Understanding the difference between the various types of face masks will help you choose a suitable mask as you do your part to keep yourself and those around you safer.
Updated March 1, 2023
Understanding The Different Types Of Face Masks
Face masks are a critical preventative measure to control COVID-19 transmission. They stop the virus from spreading through respiratory droplets and infecting other people. There are different types of face masks, each offering an extra level of protection — though some have none. Understanding the differences will help you choose a suitable mask as you do your part to keep yourself and those around you safer.
What Types Of Face Masks Should COVID-19 Patients And Caregivers Wear?
If you are a caregiver assisting a patient with COVID-19, you should wear a mask and eye protection. Face masks are critical in protecting others, particularly people who have a higher risk of infection, such as:
- Older adults 65 and older
- Those with heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease
- Individuals with compromised immune systems
- Cancer patients
- Medically obese individuals
Anyone who receives a diagnosis should immediately self-isolate. But those who cannot avoid contact with other people should cover their faces. In these situations, surgical or cloth coverings are the best types of face masks to wear.
Which Types Of Face Masks Are Most Effective?
The types of face masks that provide the best protection are those with two or more fabric layers. In addition, the mask must cover your nose and mouth and have no large spaces to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading.
Proper face masks should have ties or ear loops so you can wear them securely. If you wear glasses, wear a mask with a flexible top border. This feature lets you shape the mask over the bridge of your nose and stops your glasses from becoming cloudy.
One way to determine if you’re wearing the correct face mask is by trying to blow out a candle while you wear it. If you’re wearing a proper mask, you won’t be able to extinguish the flame.
What Are The Different Types Of Face Masks?
Cloth And Paper Masks
Cloth or paper masks, such as the N95, are the most effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends using thick, densely-woven cotton materials if you make a homemade mask. The tighter the weave, the more effective the cover.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises wearing three layers of cloth masks. Each layer has an essential purpose. The first absorbs droplets, the second acts as a filter, and the third — a nonabsorbent material — prevents outside droplets from entering.
KN95 Masks
KN95 masks are the Chinese equivalent of N95 face masks in the US. Manufacturers must adhere to the regulations enforced by the Chinese government. This mask protects wearers from up to 95% of particles in the air larger than 0.3 µm.
KN95s have ear loops, a top border to form across your nose, fit tightly on your face, and have five layers of protection. Currently, the WHO has approved KN95s for prolonged use and reuse.
Procedural And Surgical Masks
Procedural and surgical face masks are made from non-woven materials, so they do not fit as closely as cloth or paper masks and cover the mouth and nose, preventing transmission. These types of masks, which include three-ply N95 masks, are among the most effective at preventing infection.
Bandanas And Scarves
You should never wear a bandana or scarf instead of a face mask. Several studies have concluded that these items offer zero protection against transmission and infection.
According to the Journal of Hospital Infection, scarves offered a mere 44% protection rate when exposed to an infected patient for 30 seconds. Alarmingly, that figure dropped to 24% after 20 minutes of exposure.
Masks With Valves And Vents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises that you do not wear these types of face masks. One-way valves do not contain contaminated droplets and only make transmission worse.
Professional Respirators
Professional or N95 respirators limit infection by protecting the wearer from microscopic droplets. Wearers must take a fit test to determine the correct make, model, and size to guarantee a close fit.
N95 Dasheng
N95 Dasheng masks are manufactured in China and offer the same level of protection as N95 face masks. They fit securely on the face and are effective at preventing particles from entering the atmosphere. N95 Dashengs are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
MeetCaregivers Supplies DIfferent Types Of Face Masks
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- Bendix, Aria. “One Chart Shows the Best and Worst Face Masks for Coronavirus Protection – and Which Situations They’re Suited For.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 6 Sept. 2020, https://tinyurl.com/y3pjl5uh
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “N95 Respirators, Surgical Masks, and Face Masks.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, 20 Aug. 2020,https://tinyurl.com/y3j28n8p
- Cralle, Terry. “KN95 Mask: 12 Things You Need to Know Before Buying.” Terry Cralle, 16 Oct. 2020, https://tinyurl.com/y5tlq3bp
- Maragakis, Lisa Lockerd. “Coronavirus Face Masks & Protection FAQs.” Coronavirus Face Masks: Types & When to Use | Johns Hopkins Medicine, 16 Oct. 2020, https://tinyurl.com/y6tt6y6b