What should you know when buying a protective mask?

In the past, masks covering the mouth and nose were mainly used in medicine and during hazardous construction and painting work. Today, as the whole world learns to live with a new virus, protective masks have become a new normal and an everyday hygiene product in many countries. Unfortunately, there are also people who want to take advantage of difficult situations and, since protective masks are in very high demand, some sellers offer products whose effectiveness and quality they do not know or verify. Below, we share tips to avoid such pitfalls when choosing and buying a protective mask.

Look for these specific markings!

At a time when demand for protective masks has grown significantly, the market has unfortunately become crowded with products whose protective capability has not been verified. As a result, products that do not meet European-approved standards and whose origin cannot be verified have also appeared on sale. To ensure the reliability of a protective mask, look for the following markings on the product (not only on the packaging):
CE certification mark
Manufacturer and model name
Protection class marking (FFP1, FFP2, or FFP3) with an additional code NR (single-use) or R (reusable)
Standard number and year of manufacture

Cloth masks sewn at home or by clothing manufacturers have also become popular. These are often made from attractive fabrics and may look appealing to buy. While wearing such masks may give the wearer a greater sense of security than not wearing a mask at all, it should be remembered that they are not tested and do not meet the requirements that confirm their ability to protect the wearer from viruses.

Protective mask or respirator?

Surgical masks, the rectangular ones, help prevent the spread of germs, protecting the people the mask wearer comes into contact with. For this reason, they are mainly used by healthcare workers to prevent infecting patients with potentially harmful germs. However, such masks do not protect the wearer, mainly because the sides are open and inhaled air may not always pass through the filter material.

Respirators protect the mask wearer from the external environment, but it is important to be attentive because they are available both with and without valves. A respirator with an exhalation valve protects the wearer from the external environment, but it should not be worn by a sick person because particles of the illness may be released into the surrounding environment through the valve. A respirator without a valve, or with a covered valve, protects both the mask wearer and the surrounding environment.

When, where, and whether to wear a protective mask?

Unless the government has recommended otherwise, each person can decide for themselves whether, where, and when to wear a protective mask. It is especially important for those with symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or sore throat to wear a mask. Healthy people may also wear a protective mask if it gives them greater security. However, in both cases, it makes sense to wear a mask mainly in crowded places, not when staying at home or walking outside alone.

How to use a protective mask?

When wearing any protective mask or covering your face with another item, certain principles should be followed so that the result does not work against you.

*Wash or disinfect your hands before and after using the mask.
*Cover both your mouth and nose with the mask.
*Touch the mask only by the straps or ear loops.
*When the usage time is over, throw the mask into a closed waste bin.