Main benefits of using disposable hygienic face masks

Disposable hygiene masks have become one of the best-selling prevention products in recent years in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The efficacy and protection they offer has made this mask option a favourite among people of different ages, work environments and specific needs. 

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Disposable hygienic face masks have a series of advantages over other models and designs that are used at more specific times. From IBP Uniuso we explain below what are the main advantages and uses of disposable hygienic masks. 

Different organisations and official bodies such as the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) have stated on more than one occasion that disposable hygienic masks are really safe and effective as a method of protection. For this reason, their use is highly recommended when what is sought is effective prevention at an affordable price. 

It should be remembered that for a long time the use of face masks has been mandatory in almost all places as a preventive measure against SARS-CoV or Covid-19. Nowadays, its use is still mandatory and recommended in different circumstances, so it continues to be an indispensable item to have at home. 

Although their price is considerably lower than that of other types of masks, disposable masks offer great protection and safety to those who use them.  It should be taken into account that they have a filtration level of more than 95%-98%, so their use is equivalent to any other professional method of protection. Thus, by using disposable hygienic masks correctly, we can avoid and reduce the risk of any virus or external pathogens. In case of illness, their use guarantees total protection to the uninfected person and the infected person, thus preventing the virus or infectious agent from being transmitted or spreading and more people from becoming infected.

Advantages of using this type of mask

The advantages of using hygienic disposable face masks are many. They include:

Protection

The protection and safety offered by disposable hygienic masks is optimal and very high. It should be borne in mind that this type of mask has always been used by medical professionals to protect themselves and their patients. Therefore, as long as we comply with hygiene and usage measures, the protection offered will be absolute.

Comfort

The flexibility offered by the fabric with which they are made and the adaptability to the shape of each face makes them one of the most comfortable types of masks for almost any action or activity.

Economical savings

In addition to offering protection equal to that of other masks on the market, disposable hygienic masks can be purchased at a much more economical price.  

Space saving

It is important to note that disposable hygienic respirators are not reusable and therefore do not need to be stored, which saves space at the same time.

Correct fit

Most disposable hygienic face masks have an elastic band to adjust the product correctly to each person&#;s face. However, despite their snug fit, these types of masks tend to fit neither too tightly nor too loosely. Disposable hygienic face masks adjust perfectly to the shape of each face, thus achieving a correct position and protection. 

What is their lifespan?

It is important to remember that disposable masks cannot be used for an indefinite period of time, nor can they be reused after washing. Thus, according to the Ministry of Health, this type of mask must be used by healthy people and must be disposed of after the recommended time specified by each manufacturer. 

In general, disposable hygienic masks should not be used for more than six continuous hours. In addition, they should be replaced in case of deterioration or moisture inside.

Main uses

Although the use of disposable hygiene masks has become popular as a preventive measure against Covid-19, the use of this element is also highly recommended in the following cases:

Domestic environment

Sometimes work in the home requires the use of cleaning products and even abrasives. The fumes generated by bleach, ammonia or other chemical components can be harmful to our health over the years. For this reason, the use of a mask is highly recommended to protect us from these vapours that can be created in the home.

Health professionals and veterinarians

It is common to see health professionals and veterinarians protecting the respiratory tract with a disposable hygienic mask.  When dealing with sick patients, protection measures may be more extensive and additional.

Construction sector

Construction work requires advanced personal protective equipment to ensure maximum safety. Thus, disposable hygienic face masks are often part of this set of clothing and items that must be worn in the construction sector to ensure risk-free work.

Industry and production

In the same way, companies related to industry and production opt for the use of disposable hygienic masks in order to protect the organism and avoid the inhalation of gases or products that are harmful to health. 

Food sector

The food sector is another sector that has been using disposable hygiene masks for years as part of the preventive and protective clothing offered to employees and workers. They provide comfort, protection and prevent product contamination during handling.

Basic storage tips

As mentioned above, disposable hygienic face masks cannot be reused if the recommended time of use has been exceeded. However, if they have not exceeded their useful life and need to be stored for another occasion, it is important to bear in mind that they should be stored in a breathable or paper bag. It is very important not to store it unprotected or directly in your pocket as it can be contaminated and later become a vehicle for transmission. 

At IBP Uniuso we have a wide range of disposable products including disposable hygiene masks. On our website you can find an infinite number of professional sanitary products with which you can be protected against any possible external pathogen or, on the contrary, protect those around you if you are infected. 

How well do face masks protect against COVID-19?

Get answers to your questions about face masks, including how to use them properly.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Can face masks help slow the spread of the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?

Yes. When used with measures such as getting vaccinated, hand-washing and physical distancing, wearing a face mask slows how quickly the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing masks if you choose to, and in specific places and situations.

In areas that have many people with COVID-19 in the hospital, the CDC recommends wearing a face mask indoors in public.

The CDC says that you should wear the most protective mask that you'll wear regularly, fits well and is comfortable.

Respirators such as nonsurgical N95s give the most protection. KN95s and medical masks provide the next highest level of protection. Cloth masks provide less protection. The CDC says that surgical N95 masks should be reserved for health care professionals.

Masking suggestions are a bit different for people at higher risk of serious illness. This includes people with risk factors such as older age. It also includes people with weakened immune systems and those who live with or care for someone with these risk factors.

For people at high risk, the CDC suggests you wear a mask that provides you with the most protection possible. Wear a mask while in public indoor spaces when your area has a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital.

Check with your doctor to talk about when to wear a mask at other times.

How do the different types of masks work?

Medical masks

Medical masks

A medical mask

Medical masks

Also called surgical masks, these are loosefitting disposable masks. They're meant to protect the wearer from contact with droplets and sprays that may contain germs. A medical mask also filters out large particles in the air when the wearer breathes in.

To make medical masks more form-fitting, knot the ear loops where they attach to the mask. Then fold and tuck the loose material under the edges.

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Wearing a medical mask doesn't increase the level of carbon dioxide in the air you breathe.

KN95 mask

KN95 mask

A KN95 mask

KN95 masks

A KN95 mask is a type of respirator that meets certain international standards. It offers more protection than a medical mask does because it filters out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales. But be cautious when buying a KN95. Some may not meet the quality standards, so consider researching the source carefully.

A N95 mask

A N95 mask

An N95 mask

N95 masks

An N95 mask is a type of respirator that meets U.S. quality standards. An N95 offers the highest level of protection. It offers more protection than a medical mask does because it filters out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales. Nonsurgical N95s can be used by the general public.

The CDC has said surgical N95 masks should be reserved for health care professionals. Like surgical masks, N95 masks are intended to be disposable. But researchers are testing ways to disinfect and reuse them.

To work best, N95 masks should fit your face tightly.

Some N95 masks, and even some cloth masks, have valves that make them easier to breathe through. But these masks don't filter the air the wearer breathes out. For this reason, they've been banned in some places.

A cloth face mask

A cloth face mask

A cloth face mask

Cloth masks

A cloth mask is intended to trap respiratory droplets released when the wearer talks, coughs or sneezes. It also acts as a barrier to protect the wearer from breathing in droplets released by others.

The most effective cloth masks are made of many layers of tightly woven fabric like cotton. A mask with layers will stop more droplets from getting through the mask or escaping from it.

Wearing a mask doesn't increase the level of carbon dioxide in the air you breathe.

How to get the most from your mask

Your mask works best if it fits your face closely and has no gaps around the edges. This helps air and breath move through the mask, not around the edges.

You should feel warm air going out the front of the mask when you breathe out. You shouldn't feel your breath coming out under the edges of the mask.

Use masks that have bendable nose strips, as these help prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask.

Layers of material offer more protection.

Some people choose to wear a medical mask under a cloth mask. In that case, the cloth mask should press the edges of the medical mask against the face. Don't add layers if they make it hard to breathe or block your vision. And don't use another mask with a KN95 or N95 mask.

If you wear a KN95 or N95 mask, make sure it fits and seals close to your face.

A child's mask should be specifically made for children in order to fit properly. Make sure it fits close over the nose, mouth and chin.

Proper use, storage and cleaning of masks also affects how well they protect you. Follow these steps for putting on and taking off your mask:

• Wash or sanitize your hands before and after putting on your mask.
• Place your mask over your mouth and nose and chin.
• Tie it behind your head or use ear loops. Make sure it's tight against your face.
• Don't touch your mask while wearing it.
• If you accidentally touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands.
• If your mask becomes wet or dirty, switch to a clean one. Put the used mask in a sealable bag until you can get rid of it or wash it.
• Remove the mask by untying it or lifting off the ear loops without touching the front of the mask or your face. Fold the outside corners together.
• Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask.
• Regularly wash cloth masks in the washing machine or by hand. (They can be washed along with other laundry.) Dry them in the dryer or hang them outside in the sun.
• Throw away disposable masks after wearing them once.

And don't forget these precautions:

• Don't put masks on anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious or otherwise unable to remove the mask without help.
• Don't put masks on children under age 2.
• Don't use face masks instead of physical distancing.

What about face shields?

Experts do not recommend using face shields instead of masks. It's not clear how much protection shields provide. But wearing a face mask may not be possible in every situation. If you must use a face shield instead of a mask, choose one that wraps around the sides of your face and extends below your chin.

Do you still need to wear a face mask after you're vaccinated?

After getting vaccinated, you can more safely return to doing activities that you might not have been able to do because of high numbers of people with COVID-19 in your area. However, if you are in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public. You are considered up to date with your vaccines if you have gotten all recommended COVID-19 vaccine shots when you become eligible.

 

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