What’s the Difference Between Masks?
Wearing ANY mask reduces major entry points for airborne illnesses through the nose or mouth. There are different kinds of face masks designed for different tasks. but wearing any mask reduces hand contact with the nose or mouth, the major entry points for the virus into the body.
Our N95-type mask is the European CE-certified KN95. This mask style, when properly worn and sealed around the face, provides maximum filtration and protects the wearer from breathing in aerosolized COVID-19 virus droplets. It is about 3x as expensive as a Type II surgical mask. Many people find N95-type masks uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time as they trap heat, and impede breathing since the air is completely filtered through though its thick membrane.
Our FDA Certified Type II mask is what many surgeons wear. It is lightweight and provides excellent protection through its triple filtration face barrier. It comfortably wraps around the nose, mouth and under the chin. Unlike a close-fitted KN95 mask, it is not designed to provide an air-tight seal. A Type II mask provides significantly greater virus filtration protection than a simple dust or particle mask, as well as homemade masks. But aerosolized COVID-19 virus droplets can potentially travel unfiltered around the mask perimeter and into your bronchial system. It is more affordable than a KN95 and is more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Both masks protect wearers if they touch an infected surface and then touch their faces above the mask. Whichever style you decide is right for you, note that all masks are traditionally designed for one-time use. You may get several wearing out of a mask but it is recommended that the mask be discarded if you touch it after touching any surface you aren’t 100% sure has been disinfected, as well as when they get dirty.
