Medical mask or N95 respirator: when and how to use?

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic is now a global threat to human health reaching up to 2 million infected people all around the world. Since its first recognition in Wuhan, many topics were discussed intensively about COVID-19, both in the public and scientific community. Personal protective equipment, especially masks, has been among the hottest topics during this pandemic. Regardless of which mask is used, performing hand hygiene frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water if hands are dirty is the most effective preventive measure for COVID-19. The type of mask used when caring for COVID-19 patients will vary according to the setting, type of personnel/person, and activity. Although the main transmission route for COVID-19 is droplets, during aerosol generating procedures airborne transmission may occur. Keeping the distancing and medical masks and eye protection during close contact efficiently protects against respiratory diseases transmitted via droplets. Airborne precautions include goggles and respiratory protection with the use of an N95 or an equivalent mask respirator to prevent airborne transmission.

Effectiveness and Recommendations for the Use of Dental Masks in the Prevention of COVID-19: A Literature Review

“…They prevent the passage of microorganisms present from the inside out; therefore, the use of these masks is recommended for COVID-19 patients. 19,21,22 However, these surgical masks do not ensure a good hermetic seal, and thereby allow particles to enter around the edges.…”

“…19,27,41 The use of an N95, FFP2, and FFP3 mask is recommended for personnel working with aerosols. Filtration is achieved by combining a polypropylene network and electrostatic charge, 21 thereby explaining their good protective effect against aerosols, and the reason why respirators should not be used by the general public. 22,31,42 On analyzing the filtering capacity according to the mask classification, the N95 has shown a similar filtration efficacy to that of FFP2 or KN95.…”

Securing Posterior Auricular Incision with Button Headbands in Prominent Ear Patients Wearing Surgical Masks for Self-protection in the Pandemic

“…A variety of masks are being sold on the global market from the highly protective N95 masks to simple surgical masks. While highly protective masks are generally preferred for health care professionals, the general public prefers relatively cheaper simple surgical masks, or simple masks that are provided by some governments for free [3]. According to our observation, the majority of our patients are wearing simple surgical masks.…”

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation for filtering facepiece respirators disinfection to facilitate reuse during COVID-19 pandemic: A review

“…COVID-19 is currently spreading explosively without effective clinical treatment, and extensive measures to reduce interpersonal transmission have been performed to control theoutbreak. Respiratory protection with the use of a mask respirator has been selected to prevent novel coronavirus transmission [ 2 ], as a public health intervention to intercept the transmission link and prevent spread [ 3 ].…”