Are the more layers of masks the better? What is the difference between the layers of masks?

We all know that masks are a common type of protective equipment. They can play a good protective role to a certain extent and can prevent the new coronavirus. Many people wear masks. There are certain rules for wearing masks, so is it better to have more layers of masks? Let's take a closer look!

Are more layers of masks better?

More layers of masks are not necessarily better.

For ordinary people going out, disposable surgical masks are sufficient, but if you are in special positions in epidemic areas, it is best to use N95 masks. You don't need masks when staying at home. I see some people are too nervous and wear double-layer masks when going out. In fact, double-layer masks will not achieve double the effect of blocking the virus, and may also bring resistance to normal breathing and cause discomfort. I urge everyone to wear masks correctly and scientifically and not to waste masks.

What is the difference between the number of mask layers

Some people worry that one mask is not protective enough, so they wear two or three masks together. In fact, this is completely unnecessary. Medical surgical and N95 masks can effectively prevent diseases as long as they are worn correctly.

Especially for medical surgical masks, although they are thin, their three-layer protection of water barrier layer, filter layer and moisture absorption layer is very powerful. Wearing too much will make breathing difficult, which will make you feel more uncomfortable.

N95 masks are highly protective masks certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the United States. They are required to have a filtration efficiency of 95% for particulate matter under standard conditions. Some researchers compared the protective effects of N95 masks and multiple medical masks at the same time. The final results showed that wearing one mask scored 2.7, wearing two masks scored 3.8, and wearing five masks even reached 5.5 - sounds impressive, right? But the score of N95 is at least 100.

Wearing one mask is already a bit stuffy, and wearing three or four masks will make it even harder to breathe. Therefore, if you will have close contact with pneumonia patients and want to be absolutely safe, instead of stacking several masks on your face and making yourself feel stuffy, it is better to choose a more protective N95 mask and use it once.

Misunderstandings about the use of masks

Mask with valve

Although masks with door valves look "high-end", their ability to defend against viruses may not be up to standard. Masks with door valves are mainly used for dust prevention and are more commonly used in factories or dusty environments. They are used to open the door to relieve the discomfort of breathing after leaving the dusty environment. However, this valve also has the risk of failure and cannot prevent viruses.

Wearing a mask backwards

For example, some people wear masks upside down, and the nose clip does not fit the face. Some people wear two layers of masks, which will affect the airtightness of the mask, causing more air leakage, and increase breathing resistance, making breathing harder, which will also cause the mask to leak more. These are all misunderstandings when wearing masks. Masks are ineffective if they are not worn correctly.

Discarded masks directly into the trash can

During the prevention and control of the new coronavirus pneumonia epidemic, some lawless elements have also come up with the idea of ​​recycling masks and reselling them. The reselling of used masks is harmful to human health and may also provide opportunities for the spread of viruses. Therefore, we must properly damage the masks before discarding them.

Don’t wash your hands after throwing away the mask

Discarded masks are contaminated with saliva, droplets, etc., and citizens will inevitably touch them with their hands during disposal. It is possible that the relevant viruses will be brought to their hands, burying the hidden danger of the virus spreading again. Be sure to wash your hands after disposing of discarded masks.

What kind of mask should I wear to prevent the new coronavirus?

If you want to prevent pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus, you can choose between medical surgical masks and N95 masks. You don't have to wear an N95 mask for prevention. General surgical masks can also block most viruses stuck on droplets from entering the respiratory tract. But compared to medical surgical masks, N95 masks are more airtight. They can prevent respiratory infections to a certain extent, but they cannot prevent haze.

Medical surgical masks have three layers, from outside to inside, they are waterproof layer, filter layer, and comfort layer. The comfort layer is a layer of non-woven fabric. When wearing it, the white non-woven fabric faces inward, the blue waterproof layer faces outward, and the side with the metal sheet faces upward. Do not wear it upside down. After the rubber band is hung on the ears, pinch the metal sheet and fit it to the nose, smooth the cheeks, and try to leave no gap between the mask and the face.