Despite the decrease in COVID-19 cases across the world, many countries haven’t thought about lifting some of the health protocols, particularly the wearing of face masks. This remains an important precaution for safety in this ongoing battle with the pandemic. 

Although about 60% of Australians are fully vaccinated and may have gotten their booster shots already, the wearing of a disposable face mask is still recommended as it gives you a higher chance of protection.

But why are disposable masks better than cloth masks? If it’s disposable, how can we be sure it is of quality? Here’s what you need to know in identifying high-quality face masks for sale in Australia.

Things to Know About Disposable Face Masks

Not all disposable face masks have the same quality and carry the same level of protection. They come in three types: medical-grade, non-medical-grade, and respirator. 

• Medical-Grade Disposable Masks 

Medical-grade disposable masks possess the quality of masks used in medical or surgical procedures. Even before the mask mandate worldwide, medical-grade masks were used by surgeons, doctors, nurses, and all those working in the medical field and hospitals. 

Medical masks are designed to provide certain levels of protection. However, experts don’t really recommend these masks to the public, except to those who are at high-risk or those individuals with underlying conditions like cancer, chronic disease, and even obesity. 

When you are looking for medical-grade disposable face masks, choose those that follow the Australian Standard for Surgical Masks Level 1, 2, or 3. These face mask products meet the ASTM standards, as they can help filter out 95% of particles and at least 98% for levels 2 and 3. 

• Level 1–Used for general procedures, can be best worn in environments with low-risk in fluid exposure
• Level 2–Used when there is a moderate fluid exposure
• Level 3–Offers the maximum protection, has the highest barrier against high-risk fluid exposure 

• Non-Medical-Grade Disposable Face Masks

These masks tend to be like surgical masks. However, although non-medical-grade disposable face masks come in many varieties in terms of filtration and the quality of fit, they are not intended for medical use. These masks come in 2 or 3 layers, and they are recommended for the general public or non-healthcare environments. The nose wires of these masks are adjustable. 

Non-medical-grade masks should be worn when there is a low risk of exposure, such as outside healthcare facilities or when social distancing is challenging. They should be worn fit tightly against the face, with adjustable ear loops and head straps. 

• Respirators 

Other than medical and non-medical-grade face masks, there are also respirators, including N95s and KN95s. These masks are best known to achieve a close facial fit and effective filtration for airborne particles. 

In addition to protecting people from the spread of the COVID-19 virus, respirators can also be used to protect against the poor quality of air, such as smog or bushfire smoke. With that, respiratory masks provide better protection. However, these are not recommended for the community’s widespread use because they are expensive and could be challenging to wear. 

Tips in Choosing the Right Mask 

Now that you’ve already known the different types of disposable masks, there are things to consider in selecting the best mask for you. 

• Fitting 

Does the mask you’re wearing fit snugly around your face but still feel uncomfortable? You have to consider that even if you have the right mask, it could put you at risk if you are not wearing it properly or if it doesn’t fit. 

The mask should help in covering your nose and fit the bridge of your cheeks completely. It should have a proper fit over your nose and mouth to prevent air particles from leaking. It should seal your chin and protect the sides of your face to prevent gaps. 

• Filtration

You will know if the mask you are wearing is of high quality if it protects you when you are around smoke. Masks that are made with better filtering efficiency offer more protection. 

• Comfort in Wearing 

Masks that stay in place and are easy to wear are also considered good quality. They should comfortably secure your face with ear loops that don’t hurt the back of your ears.

• Fluid Resistance 

In case of splatter, and when at risk of encountering bodily fluid or blood splatter, you should wear the recommended mask with the highest fluid resistance to get the best protection. 

• Layers of Fabric 

It’s intuitive if the mask is layered properly for better protection. Choosing that mask will protect you even more.

The layers should have the following features:

• Water-repellent layer
• Middle filter to get rid of particulates
• Absorbent inner layer to help in absorbing droplets from the mouth of the wearer.

You don’t need to add layers if it makes it hard for you to breathe. 

Getting the Most from Your Mask 

Yes, wearing a disposable face mask is one of your best defences against COVID-19. But there is more to just getting a disposable mask.

The information in this article should give you a heads up with quality face masks. Also, knowing the different types of face masks and understanding their specific purpose will educate you to act on certain situations that require shielding yourself from COVID-19 transmission.

Remember, no one is exempted from getting ill, even those vaccinated individuals. Vaccines may have lowered your potential for COVID-19, but you may still get sick again and again, especially when wearing a mask improperly, not wearing it at all, or wearing poor quality masks. Meanwhile, quality face masks worn properly will give you the best protection as you observe the required health protocols.