The Best Surgical Face Mask for Coronavirus

People are in continuous search of all the preventive measures they can use to be secured amidst the coronavirus outbreak.

There are the N95 masks and the old reliable, surgical masks. There were earlier reports that the surgical mask is not enough to protect us from coronavirus. It’s contradicted that a surgical mask does work only if fitted properly.

The colored side should face outwards, and the edge with the wiring should be upwards. N95 masks work but we need to ensure that medical professionals will not run out of them to be able to perform their jobs as front liners in their assistance with those in the hospitals.

A surgical mask is enough to do help the general public as long as it has the best fit on you and it should be a three-ply surgical that mask can effectively filter out particles larger than 0.3 microns.

A surgical mask should also be fitted tightly around the nose area. The only uncertainty is that the CDC offers no certification to attest to exactly how much airborne matter is blocked by surgical masks, unlike N95 respirators.

At the end of the day, having a mask on is extremely very important and it will be effective based on how you’ll use it correctly and properly.

What are the important 4 F’s in a surgical mask? 

Filtration – When there’s smoke is present or when interacting with a respiratory infected patient, it’s better to use a high filtration mask with an N95 filter or activated carbon filter.

Fluid resistance – Pick a fluid-resistant surgical mask if there is that any chance of blood or other bodily fluid splatters may occur. ASTM level 3 surgical masks are recommended.

Features – It’s safe to always use a level 3 surgical mask with ties when exposed to critical surroundings.  An anti-fog film, foam, and tapes will reduce the fogging issue and will protect better.

Fit – Any mask will not be effective at all if it is not worn correctly. The nose and mouth area must be completely covered and it should be sealed around the face to prevent gaps that will increase the risk of inhaling hazardous contaminants.

Why are Surgical Masks popularly used?

Surgical masks are popularly used in health care settings and among people because they can prevent the spread of germs from one person to another or protect an individual from inhaling airborne particulates. 

They are usually made with either with a pleated front with cloth ear-loops or ties and also in a contour cup design and generally feature an adjustable nose piece and a retention band to secure the mask in place. 

They are used in demand for medical and industrial applications to cover the mouth and nose from sprays, vapors, and particles.

What are the different levels of ASTM protection of Surgical Masks?

LEVEL 1 (LOW) BARRIER - 80 mm Hg-used for general procedures and respiratory etiquette. Designed to resist a splash or spray at venous pressure. Light / minimum BFE & PFE protection

LEVEL 2 (MODERATE) BARRIER - 120 mm Hg- More breathable than high barrier mask. Designed to resist a splash or spray at arterial pressure. High BFE & PFE protection

LEVEL 3 (HIGH) BARRIER - 160 mm Hg- Highest fluid resistance – designed to resist a splash or spray during tasks like orthopedic surgery or trauma. Highest BFE & PFE protection

Here’s the top best surgical mask for coronavirus

⭐ Curad Germ Shield Maximum Barrier Face Mask

This surgical mask is not very popular but it’s actually the best one against viruses. It’s 99% efficient at filtering out bacteria and mold particles.

It has 4-layer filtration that helps filter out dust, pollen, and bacteria. A good thing about it is its comfortable design for easy fit and breathability. This is a high-barrier surgical facemask. It passed and met all ASTM F2100-11 Level 3 Standards.

Pros:

• Best antiviral mask for the general public
• This is the most comfortable masks for traveling
• It’s not too hot and it has no chemical smell
• These masks are tested and approved
• The lower placement of noseband on the bridge of nose equates to easier breathing and less fogging glasses
• Very comfortable masks with good protection
• The fabric is thicker than the standard disposable masks and it has carbon and other filter layers

Cons:

• Some need to adjust the way the mask fits around their noses
• There is a slight vinegar smell but that is the chemicals that kill the viruses

Where to buy:

• Amazon

⭐ TTbuy Strong Protection Masks 50 PC Disposable Surgical Face Masks

This mask offers three layers of purifying dust and toxic gases in the air to protects against dust, allergens, and contaminants. Made with a skin-friendly cloth that’s high-quality cotton that’s soft and lightweight.

The masks are individually packaged and sealed to ensure the highest standards of the products.

Pros:

• High-quality
• Very soft
• Made from cotton
• Three layers of protection
• 50 pieces mask in a pack
• Available in other colors
• It’s packed and sealed individually
• Made using a very nice material

Cons:

• No negative reviews so far

Where to buy:

• Amazon

⭐ Halyard Health Fluidshield N95 Particulate Filter Respirator And Surgical Mask

This is a unique fast-selling small sized orange respirator and surgical face mask for protection against airborne pathogens.  It’s also great for safeguarding oneself against fluid penetration.

It comes with a flat-fold and duckbill design with a large breathing chamber for comfort and breathability. Its two headbands for secure facial fit and tight seal is made from Polyurethane.

This mask is NIOSH-approved and it’s designed to provide an effective facial fit as required for proper respiratory protection.

Pros:

• Mask perfectly fits the face
• Great to protect yourself from airborne pathogens
• NIOSH-approved for respiratory protection
• Very comfortable
• Well-made
• Durable 
• Very convenient

Cons:

• No negative reviews so far

Where to buy:

• Amazon
• Halyard Health

⭐ FWPP 4 Layer Thicker Earloop Disposable Face Masks

Included in the list is this mask that offers 4 Layers of Thick Material for secure protection against harmful particles in the atmosphere.

The 3 layers are of high-quality non-woven fabric that can filter the large particles and 1 layer of professional cloth that provides static adsorption of small particles. It has a stronger filtering effect and is warmer.

Gives 90%  efficient respiratory protection from particles in the air. It features an adjustable nose clip, high elastic soft ear hook, three-level height adjustment of the mask, and ultrasonic non-destructive compression.

Includes 50 pcs per box and also comes in, 600 pcs per 12 boxes in a carton for bulk economical purchase.

Pros:

• The top strip can be formed over your nose
• They stay in place better 
• They work very well, and the ability to breathe comfortably
• The elastic is strong
• The wire molds on over your nose which makes the fit better
• Soft and nice fit
• Perfect for flu
• These masks don’t have any chemical odor at all

Cons:

• Other find it smaller for them

Where to buy:

• Amazon

⭐ Yookoon Pack of 30 Disposable Non-Woven mask Dustproof Breathable Mask

This a surgical mask that’s delightfully designed with dainty prints and comes in nice colors. It’s an ear-loop face ask that’s also fluid-resistant and pleated that gives the extra comfort.

This mask is used as a covering for the face that serves as a protective barrier and available in two variants, in tie bands and an elastic strap for proper fixing.

It comes with a nose clip to prevent fogging of eyeglasses and to maximize filtration.

It’s effective to protect against germs, pollen, dust, pet hair and dander, allergens, mold spores, many bacteria, effluents from coughs and sneezes that contain flu viruses, and many harmful particles that pollute the air.

Pros:

• Masks come in resealable foil pouches, which is a very nice feature
• They also are much softer and have less smell in them
• They are much more pleasantly designed than regular surgical masks
• They have vibrant colors 
• It fits well
• Good quality
• It wears well all-day
• Nicely-shaped than regular old surgical masks

Cons:

• Few find the mask doesn't stay formed to the nose and face at times

Where to buy:

• Amazon

After Thoughts

In the long run, any mask will work very effectively if it’s fitted to the face very well for a secure seal and if you change and safely dispose of your mask regularly.

This is to prevent your mask to loose its maximum effectiveness. Whatever mask you’ll choose whether an N95 mask or a surgical mask, it would be best if you combine it with having good hygiene as well. Make it a point to wash and disinfect your hands as often as possible.

What’s the use of wearing any mask if you touch your face, nose, and mouth with your uncleaned hands? “Studies and experience show that when people wash their hands consistently the rates of disease really drop.”

But, it’s breath of fresh air and a big relief that a surgical mask could also be good protection against coronavirus.

Stay safe, be protected and always be informed on what’s best for you!