We always want to feel confident and protected when we go out. Knowing that we are not only guarding our health but also thinking about those who are around us. With the rise of pollution and air diseases, face masks have become an important part of our lives. Especially, after the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has become our guardian from harmful diseases. It is a simple but very powerful tool for personal and public health safety.
Research shows that these masks keep you safer and more protected from diseases than 85% of the population. Apart from health concerns, masks have become a fashion style and cultural symbol. Many have accepted it as their way of expressing themselves. But all masks are not the same. Using them requires the correct knowledge, such as choosing the right mask, and maintaining hygiene and comfort while wearing them. These are some important questions that every user should try to answer before wearing one.
This article will give you all the information you need about face masks, from its different types to understanding the correct usage up to how to care for these masks properly. It will also give you knowledge about important protective tools. So, if you are using a mask for the first time or want to make it a habit, then make sure you stay till the end.
What is a face mask?
Face masks are a covering that protects the nose and mouth from dangerous particles, viruses, and pollutants. It is a barrier that stops the spread of harmful bacteria and diseases. Thus, masks have become extremely important in today's time, especially in the healthcare sector. By wearing a mask, we can stay safe from many environmental factors such as dust, pollen, or smoke.
These masks are not new or recently invented. Healthcare professionals have used them for many years. Even more so after the COVID-19 pandemic, the public has embraced them to protect themselves while they do their daily activities. However, the durability and performance of a mask depend on its type, maintenance, and how it is worn. So, if you are a regular user, understanding its mechanism is the first step towards maximising its usage.
Different types of face masks
Nowadays, face masks are designed in many different types and designs, each tailored to protect us in specific environments. It is now created in a way that meets the varying needs and requirements of users. To choose the correct mask, you first need to identify what you are using it for. Be sure to also take into consideration the environment and the level of protection you will need. Let us look at some of the common types of masks below:
- Surgical Masks – Manufacturers make these disposable masks from many layers of synthetic material. Hospitals mainly use them to provide protection against splashes and droplets.
- N95 and K95 Masks – These are tight-fit and high-efficiency face masks that block almost 97% of air particles and diseases. These are ideal for high-risk environments such as hospitals and construction sites.
- Cloth Face Mask – These are reusable and made from washable materials. It provides very basic protection in your routine environment while travelling or on the bus. It can be customised for a better style.
- Fashion Masks – Designers make these for elegance and appeal. They have different patterns and colours. It is the ideal mask for casual and non-medical use.
- Respirators – They are used in industrial areas or hospitals for high-level protection. They have efficient filtration and a very tight seal to make the best for high-risk places.
Common benefits of wearing face masks
Wearing face masks can have many benefits. From reasons such as safeguarding your health, up to contributing to public safety, they are more than just a barrier. They're a very important tool to stop harmful bacteria and diseases spreading in the environment. What's more, its benefits are not only restricted to personal safety, but it is an initiative for the overall wellbeing of the society. Let us look at some of the benefits of wearing masks.
- It gives you solid protection against air particles and diseases.
- These masks stop the spread of dangerous and infectious particles to others. It is also a strong tool to protect adult citizens or those who have weak immune systems.
- They can stop pollutants and allergens from going to our respiratory systems.
- It increases public safety awareness, and also hygiene.
- It is the best way to be stylish and express your personality.
Proper maintenance and hygiene of your face masks
Safety and hygiene are very important for these masks to protect us against harmful particles and diseases. Just by a few simple steps, you can increase the performance of your masks and minimise the risk of spreading diseases. You need to wash cloth masks after every use. It is very important to wash them with soap and hot water to prevent the spread of bacteria.
You should replace N95 and K95 face masks after prolonged use, especially when exposed to high-risk environments. Technically, you should change them once they become too damp or moist. Moreover, proper cleaning and storage of the masks are important in maintaining mask hygiene. After washing the masks, you should store them in a clean and dry container to keep them fresh.
Avoiding cross-contamination
Another point to remember is you should always wash your hands before putting on or removing your face masks. That plays a very important role in cross-contamination. Also, when you remove the mask, you should do it by the straps or ear loops and not touch the front part. For disposable masks, it is important to throw them away immediately after using them.
Besides all that, be sure to pay attention to the signs that tell you it’s time to replace your masks. If it becomes thin or stretched and damaged, it will not be the same in terms of protection. Keeping the mask in good condition is very important for it to provide proper protection.
Final Thoughts
Face masks have become an inseparable part of our lives. It is a simple tool but very effective in protecting us against airborne diseases, harmful bacteria, and pollutants. Whether it’s a simple cloth mask or an N95, it is important to understand the benefits of each mask. Also, to ensure that your mask gives you an optimal performance, you should know the proper maintenance and hygiene procedures. This will help you protect yourself and also contribute.
As we face many health challenges, face masks will remain a vital tool for the health sector. More than that, we also need to consider upgrading our knowledge in this field and other related fields such as construction safety and health management. The College of Contract Management offers many health-related resources to help you stay informed and equip you with the necessary skills. Act today and take the next step in your professional journey. It's high time to stay safe, increase your knowledge, and start investing in your future.
