N95, KN95, surgical or cloth: Which mask provides maximum protection against Covid and H3N2?

Cloth mask vs surgical vs N95 vs KN 95 – benefits and limitations of each?

Both KN95 and N95 are very similar. N95 is the US standard and KN95 is the China standard. N95 and KN95 masks provide the highest protection, followed by surgical masks and cloth masks. Dr Yedlapati says that N95 masks are the most effective and can filter up to 95 percent of air particles, followed by KN95 (very similar protection), surgical masks, and cloth masks.

N95 mask provides maximum protection against COVID-19 and H3N2 virus. (Pic source: Pixabay)

Which mask should I buy?

Deciding which mask to use depends on the level of exposure. Explaining the same, Dr Vaishali Solao, Head and Sr. Consultant – Critical Care, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, tells indianexpress.com, “People who are not working in a high-risk environment can use a cloth mask. For people who have jobs that involve high exposure like in malls, bus drivers, grocery store jobs, etc. a surgical mask would be advisable. For those taking care of an infected patient, they must use an N95 mask. High risk category individuals also should wear a surgical mask or N95 for protection”.

How frequently should I change/wash my mask?

N95, K95 and surgical masks are ideally made for single use. Cloth masks can be reused after washing. However, you can reuse your N95/KN95 mask for two to three days if you wear it for a short duration. Dr Bharesh Dedhia, Chief, Department of Critical Care, P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Khar tells indianexpress.com, “Disposable masks are intended to be used for 6 to 12 hours. If the masks become wet due to sweat or otherwise, their filtering ability decreases. Thus, ideally, these masks should be discarded after a single usage in a single shift, however due to economic considerations one can reuse the N95 3 to 4 times before discarding it. Cloth masks should ideally be replaced every day. Hence, one should have 3-5 cotton masks, and after using a mask, it should be washed with soap and water or a disinfectant if available, and then air or sun dried”.

Which mask to choose if I have sensitive skin?

“While the N95 masks, as such, don’t have any reaction to sensitive skin, a surgical or cloth mask would be the best suited for those with sensitive skin,” says Dr Dedhia.

Cloth mask is well suited for sensitive skin and can be reused after washing and drying. (Pic source: Pixabay)

What are other varieties of masks? Who are they suited for?

There are higher filtration masks, such as the N100, but they are cumbersome and include filters that must be replaced. “The mask itself is reusable, but there are filters that must be changed, which are quite costly and unsuitable for frequent usage,” explains Dr Dedhia.

Things to keep in mind

Below are few things you should be mindful of, as shared by Dr Solao

– In the community, using a multilayered cotton mask that fits well, covering the nose, mouth, and chin is safe for healthy individuals.
– High risk individuals should use an N95 or surgical mask that is well-fitting, and discard after long use.
– Do not use dirty soiled masks.
– Store used masks in paper bag and avoid touching its outer surface.
– Apart from offering prevention from exhaling and inhaling droplets, a mask also protects by not allowing an individual to touch their nose and mouth.

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