In order to protect from any airborne particles or contamination, one can protect themselves with the help of surgical mask and N95 respirator.

As the whole world is affected due to Coronavirus Disease which is also known as COVID-19, the use of these respiratory masks has tremendously increased.

Let us try to understand about these two protection items in detail.

Surgical mask

As far as wearing of surgical masks are concerned, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) never recommends to wear them if they are healthy and for protecting against respiratory diseases, like coronavirus (COVID-19).

The purpose of these surgical masks, which are loose-fitting and disposable device is for creating physical barrier between our mouth and nose to protect against potential contaminants present in the environment.

You cannot share these surgical masks with one another and it usually meant for medical practitioners and dentists and hence they are labeled as surgical, dental, isolation or medical procedure mask.

Such masks may or may not shield our face though often they are known as face masks. Also, all face masks may not be regulated like a surgical mask.

All surgical masks are usually of different thicknesses and they have different capability to protect us from contact with liquid contaminants.

Because of these properties it will enable you to breathe easily through your face mask and also can protect you when you wear them.

When surgical mask is properly worn then it can block large-particle droplets, sprays, splashes or splatter which may also contain germs or bacterial viruses.

Also, it can keep your nose and mouth protected against all the above. Besides, it can also help in reducing exposure of saliva and other respiratory secretions of wearer to others.

The face mask on the other hand, by design cannot block or filter very small particles present in the air which can get transmitted due to sneezing, cough or certain other medical procedures.

If the surgical masks are loosely fit then it cannot provide full protection from germs or other contaminants.

Surgical masks should never be used after wearing for once. You must remove your face mask if it is soiled or damaged or in case it is difficult to breathe through the mask.

You should also discard it safely, after replacing it with new one. To be safe, always discard your mask by placing it within plastic bag and then throw in the trash. After you handle the used mask you must wash your hands.

N95 respirators

N95 respirator is also another respiratory protective device which is designed for getting facial fit which is very close and is efficient filtration for airborne particles.

These respirators have been tested and are able to block 95% of particles of 0.3-micron size which is very small. They are much more superior as compared to face mask.

However, even you fit any N95 respirator on your face, it will not completely able to eliminate the possibility of illness/death due to virus. Also, this is not meant for public use.