The government requires everyone to wear masks, which one suits you?

Good Doctor – One way to prevent the transmission of diseases, including Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is by wearing a mask. Currently, the government has also made it mandatory for everyone to wear antiviral masks when doing activities outside the home.

Of the many types of masks sold around us, what type of mask is actually the right one to use to protect yourself from infection? 

Properties and uses of each mask

To know the right type of antiviral mask, it is necessary to recognize the nature and design purpose of each of these masks. Here’s an explanation.

1. N95 Respirator Mask

N95 respirator masks are masks designed so that dirt or air contaminants are not easily inhaled by a person. The filter capability of this mask is 95% and is able to filter air particles measuring 0.3 microns, the size of some bacteria or viruses.  

They also come in different sizes and are tighter than regular masks. 

2. Surgical masks or surgical masks

It is used to protect a person from bodily fluids (droplets) such as blood and saliva and also prevents particles of fluid secreted by the mouth from being exposed to the surrounding environment. 

The filterability of this mask is about 80% and is water resistant. Usually, surgical masks are used by people who are sick, so as not to risk transmitting their illness, as well as health care workers when handling sick people to reduce the risk of transmitting the body fluids of the patients being treated.

3. Other masks

Like the K94, paper mask, cotton mask, pitta mask is designed to keep the liquid released from the mouth from exposing the surrounding environment, but these types of masks are not water-resistant. 

This type of mask is also useful for protecting against larger debris such as dust and pollen , but does not filter smaller airborne particles.

The most appropriate mask to use for ordinary people

Well, based on the explanation above, it can be concluded that the type of N95 mask is designed to filter out very small air contaminants, including the COVID-19 virus. 

However, these types of masks are expensive and very uncomfortable to use. As stated by the WHO, this type of mask should only be used by those working with patients or at high risk of exposure to COVID-19.  

The use of surgical masks is sufficient for those who are sick as this can reduce the risk of disease transmission through saliva splashes.

However, the most important thing to do is to keep fit and always maintain personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene (using alcohol / soap-based hand sanitizers). This is the most effective way to anticipate COVID-19 transmission. Don’t panic but stay alert!

You can ask questions about this topic with a professional doctor at Good Doctor, accessible on the Grab app 24/7 now.

You can also buy various health products such as medicines and vitamins to boost your body’s immunity.

Consult your and your family’s health problems through Good Doctor in 24/7 service. Our physician partners are ready to provide solutions. Download the Good Doctor app here!