What is the best face mask to wear to stop the spread of COVID-19?
Face masks have been an essential tool throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to stop the spread of the virus.
But as the Omicron variant continues to infect millions of people at an unprecedented rate, calls are being made to reconsider what type of mask is right.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reportedly considering updating its mask advice to recommend that people wear N95 masks.
Although Australia’s official health advice has not changed, a growing number of medical experts say people should be proactive in improving their protection.
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What type of face mask is required by law?
Each state and territory has different rules as to when you should wear a face mask, but the definition of a face mask is similar across Australia.
A face mask can be a reusable cloth face mask or a single use surgical mask, which may include a P2 or N95 mask.
The face mask should fit snugly around the face and cover both the nose and the mouth.
Some jurisdictions specify that fabric face masks must consist of at least two or three layers of fabric.
A scarf, bandana, snood or face shield is not a face mask.
What type of face mask protects against the Omicron variant?
A growing group of experts say medical respirators, known as the N95 or P2 masks, are the only masks that can prevent transmission of the COVID-19 variant Omicron.
Jeremy Howard, a Brisbane-based data specialist, who in 2020 conducted the world’s largest review of evidence on face masks and the ability to stop the spread of COVID-19 aerosols, told The World Today that the evidence evolves.
“Ditch your cloth masks and ditch your surgical masks as well,” he says.
“Omicron is so aerosolized, so it’s such small particles floating around in the air.
“When you breathe in, you suck in these respiratory particles.”
According to Dr. Paul Griffin, specialist in infectious diseases N95 masks offer more protection, but were not normally recommended for widespread use in the community because they are more expensive and difficult to wear.
“We see so many people with perfectly good masks that don’t cover their noses.
“The main thing is always that people wear them correctly.”
According to the Australian Infection Control Expert Group a mask or respirator is not a substitute for other precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including getting tested, staying home if you feel unwell, physical distancing, good internal ventilation, hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
In Australia, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people aged five and over.
What is an N95 mask?
N95 masks, also known as P2 masks in Australia, are particulate filter respirators.
They are also sold under the name KN95.
These masks filter very fine particles and help protect against the transmission of droplets and air.
Particulate filter respirators can also be used to protect against poor air quality, such as smoke from bush fires or smog.
Respirators were previously only recommended for healthcare workers due to shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the requirement that they be “checked for fit”.
Checking the fit is the process that healthcare professionals go through to ensure that the respirator is properly sealed around their face.
Facial hair can prevent a respirator from being properly sealed.
The N95 and P2 masks come with instructions not to be cleaned or reused, and organizations like NSW Health recommend changing them when they get wet.
However, Howard says research has shown respirators do not need to be checked and can be used more than once.
“In fact, these respirators like the N95s can be worn until the straps wear down,” he says.
Dr Griffin says the N95s offer more protection, but they are more expensive and can be difficult to wear.
“If they’re not worn properly, some of that added benefit is reduced,” says Dr. Griffin.
“We don’t necessarily recommend them all the time, but certainly, if people want to make sure they’re as protected as possible, trying to get one wouldn’t be an unreasonable step in providing that little extra. them.”
What is a surgical mask?
Surgical masks are suitable for medical use and are intended to be discarded after being worn.
They are designed to prevent other people’s respiratory droplets from entering your mouth and nose.
Surgical masks sold as medical devices in Australia are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
They are usually blue on the outside, white on the inside and are sold in level 1, 2 or 3, with increasing degrees of protection.
Dr Griffin explains how you wear a surgical mask and for how long can impact their performance.
What is a fabric mask?
A cloth mask, also called a cloth mask, is a non-medical mask that can be washed and reused.
They are intended to prevent the release of respiratory droplets when a person breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes.
Sheet masks are also designed to prevent a person from inhaling other people’s droplets.
Research has shown that sheet masks are effective in helping to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Alpha and Delta variants.
the the quality and effectiveness of sheet masks are not regulated in Australia.
Health officials recommend that fabric masks be made of three layers of fabric of different weaves.
A cloth mask should cover both your nose and your mouth, and there should be no space between your face and the mask.
Face masks with holes or one-way valves are not suitable.
Can we reuse surgical or N95 masks?
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare Says surgical masks can only be used once.
Particulate filter respirators such as the N95 and P2 masks are sold for single use only.
Healthcare professionals who are required to wear them are advised to check them for a good seal and to discard them after use.
Mr Howard says research has shown respirators don’t need to be checked and can be used more than once.
“Respirators like the N95 can be worn until the straps wear out,” he says.
“The actual filter material is tested to a standard that requires it to remain effective after 200 days of 24 hour use.”
Sabrina Assoumou, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, says that for the general public, respirators “could probably be reused for about a week if they were not soiled or wet.”
Do you have to double mask?
The CDC in the United States says that a surgical mask can be worn under a fabric mask.
He says two surgical masks should not be worn at the same time, and respirators like the N95 and P2 masks should not be combined with another mask.
Dr Griffin says a mask that is used and worn correctly is better than double masking.
“One of the biggest problems we see with sheet masks is that people don’t put them on and take them off properly and don’t wash them enough,” he says.
“And with the surgical mask, people will be reusing them for longer periods of time and they have recommended it.
“So if they’re worn correctly and replaced regularly as needed, I think a single surgical mask for most situations is enough protection.”
What is the best face mask for children?
Children under the age of two should not wear a face mask due to the risk of suffocation and suffocation.
Victoria does not require children under the age of eight to wear a face mask.
All other Australian states and territories do not require children under the age of 12 to wear a face mask, with a few exceptions in high schools.
The World Health Organization recommends healthy children should wear a cloth or non-medical face mask.
He recommends that children with underlying health conditions wear a medical mask.
N95 or P2 masks are designed to fit adults.
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Do you have to make your own face mask?
Dr Griffin says making your own fabric face mask is a viable option.
“People need to find good instructions and there are a lot of them on the Internet,” he says.
“Make sure you are using the right materials and the right thickness of those materials.
“” And of course, make sure you wear it properly and then wash it regularly if you are using sheet masks. “
The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services advises that fabric face masks be made of three layers of different types of fabrics.
The outer layer should be a water resistant fabric, such as polyester or polypropylene.
The middle layer should be a blended fabric, such as a blend of cotton and polyester or polypropylene.
The inner layer should be a water-absorbent cotton cloth.
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