This past week we were asking colleagues about what kind of masks exist to stop the Coronavirus ( COVID19 ) and which ones should they buy. Although we've been on the subject for a long time, Actually, there are still many doubts (We discussed something in the article on the keys to the coronavirus in the construction).
If we add to this the entry of “fashion fashion” so that Let's all wear the best mask on the terrace, which they have little effectiveness, products without any approved certificate against pathogens, or that simply do not serve to nothing. We have the perfect cocktail to add and sow more "chaos" in the town, but... can I take them?
As an example of marketing and sowing doubts. a single look to the Adidas campaign…
But can I take it or not?... Well YES, but in circumstances determined. It is time to clear doubts based on questions and useful answers, with simple outlines, to understand what mask can you buy …
Content menu:
The use is for all those over the age of six years old , with the exception of: those who have respiratory difficulties, is contraindicated for reasons of disability or health, who develop an activity incompatible or justified force majeure.
It is application on public roads, outdoor spaces free or any closed space for public use as long as it is not possible to keep the distance from interpersonal security of at least two meters. The normative that regulates it is Order SND/422/2020 and can be consulted at this PDF.
Three types are established according to the situation of the people: healthy people ( hygienic masks ), sick people ( Surgical masks ) and people in contact with the virus ( Masks PPE – Personal Protection Equipment).
In case of using masks, healthy boys and girls at From 3 years old they must use hygienic masks according to each age range.
There are three sizes, according to each age range, between 3 and 12 years. Remember, also, that it is important that a adult supervises the donning, use, and removal of masks.
Boys and girls positive for COVID-19, with symptoms or positive asymptomatic patients should preferably use masks surgical or hygienic with UNE specification.
They are r recommended for the population in general . Hygienic masks are a complement to physical distancing measures and hygiene recommended by the Ministry of Health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (The product is not a PPE or a sanitary product).
With fashion and the entry into the market of large firms. New geotextile materials are appearing and elastics that are reusable and "fit" to the contour of the face having a double internal layer where inserts the filter (On the one hand, we have the mask, and, on the another, the filter).
| MASKS THAT MEET THE UNE 0064 AND 0065 SPECIFICATIONS | MASKS WITH OTHERS SPECIFICATIONS | NON-SPECIFICATION MASKS |
| Its labeling shows compliance with these specifications. technical specifications. | They are those that undergo tests and do not reach meet the UNE quality standard or have simply made tests based on other standards. They can indicate in their labeling that have been subjected to these tests and display the results obtained. | Those that have not been tested or verifications. |
Pay special attention to whether they are indicated trials and their results, especially with standard UNE (There may be other manufacturers that show test results according to other standards or criteria. The test results of different standards are not comparable.)
If they are reusable, the manufacturer will indicate the number maximum washes. Thereafter, effectiveness is not guaranteed. of the mask. The non-reusable ones must be eliminated after its recommended use.
For reasons of comfort and hygiene, it is usually recommended Do not use the mask for more than 4 h. In case you gets damp or deteriorates from use, it is recommended to replace it for another.
Remember that having a welcome home is also important. We have two reference articles that can expand the information; the first, guide for healthy houses, and the Second, it deals with air conditioning and health at home.
The surgical masks are the ones that we are used to seeing in clinical settings . Its objective is to prevent healthcare personnel and patients from infected (or suspected of being infected) transmit infectious agents .
They must have a mechanism that allows it to be tightly fitted over nose, mouth and chin to whoever wears it.
According to its Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (EFB) , are type I or type II . The latter may also be resistant to splashes (blood and other biological fluids) if called IIR.
CE marking ensures that the product complies with the legislation. The reference to the UNE EN 14683 standard ensures compliance with a standard of quality.
But… how long do they last? It depends on the manufacturer. Consultation always instructions. When you notice it wet or dirty, change it. It is usually recommended not to use the mask for more than of 4 hours In the event that it becomes damp or deteriorates from use, it is recommend replacing it with another.
They can be purchased at any establishment and must be be sold packaged BEWARE!… Only pharmacies can sell surgical masks individually unpackaged and must supplied in a format that guarantees its protection against to contamination before use.
You have to be especially careful with counterfeits that they are being sold. Every day they are denounced certificates that are not valid or directly false.
Remember, that if there is contagion, at home and with the family, we should take it in addition to practicing more cleaning exhaustive as we discussed in the article on how to clean virus and dirt house thoroughly.
Do people who have been infected have symptoms or are positive asymptomatic, what mask do I have What to bring? The use of masks is recommended surgical. The types of Personal Protective Equipment (EPI), among which is the FFP2, are recommended only for people in contact with the virus and for groups vulnerable, always under medical prescription (Remember our interesting article on how infrared thermography can detect fever)
Our advice, if you should use a surgical mask buy it directly in a neighborhood pharmacy (you will promote the neighborhood store and make sure you are buying a properly certified product) to reputable sellers, avoiding dubious online sites and suspicious offers cheap or showy.
This type of masks are Protective Equipment Individual (PPE) and are recommended fundamentally for use by professionals for create a barrier between a potential hazard and the user. They may also be recommended for vulnerable groups by medical indication.
If you are not a professional, you are not in contact with the virus or You do not have risky activities related to COVID-19, you do not need these types of masks to protect yourself from contagion, unless medically indicated.
Depending on their filtration efficiency, they can be three types: FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3 . On the other hand, those with particle filters are divided into P1, P2 and P3 . That is, we have:
CE marking, followed by four numbers, ensures that the product complies with the legislation. The reference to the UNE EN-149 standard ensures the compliance with a quality standard.
The NR marking indicates that the product is Non-Reusable and the R marking, which is Reusable. The type of mask (FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3) and the filter (P1, P2, and P3).
You can query all the properties as well as classification, manufacturing and applicable regulations from HERE.
As we have seen, masks can be divided into hygienic, surgical, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where the famous FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 are, as well as other masks. In the following diagram we can identify quick way that is what we need:
And the million dollar question… When does the compulsory to wear protection? At the moment, the Official Gazette of the State that regulates the mandatory nature of masks, no specifies an end date. We will have to wait for the government rule on the matter.
One issue that many people are still unclear on is how wear the mask , and, as a minor example, the following video:
