News

Today, science has proven that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. This means that when a person talks, coughs, or sneezes, the virus may be transmitted in the air. In addition to that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are actual people who are asymptomatic, which means that they are able to transmit the virus to others while showing no signs or symptoms of COVID-19 infection. With that, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO have strongly recommended that people wear face masks in order to protect themselves from being exposed to respiratory droplets that may contain the infectious SARS-CoV-2. (Source: Pexels.com) Although the science revolving around the effectiveness of non-medical face masks is not absolute, these types of face masks most likely offer some degree of protection against the coronavirus. Studies have shown that surgical face masks could prevent the transmission of the coronavirus from symptomatic individuals. In addition to that, studies have shown that non-medical face masks can still reduce the risk of transmission. With that, researchers strongly encourage the use of face masks, especially in public settings. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that people use a simple cloth or non-medical face covering when they go out. If utilized by the public, it is possible that non-medical face masks might help slow down the spread of the coronavirus. This article will give you a more thorough understanding about non-medical face masks, their benefits, and their proper usage. So if you are interested, just keep on reading. Types of face mask Before we go through what are non-medical face masks, it is important to know the different types of face masks that are available in the market. The three main types of masks include:  Surgical mask - These types of masks cover the wearer's nose and mouth. Surgical masks provide a physical barrier to fluids and particulate materials. Surgical masks meet certain fluid barrier protection standards and Class I or Class II flammability tests. Hence, surgical masks are considered as medical devices and are usually intended for medical purposes. Furthermore, surgical masks are also tested for biocompatibility and are considered personal protective equipment.  Respirators - these include N95, FFP2, or the equivalent. They are named as such because they have the ability to filter at least 95% of airborne particles. They are considered as PPE that can tightly fit the face and offer certain filtration efficiency levels in order to help decrease the wearer's exposure to possible infectious airborne pathogens in a health care setting. Non-medical masks or cloth face coverings - Like surgical masks, these types of mask covers the wearer’s nose and mouth, however may or may not meet fluid barrier or filtration efficiency levels. With that, non-medical face masks are not intended for  medical purposes and are not considered as medical devices or PPE. It must be noted, however, that non-medical face masks may be utilized by the general public and health care personnel in order to control infectious spread, as long as it is in accordance with the CDC’s recommendations on Interim Infection Prevention and Control. What are non-medical masks? It is already explained above what non-medical face masks are. However, just to elabore, these types of masks are any kind of face coverings that are not N95 masks or surgical masks. With that, anyone can make their own non-medical masks through utilizing a variety of fabrics and different types of materials such scarves, bandanas, T-shirts, handkerchiefs, pillowcases, and the likes. It must be noted that a tightly woven cotton fabric is most ideal when creating your own non-medical face masks. In addition to that, studies have shown that a combination of different fabrics such as cotton, silk, chiffon, flannel, and various synthetics can be utilized in order to produce a more effective type of non-medical face masks?  Key Differences Of Non-medical Face Masks to Medical Face masks Unlike Surgical Face Masks that are classified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Non-medical face masks have not been evaluated or tested to recognized standards. The purpose of surgical masks is to act as a barrier to spreading droplets and spit, while Non-medical masks help limit the spread of droplets and spit when the user sneezes or coughs. Non-medical face masks are not designed to seal tight against the face. The filtration of non-medical face masks are not the same as materials used in certified masks and do not necessarily filter viruses. Non-medical face masks have limitations such as it can be difficult to breathe through fabric or the need to wash between uses. Unlike surgical masks in which the use should be prioritized to those health care workers and others who are providing direct care to a COVID-19 patient and for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms, non-medical masks can be used by the general public when in a shared space, whether indoors or outdoors, with people from outside of the immediate household, or when advised by the local public health authority. Construction of non-medical face masks It is important to note that non-medical face masks can only offer a degree of protection against infectious pathogens when it is well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn. With that, just like all protective devices, the effectiveness of a non-medical mask greatly depends on the materials utilized for producing it, how the mask is made, and how well it fits.  Hence, it is important to remember that a non-medical mask should have the following elements:  Produced with multiple layers, which include at least 2 layers of tightly woven fabric, such as cotton and a third middle layer of filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene  Made with materials that are light, breathable, and hypoallergenic Should have filters, or at least have pockets for filters;   A filter that acts as a middle layer in a non-medical mask can provide an additional layer of protection against coronavirus by blocking infectious respiratory particles.  It must be noted that you can incorporate a filter in a non-medical mask through adding one as a middle layer using a non-woven polypropylene fabric such as craft fabric, interfacing material commonly used  in sewing, and the non-woven material utilized to produce reusable shopping bags.  If no filter is present, insert a disposable filter into a pocket on the inside of the mask. Filters can be purchased or you can make your own through a piece of non-woven polypropylene fabric or a baby wipe that has been rinsed, dried and folded in half.  Disposable filters should be changed daily Should have a non-woven layer that can be washed several times.  Good fit.  It must be noted that a well-fitting non-medical face mask should be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaps; fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops; be comfortable and not need usual adjustments; and be able to maintain shape after multiple washing and drying.  Things to note when using non-medical face masks As stated above, the effectiveness of non-medical face masks are greatly affected by how it is worn. Hence, it can only offer protection when it is used properly. With that, things to note when using your non-medical face masks:  Make sure that your non-medical face masks snugs your mouth, nose, and chin completely without any gaps Do not remove masks in public for it potentially exposes you and others to infectious pathogens. When you adjust your mask, put your mask on, or take your mask off, remember to wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer after doing so. It is vital to keep your non-medical face mask clean when not in use, or when eating or drinking.  Do not hang your non-medical face mask from your ears or place it under your chin.  Store your non-medical face masks in a clean paper or cloth bag until you use it again. If your non-medical face mask gets damp or dirty, change it as soon as possible.  Place soiled non-medical face masks in a secure, waterproof bag or container until you can wash them in the laundry. Discard disposable face masks and filters properly in a garbage container. References:  Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. 2021. Respirators, Surgical Masks, and Non-Medical Masks. Retrieved from: https://www.ccohs.ca/covid19/facts-on-masks/. Retrieved on 14 May 2021.  Government of Canada. 2020. Non-medical masks: About. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/about-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html. Retrieved on 14 May 2021.  Medical News Today. 2020. Different types of face mask to use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-face-mask. Retrieved on 14 May 2021.  World Health Organization. 2020. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks. Retrieved on 14 May 2021. 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, national governments of countries around the world have followed the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on wearing face masks in public settings so as to reduce the transmission of the infectious SARS-CoV-2. This recommendation is vital for the control of the infection spread because the virus is transmitted via respiratory droplets between people interacting in close proximity, such as coughing, sneezing or talking. (Source: Pexels.com) Experts emphasize the need to wear face masks. There are many face masks available in the market. These include cloth masks, surgical masks, and N95 respirators. Both surgical masks and N95 respirators have been tested and proven to have adequate levels of protection against SARS-CoV-2. However, because of the shortage of supply, experts agree that N95 should be reserved for healthcare workers only. With that, wearing surgical face masks are highly encouraged to be practiced by the public instead. Along with physical distancing, wearing a surgical face mask is an effective way of controlling the transmission of COVID-19 - but only if you wear your surgical mask correctly. So to help you get the most out of wearing your face mask, here are some of the DOs and DON’Ts of surgical masks: DOs Do Choose The Right MaskThere are definitely a number of different face masks in the market. We highly suggest that you use surgical masks that have three or more layers. These surgical masks are proven to provide a physical barrier that reduces the risk of infection with Coronavirus. Surgical face masks are able to block respiratory droplets both from the mouth and nose but still allow breathing comfortability through the nonwoven fabric. It must be noted that you should only buy surgical face masks from certified manufacturers because there are also circulating fake surgical masks that do not offer the same level of protection from the ones that are tested and verified. Lastly, it should be noted that surgical face masks that are made with valves or vents are greatly discouraged because they do not prevent the transmission of Coronavirus. While such face masks may give a sense of protection to you, respiratory droplets from the wearer can still be expelled in the air through the valves or vents in the face mask. Do Wear Your Mask AlwaysYou are only protected from being infected with COVID-19 if you stay at home, practice social distancing, and wear a mask. With that, if you really need to go out to do a living, then practice wearing your surgical face mask always. This is very important especially in settings where social distancing is not feasible. Wearing your surgical face masks always does not only protect you but also the society as a whole. Do Make Sure Your Face Masks Fits Your Face ComfortablyOther than the effectiveness of surgical face masks in filtering out infectious pathogens, it is vital that you pick a mask that is comfortable for you so that you can wear them all throughout the day. The function of surgical masks is to block respiratory droplets. With that, to some extent, wearing a face mask will impact the flow of air. Hence, it is important that you choose a mask that still lets you breathe and talk comfortably. so make sure you can breathe and talk without difficulty. Surgical masks have multiple layers to block droplet transmission but are designed to remain breathable.Furthermore, your surgical face mask should cover your mouth and nose, while making sure that it fits snugly but comfortably on your face. Most masks either have loops or straps that go behind the back of the ears in order to snug fit. Surgical masks come in different sizes. Masks that are too small and masks that are too big with gaps between your face and the mask are less effective. With that, you should make sure to pick the right size so that spaces in the side of your face are reduced which result in better protection against respiratory droplets. It also must be noted that you should refrain using masks that are made from materials that will irritate your skin. The bottomline is you should buy surgical face masks that fits perfectly on your face covering both your mouth and nose, and allows you to breathe and talk comfortably. Do Put Your Surgical Mask on Properly and Take It Off CorrectlyBefore wearing your surgical masks, make sure that you have clean hands. Hence, you should wash your hands first. To put your surgical face mask on, grab the mask and pinch it at the ear loops or grasp the upper ties. For ear-loop style masks, secure ear loops behind the ears. For tie back style masks, secure upper ties first behind your head, after that, secure lower ties behind your head.When you return home, wash your hands before removing your mask. Take the mask off slowly and carefully without touching the outside of it or your eyes, nose or mouth. You can remove the face mask by handling it by the ear loops or straps. For disposable masks, make sure you put in plastic or paper before throwing it. For reusable masks, make sure to put the mask in a dedicated safe place until you wash it. After doing such, wash your hands again.  (Source: Pexels.com) DON’Ts   Do Not Touch Your Surgical Mask When You Are Wearing ItIt is important that you do not touch your surgical face masks once it is on. If this is not possible, then you should really limit on touching it. This is why it is important that you should ensure that your mask fits properly because that would mean that you do not need to keep on adjusting it later. There is a risk of contamination when you keep on touching your masks, especially when your hands are already not clean or you already have been exposed to other people. With that, you should practice not to touch your face or your face mask. In cases where you accidentally or unconsciously touch your mask, you should immediately clean your hands afterwards. Bringing a small bottle of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer is beneficial because you can use it after adjusting your face masks in cases where you really need to do so. Do Not Put Surgical Masks On A Young ChildExperts agree that children under the age of 2 should not wear surgical face masks. Kids under age 2 are not able to understand all the instructions and most likely will not put the face masks on for a very long time. Only those children aged 2 and above should be instructed to wear a surgical face mask. It is vital for parents and other adult caregivers to wear masks when asking children age 2 and older to put them on. Through this way, children will not be scared when putting them on. It must be noted that young children are at a very low risk of serious illness from COVID-19. However, it is still important to look for surgical face masks that fit your child properly. Do Not Let The Surgical Masks Put Your Guard DownWearing a surgical face mask is a sign of being responsible because it does not only protect you  but also protect others. However, it must be remembered that wearing a face mask does not replace other protective measures but only adds to them. With that, social distancing remains one of the most vital steps in protecting yourself from being infected with COVID-19 as well as controlling the rate of transmission. A surgical face mask is not a ticket that allows you to abandon social distancing or disregard other protective measures. Hence, do not let surgical face masks give you a false sense of security to do whatever you want that may harm others. You must remember that droplets wearing surgical face masks is only one of the many steps in protecting yourself and the society. So stay at home if you can, practice social distancing in public places, wear your surgical face mask always and properly, and wash your hands frequently. References: Centers For Disease Control And Prevention. 2020. Facemask Do’s and Don’ts For Healthcare Personnel. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/hcp/fs-facemask-dos-donts.pdf. Retrieved on 5 May 2021. Edward-Elmhurst Health. 2020. Dos And Don’ts Of Wearing Face Masks In Public. Retrieved from: https://www.eehealth.org/blog/2020/05/dos-and-donts-face-coverings/. Retrieved on 5 May 2021. Health Matters. NewYork-Presbyterian. 2020. How to Wear a Face Mask — Your Guide to the Dos and Don’ts. Retrieved from: https://healthmatters.nyp.org/how-to-wear-a-face-mask-your-guide-to-the-dos-and-donts/. Retrieved on 5 May 2021. Pfizer. 2020. The Do's And Don'ts Of Wearing A Face Mask. Retrieved from: https://www.pfizer.com/news/hot-topics/the_do_s_and_don_ts_of_wearing_a_face_mask. Retrieved on 5 May 2021.

If you think that all masks are made equal, then you are definitely wrong! Not all masks provide the same level of protection that you need with today’s health crisis. While all masks offer some level of protection, understanding what separates medical masks from non-medical masks is a vital consideration, especially when you want to protect you and your family.  (Source: Pexels.com/photo/photo-of-man-and-woman-wearing-face-masks-4148971/) While both may be referred to as face masks, these two protective devices are actually utilized for different functions and different settings. Surgical masks and non-surgical masks are very different kinds of masks from the material used to the intended uses. Below is a breakdown of what separates surgical masks from non-surgical masks and the levels of protection that they provide.  What are Surgical and Non-Surgical Masks? (Source: Pexels.com/photo/blue-single-use-medical-face-masks-4197565/) Surgical masks are considered as medical masks. These masks are a form of disposable covers that are usually worn by medical professionals as personal protective equipment (PPE) during surgeries or other medical procedures. Furthermore, when indicated, surgical masks are typically worn in conjunction with other types of PPE in order to protect the wearer from exposure to the potentially infectious respiratory droplets of infected patients.  Surgical or medical masks are frequently made of a combination of paper and plastics, and are commonly manufactured to have a light blue color.  Studies have shown that surgical masks have the ability to protect wearers from large respiratory droplets but do not have as strong protection against smaller droplets. However, it must be noted that when worn correctly, medical masks can serve as a form of source control, protecting those around the wearer from potential exposure to their respiratory droplets, especially when the wearer is a carrier of a virus. Lastly, unlike non-surgical masks or cloth masks, medical masks cannot be washed or reused, hence it is intended to be worn only once before being discarded. (Source: Pexels.com/photo/business-people-wearing-face-masks-and-talking-4427957/) Non-medical masks are cloth masks or masks not certified as medical grade by Health Canada.  Just like surgical masks, a cloth face mask or non-medical masks fits against the face using either ear loops or ties around the head. Several layers of fabric creates a protection between your nose and mouth and the external environment, aiding in containing any respiratory droplets that you may breathe out. Hence, the sole purpose of wearing non-medical masks is for source control. With that, non-medical masks have the capacity to protect those around the wearer from possible exposure to the wearer’s respiratory droplets, especially when worn properly. However, it must be noted that non-medical masks are not considered as personal protective equipment and are not recommended to be used in scenarios where the use of PPE is indicated, such as when attending direct care to or within 2 meters of an individual suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19.  What makes Surgical Mask different from Non-surgical mask? It is understood that surgical and non-surgical masks offer a degree of protection against respiratory droplets that may contain infectious viruses. Furthermore, it has been shown that both can actually work as a source of control, protecting others from the wearer’s potential infective muco-salivary secretions. However, it must be noted that surgical masks are far way better than non-surgical masks. The American Society for Testing and Materials  (ASTM) is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide array of materials, products, systems, and services, including those that are utilized in the healthcare field. Furthermore, the ASTM is responsible for setting the standards for surgical masks. Their ratings provide the criteria to which surgical masks should meet to have an adequate protection and performance. With that, ASTM F2100, the current standard, reviews 5 basic criteria. These include Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) or the ability to filter bacteria; the Particulate Filtration Efficiency (PFE) or the ability to filter sub-micron particles; Fluid Resistance or the ability to prevent fluid penetration through the mask to the wearer; Delta P (Pressure Differential) or the measurement of how light and breathable a mask feels; and Flame Spread or the ability to withstand exposure from flame. Unlike Cloth masks, surgical masks undergo the scrutiny of the ASTM. In addition to that, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 10993-5 and ISO 10993-10 also provide certifications for  skin sensitivity and cytotoxic testing for surgical masks. This ensures optimal comfort and minimizes the risk of adverse reaction from surgical mask materials and surgical mask usage. (Source: Pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-wearing-protective-mask-4270078/) Cloth masks do not have ASTM ratings. Surgical masks, on the other hand, have ASTM ratings that span from Level 1 to Level 3, in which each level offers an increased level of protection across the range of criteria: ASTM Level 1 - these surgical masks are utilized for general procedures, minimally invasive surgery, ophthalmology, and respiratory etiquette. Surgical masks under ASTM Level 1 has a BFE at 3.0 micron of  ≥ 95%, PFE at 0.1 micron of  ≥ 95%, Delta P of < 5.0 mm H2O/cm2, Fluid Resistance to synthetic blood at 80 mm Hg, Flame Spread Class 1 per 16 CFR part 1610. ASTM Level 2 - these surgical masks are utilized for procedures such as general surgery and endoscopy while providing greater breathability than high barrier (Level 3) masks. These surgical masks were designed to resist a splash or spray at arterial pressure. Surgical masks under ASTM Level 2 has  BFE at 3.0 micron of  ≥ 98%, PFE at 0.1 micron of  ≥ 98%, Delta P of < 6.0 mm H2O/cm2, Fluid Resistance to synthetic blood at 120 mm Hg, and Flame Spread Class 1 per 16 CFR part 1610. ASTM Level 3 -  these surgical masks are utilized in order to have the highest fluid resistance. These surgical masks were designed to resist a splash or spray during tasks like orthopedic surgery or trauma. Surgical masks under ASTM Level 3 has BFE at 3.0 micron of ≥ 98%, PFE at 0.1 micron of  ≥ 98%, Delta P of < 6.0 mm H2O/cm2, Fluid Resistance to synthetic blood at 160 mm Hg, and Flame Spread Class 1 per 16 CFR part 1610. With that, surgical masks greatly differ from cloth masks because it has reached the standards and criteria set by the ASTM. It must be noted that if surgical masks are not available in a particular area, cloth masks can be utilized. However, particular guidance for wearing cloth masks was set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These include the following:  Wearers should ensure that the cloth masks cover the nose and mouth and are secured with ties or ear loops, fitting snugly but comfortably, without gaps. It is important that wearers do not touch their cloth masks while wearing it. If it has been touched, wearers should sanitize and wash hands immediately.  When removing cloth masks, one should not touch his or her face - especially the nose, eyes, and mouth - or the front of the mask. After removing the cloth mask, washing of hands should be done immediately Per manufacturer's instructions, cloth masks should be regularly cleaned in a washing machine. One should make or look for cloth masks that have more than one layer of fabric. To wear a gaiter as a mask, choose one with two layers, or fold it to make two layers. In order to aid in preventing fogging when wearing glasses with a face covering, choose a cloth mask with a nose wire or tight-fitting nose area. It is important to remember that while wearing a cloth mask is an important precaution, washing of hands frequently and following social distancing guidelines are still vital measures.  It is vital to remember that cloth face masks are not a substitute for required respiratory protection. Bottomline: Face masks are an important protection against viruses that may cause illness such as COVID-19. With that, it is vital that you should always choose the kind of masks that are scientifically proven and tested by a verified and certified body, so that you can make sure that you get the right protection that you need. At the end of the day, whether it may be a surgical mask or a non-surgical mask, the effectiveness of masks can be improved by ensuring that the masks are well fitted to the contours of your face to prevent leakage of air around the masks' edges. Make sure that your mask is snug over the nose, mouth and chin, with no gaps. Together with proper handwashing and social distancing, wearing your mask properly and at all times is an effective strategy in reducing the transmission of the deadly COVID-19 virus - hopefully ending this global health crisis.  References:  Canadian For Centre Occupational Health and Safety. Respirators, Surgical Masks, and Non-Medical Masks. 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.ccohs.ca/images/products/pandemiccovid19/pdf/masks.pdf. Retrieved on 29 March 2021.  Esposito S, Principi N, Leung CC, Migliori GB. Universal use of face masks for success against COVID-19: evidence and implications for prevention policies. Eur Respir J. 2020;55(6):2001260. Published 2020 Jun 18. doi:10.1183/13993003.01260-2020 MacIntyre CR, Chughtai AA. A rapid systematic review of the efficacy of face masks and respirators against coronaviruses and other respiratory transmissible viruses for the community, healthcare workers and sick patients. Int J Nurs Stud. 2020;108:103629. doi:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103629 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 2020. How well do face masks protect against coronavirus?. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-mask/art-20485449. Retrieved on 29 March 2021.  PRIMED Medical Products. 2020. Medical vs Non-Medical Masks: Considerations to Optimize Protection. Retrieved from: https://www.primed.ca/medical-vs-non-medical-masks/. Retrieved on 29 March 2021.  Public Health Ontario. 2020. COVID-19: Non-Medical Masks. Retrieved from: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/factsheet/2020/11/covid-19-non-medical-masks-qa.pdf?la=en. Retrieved on 29 March 2021.