Face masks have long been used as personal protective equipment in a wide range of professions. Painters, medical professionals, and many others use different types of face coverings to prevent the inhalation of unwanted particles.
As of 2020, the CDC now recommends that the general public should wear face masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the virus responsible for the coronavirus pandemic. This has led to people wondering what type of face coverings they should wear and which mask provides the best protection against the virus.
Types of face masks
Face coverings can be broken down into a few broad categories: the N95 and KN95 masks, medical masks, reusable cloth masks, and neck gaiters. Each is designed for different scenarios.
The N95 mask
The N95 mask gets its name from the percentage of airborne particles the mask can filter.
An N95 mask blocks up to 95 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size. These face masks are made from a variety of synthetic fibers and should never be reused. Some come with built-in exhalation valves to make breathing easier. An N95 mask with an exhalator should not be used in sterile environments, as airborne particles could be spread when the wearer exhales.
N95 masks are used by medical workers to protect them against viral infection. The masks are also commonly used in industrial workplaces where employees are exposed to dust and other small particles.
KN95 masks
The N95 mask and KN95 masks are similar and provide almost the same amount of protection from airborne particles.
The main difference between the two is that while the N95 mask is the US standard, the KN95 mask is the Chinese counterpart. The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has a lengthy requirement list a mask must meet before it can be labeled N95. A KN95 mask has more total inward leakage than an N95 mask, but remains capable of filtering 95 percent of particles of 0.3 microns or larger.
Medical face masks
Medical masks, also known as surgical masks, are less effective than N95 masks for filtration of viral particles. Under typical lab conditions, these types of face coverings can filter 60-80 percent of small particles. As the name suggests, medical masks are intended for use in healthcare settings.
The reason for medical face masks is twofold. First, the mask lowers the risk of the wearer breathing in harmful particles. Secondly, they reduce the risk of the wearer spreading viral or bacterial particles when he or she speaks, coughs, or sneezes. The masks worn by nurses and surgeons in operating rooms are primarily used for the patients’ safety. Like the N95 mask, these types of face masks are single-use only.
Cloth face coverings
Reusable cloth face masks, like the Allmask Triblend Face Mask and the Antimicrobial Face Covering can prevent the inhalation of large airborne particles such as construction debris. While not intended to prevent viral infection, these types of face masks are recommended by the CDC for use in situations where social distancing is difficult to maintain. The hope is that widespread use of cloth face masks will lower the total amount of airborne viral particles in a particular location, reducing but not eliminating the risk of disease.
Neck Gaiters
Neck gaiters such as CROWN’s Custom Sublimated Cover and 12-in-1 Face Mask, are intended to provide protection against large dust and debris while shielding the neck from the sun and wicking away sweat. Neck gaiters are not designed to protect against viral or bacterial particles, but like cloth face masks will satisfy the CDC recommendation that people wear face coverings in public.
The neck gaiters and cloth face masks provided by Triple Crown Products are all customizable, allowing you to embroider your logo on several different types of face coverings. Make your employees and customers lives easier and safer by providing them with custom logo face masks and neck gaiters while spreading brand awareness. If you need help choosing from the types of face masks we provide, or adding a logo to your mask contact our customer representatives for help in picking the face coverings that best fit your needs.