15. HEALTH TIPS. Various Types of face masks for Covid-19 protection.

1 Jan 2021 

 

DISPOSABLE FACE MASKS1. 

 

N95 respirators or equivalent - are the only face mask that can stop viral particles as small as 0.2 micron in diameter. The Covid-19 virus may be even smaller. They are regulated ones and fit very tightly to your face. The wearer finds it very hard to breathe and wear it for short periods of time, unless they can breathe through an attached tube. They are disposable. The most famous brand is 3M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Non-medical N95 respirators are much cheaper and are varying in quality. Many can claim BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) of equal or more than 95%, but none can claim they can stop viral particles from airborne transmissions.

3. Surgical masks are usually 3-layered or 3-ply. The inner and outer layers enclose a centre filter layer. They are most popular with people as they are much cheaper than the non-medical N95 respirators. Few can filter particles as small as 0.2 micron in size.

Most are made in China. Many products claim BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) of equal or more than 95%, but none can claim they can stop viral particles from airborne transmissions. Many have large gaps between the mask and the sides of the face, but this is a feature of wearing surgical masks. The only secure fit is the N95 respirators or equivalent if one is in the frontline treating Covid-19 patients.

Nowadays, some shops are selling 4-ply surgical face masks. The 4-ply has two centre filter layers and therefore give additional protection. 

 

REUSABLE FACE MASKS

 

Basically there are at least 2 types
1. Polyurethane and masks made from similar materials.  They have the mold shape and are very popular as fashion statements with the young. The mask in thin and has no filter. They are advised for use to stop the hay fevered wearer from inhaling pollen. See image below.

2.  Types. Fabric face masks come in 2, 3 or 4 layers, also known as 2, 3 or 4-ply.

2.1  The 2-ply mask consists of an inner and outer layer of fabric. They are sewn in the home or made in factories. Some wearers make them from cut-out socks. They do not contain any filter. Some children face mask may be made with some tissues in between the inner and outer layers. 

      

 

A fashion face mask is used to prevent hay fever or slight hazy days. It has no filters. Not recommended for Covid-19 prevention. 

 

 
2.2  The 3-ply mask consists of an inner and outer layer of fabric enclosing a centre layer. This layer may be a filter or another piece of fabric.  Therefore, they are sold as 3-ply. Those without filters are not deemed to be protective.

2.4  The 4-ply mask consists of an inner and outer layer of fabric enclosing TWO centre layers. These 2 layers are usually filters.

3. Filters vary in quality and thickness. A very thin filter is not as effective as a thick one. The wearer can cut the mask to check on the quality of the filter.
 
3.1  Now, there are reusable face masks claiming that their filter has anti-bacterial centre layers. The maker states that the anti-bacterial chemicals will not affect the health of the wearer. I have my doubts as the wearer is inhaling the medicated filter directly into his or her lungs. I will not personally use it. 

3.2  In June, the Singapore government will give each Singapore resident a duck-billed reusable face mask with anti-bacterial filters.   

1.  Business organisations all over the world are facing a perfect storm of economic downturn, social isolation and a fast spreading Covid-19 pandemic. In any crisis, there is a natural temptation to simply wait it out. Leaders or bosses, must not give in to this instinct. The answer to this problem will not suddenly reveal itself. They must create solutions as to how to be connected, to listen and adapt to a crisis that has no clear end in sight.

2.  The Singapore Government issued free face masks in April and will do so in end of May. In May, the free masks will have an anti-bacterial filter. Safety of wearer - an anti-bacterial filter is impregnated with chemicals such as those use in hand sanitisers and disinfectants. Will the wearer be safe inhaling these chemicals directly into his or her lungs?  I will not use it or let my kids wear them. 

 

3. The Singapore Government issued free face masks during the subsequent two years.