Mouth and nose protection can protect against viral infections – application & health benefits
Mouth and nose protection can protect against viral infections
The corona pandemic and the diseases associated with it have changed our lives significantly. Protective measures such as the minimum distance and regular disinfection of our hands have been part of everyday life for around a year. The changes in our everyday life are particularly visible when we wear mouth and nose protection. Already at the beginning of the pandemic, numerous studies proved the protective effect of masks. A mouth and respiratory mask has been proven to protect against infection with SARS-CoV-2. By wearing the mask we are helping to contain the pandemic and protecting ourselves and others. However, the actual protective effect depends on the quality and tightness of the masks. There are a total of three different types of masks on the market, some of which differ significantly from one another.
Mouth and nose cover
Mouth and nose covers are also referred to as everyday masks or community masks. As a rule, they are made of commercially available fabric or sewn yourself. The mouth and nose cover cannot be assigned to either the medical devices category or the personal protective equipment category. The fabric mask is not subject to any legal requirements or technical standards. There are therefore no legal requirements for filter performance.
However, as a general rule, the tighter the fabric is woven, the better the performance. A multi-layer mask also filters better than a single-layer mask and a layer of different fabrics (e.g. cotton + silk) offers better protection than layers of the same fabric. The mask should be made in such a way that the edges are as close as possible to the face. The wearer must also ensure that the mouth and nose are completely covered.
In contrast to medical face masks and FFP masks, the fabric mouth and nose cover is not subject to any legal requirements. For this reason, fabric masks have a lower protective effect compared to other mask types. However, commercially available fabric masks can also reduce the risk of infection. The droplet ejection is reduced and the mask thus contributes to protection against SARS-CoV-2.
Surgical masks
Medical face masks are also known as “surgical masks” and are mainly known from the operating room or doctor’s offices. In contrast to the fabric mask, the medical face mask must meet legal requirements and technical standards. It belongs to the category of medical products and is therefore subject to medical product law. Surgical masks are made of special plastics and have a multi-layer structure. Surgical masks often look very similar: they have a rectangular shape with folds. This allows the mask to ideally adapt to the shape of the wearer’s face. Medical face masks have ear loops and a wire nose clip.
Surgical masks were basically designed to protect others. By wearing this mask, doctors, for example, prevent droplets from their breathing air from getting into the patient’s open wound. If the mask is worn correctly, it also offers a certain amount of self-protection. Surgical masks protect against droplets, but less against aerosols. Surgical masks must have clearly defined filter properties. Basically, the mask is declared by the manufacturer as a disposable product. The CE mark on the mask indicates that the manufacturer has met all legal requirements and technical standards for the mask.
Due to legal requirements, surgical masks offer greater protection against infections than fabric masks. To protect yourself and others from the virus, it is advisable to buy surgical masks . They effectively protect strangers from droplets and offer self-protection when handled correctly. Medical products such as surgical masks are subject to strict regulations and are only approved for sale in Europe when they meet all legal requirements. The masks must be changed and disposed of regularly.
FFP masks
Another type of mask that offers effective protection is the so-called FFP mask. The abbreviation FFP stands for “Filtering Face Piece”. FFP masks belong to the “Personal Protective Equipment” category within the framework of occupational safety. A distinction is made between the protection levels FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. While FFP1 offers a filter performance of 80%, FFP2 has to filter even 94% of the droplets and aerosols and FFP3 even 99%.
The particle-filtering half masks are white, can be folded in the shape of a dome and are reminiscent of a coffee filter in appearance. They protect the wearer from particles, droplets and aerosols and are made from a soft non-woven polypropylene fabric. FFP masks offer both self-protection and that of others. In order for FFP masks to serve their purpose, they must of course fit snugly on the face. Like the medical face masks, the particle-filtering half masks are single-use products. They must be changed and disposed of regularly.
Like surgical masks, FFP masks are also subject to strict legal requirements and standards. The filter performance of the mask material is tested according to the European standard EN 149. The test standard is printed on the surface of the FFP mask together with the CE mark and a four-digit identification number. The CE mark may only be printed on the mask if the product meets all EU-wide requirements for safety, health protection and environmental protection.
Tips on using the mask
In order for FFP or surgical masks to offer sufficient protection, certain hygiene tips must be observed. The Robert Koch Institute and the Federal Center for Health Education make recommendations that wearers should follow. Even with a mask, a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from other people must be maintained. The mask should fit well and really cover your mouth and nose completely. Try several masks to make sure which mask works best for your face shape.
Make sure that the edges of the mask are as close to the face as possible. In this way you ensure that as little air as possible is breathed past the mask. Nevertheless, the mask should let enough air through so as not to impede breathing. When your mask is soaked you will need to remove and change it. When removing the surgical mask, only hold the straps. After removing the mask, wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
Cloth masks are suitable for reuse. However, the masks must be washed regularly in the washing machine at at least 95 °C. Another option is to store the cloth mask in an airtight bag. However, the storage should only take place for a short period of time, otherwise mold may form. Surgical and FFP masks are designed as disposable products and should therefore be bought in a value pack. In everyday life, however, these masks are often reused.
However, this approach carries some risks. Wearing the masks for several consecutive days reduces their protective effect. There could be pathogens on the masks and the risk of infection cannot be ruled out. However, consumers can do something to ensure that the protective effect is not jeopardized despite reuse. You can let the mask dry in the oven at 80°C (no more and no less). According to Münster University of Applied Sciences, this leads to a complete inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 viruses and a significant reduction in other pathogens.
You can also let the mask dry for seven days. It is best to hang the mask up in a place that is dry and free of objects. At the end of these seven days, the amount of infectious coronaviruses on and in the masks was reduced to an acceptable level. However, be sure to wait these seven days.
See also: COVID-19
Hello! I am Lisa Newlon, and I am a medical writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry. I have a Master’s degree in Medicine, and my deep understanding of medical terminology, practices, and procedures has made me a trusted source of information in the medical world.