and mouth. Now, if you think that you are already infected, you can put the colored side inside before wearing the mask and then promptly head to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Now that you know the correct position and orientation of the masks, you will need to learn how to wear them properly. First, place the mask on your face using one hand and with the other hand, place the elastic loops around your ears.

Adjust the mask so that it is not skewed or crooked. Once the mask is straight, pinch the metal nose clip that is on top of the mask. Make sure that the metal band follows the shape of the bridge of your nose. When done properly, this will prevent gaps from opening at the top side of the mask.

While holding the top of the mask with one hand, use the other to pull down the bottom of the mask until it covers your chin. This will help remove the gap on the underside of the mask.

What is the warranty?

There is usually a 7-day money-back guarantee on these products for factory defects. If you receive your masks and you find that the packaging seems tampered with then you can return them to the manufacturer at no cost and receive a replacement unit or a complete refund for the item.

Also, if you find that some of the masks are damaged or ripped, this is a good reason to return the item for a refund or replacement. You should never use masks if the packaging that they came from are already open. Note that such is a major health risk if anything.

Are there face masks that should not be worn during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Based on my research, experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) discourage the use of vents or exhalation valves since they let an unfiltered breath pass through the holes.

According to the WHO, there are three kinds of masks that you can wear to avoid infection:

  1. A disposable medical-grade face mask that complies with medical standards ASTM F2100 Level 1, EN 14683 Type I, YY 0469, YY/T 0969
  2. A reusable non-medical mask that complies with ASTM F3502 or CEN Working Agreement 17553
  3. Other kinds of non-medical masks that are well-fitting such as DIY multi-layered cloth face mask

Wearing disposable face masks underneath a cloth mask is acceptable for the general public but not in the medical setting.

Are respirators effective against coronavirus disease?

Yes. Among all the face masks for COVID, respirators like an N95 and an NK95 mask are the most effective in preventing the wearer from testing positive for COVID-19.

N95, for instance, is made to filter out 95% of liquids and particles that may land on your face, which is why medical workers use it.

It is important to note that N95 can only work if the mask fits your face properly to avoid infection. Furthermore, note that there are counterfeit COVID masks sold in the market and their quality is not regulated.

To ensure that you get maximum protection, be sure that you purchase your face mask from trusted distributors and manufacturers.

Where to buy a face mask for virus protection?

Face masks can be found in many supermarkets and groceries, like Walmart, usually in the medical supplies aisles. You can also find them in pharmacies. Respirators, on the other hand, can be found in most hardware supplies stores.

However, because of the sudden spike in demand due to the virus scare, you might discover that there are no more stocks of face masks in your local stores. If this is the case for you, then you can try shopping for face masks online.

Retail sites like Amazon and eBay have hundreds of listings and although these days many of the products are sold out, there are still many that are available. You can still purchase face masks whenever you need to and get them for far cheaper.

Can a disposable face mask prevent me from getting the virus?

Yes, many N95 and P100 respirators and disposable masks can help prevent airborne viruses from infecting you, including the virus. On the other hand, surgical or medical masks and dust masks do not offer as much protection. However, by adding a few sheets of tissue paper inside, you can expect them to help block viruses as well.

Keep in mind that it was also found out that the virus can be transmitted via the eyes, so if you touch a surface that has been infected by the virus and you unwittingly touch your eyes, you can still get infected.

The best way you can protect yourself is by practicing good personal hygiene, especially washing your hands. Also, avoid traveling or going to crowded areas for the time being unless it is truly necessary.

Can I reuse a disposable face mask?

No. Disposable face masks are only meant for one-time use and should be disposed of immediately. Once a mask is used, it is already considered contaminated, hence it can pass viruses and other harmful particles to you if you will use it again.

Do not think of it as a waste. Think of it as an investment in your health. Besides, these masks cost less than a dollar each so it is not like you are spending a lot. Follow the instructions properly so you do not compromise your health.

How should I throw away a disposable face mask?

To prevent other people from getting infected by the potential viruses that have been caught in the face mask, you should place the contaminated mask in a small plastic bag, tie the end tightly and throw it in the hazardous waste bin.

Never throw the used mask in the regular trash, as the viruses might find their way back into the air. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly afterward so that you do not get infected.

How is the novel virus transmitted?

There are two known ways that this deadly disease gets spread: person-to-person and from infected surfaces or objects. The virus is known to mainly spread from one person to another.

When the infected person is within 6 feet of a healthy person and the person with the disease sneezes or coughs in the healthy person’s general direction, tiny droplets of sputum carrying the virus can be inhaled by the healthy person. Any farther than six feet and the sputum will fall to the ground.

However, even if the virus is no longer airborne, that does not mean it is no longer dangerous. A healthy person can still get virus just by accidentally touching surfaces and objects that have been infected by the virus and then unwittingly touching their faces, usually the nose and mouth.

Medical experts speculate that the virus can also be transmitted through the eyes but this is not the usual way that the virus spreads.

Can someone with no symptoms still spread virus?

Medical experts all agree that people who show the most symptoms, in other words, the sickest, spread the virus more readily. This is the reason why it is easier to catch and quarantine people who are infected by virus before they can infect other people.

However, there are some cases wherein people not showing any signs of the disease have been known to unwittingly spread the virus.

Conclusion

Although face masks do not fully protect people from getting infected by virus, they do help keep it at bay to some extent. It is still advised that you wear respiratory protection when you need to go to crowded places, especially when there have been reported cases of the disease in your city.

Hopefully, by now, you already know what kinds of face masks are effective against getting infected by the deadly virus. Apart from wearing respiratory protection and the best face mask for virus protection, it is also recommended to practice proper personal hygiene.

Always keep your hands clean and carry a small bottle of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer with you to keep you protected.

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