Even with the exciting news that an effective vaccine is on the way, the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over quite yet. Businesses still need to be careful and work diligently to keep their employees and customers safe. Besides quarantining sick or possibly exposed people and washing hands frequently (or using hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available), one of the most effective things employers can do is encourage their employees to wear face masks. Face masks should be worn whenever an employee is in contact with other people, whether they be other employees or clients. The face masks should always cover both the nose and the mouth and should fit securely.
However, there are many types of face masks on the market. When looking to buy face masks in bulk, it can be hard to determine which type to invest in. Employers are often left wondering: What are the differences between KN95, N95, KF94, surgical, or cloth masks? Which type of mask should I provide my staff?
The answers of course depend on the situation you’re in and what your budget is. In this article, we will discuss the different types of face masks available for purchase and help you decide which to purchase for your unique situation.
Cloth or T-shirt Masks
You can see these types of masks everywhere you look these days. That’s because they are the least expensive and easiest to find. Many people believe they are also the most comfortable type of mask because they are made of soft material, breathable, and mold to the face easily. That being said, they are breathable because they are the least effective. A single layer cotton face mask can, in some cases, only filter out about 1% of dangerous particles. If you are going to use cloth masks, make sure they are at least double layer masks. Double layers can increase your level of protection as they filter out about 35% of particles – a huge improvement over the single layer masks.
Some cloth masks also come with a pocket where the user can add an extra filter. This is the best option if you want (or have to) use a cloth type face mask. All cloth masks can be washed and re-worn again and again, which is another benefit of cloth masks.
3 Ply Surgical Masks
You’ll often see these 3 ply surgical masks in doctor’s offices or hospital settings. They were originally designed to protect against large respiratory droplets or bodily fluid sprays. These masks are effective at reducing transmission of viruses when worn by an infected person because they help prevent the spray of respiratory droplets from that infected person. These masks should always be thrown away after use and you should be careful not to touch the outside of the mask if you believe you may have been exposed to a sick person.
KF94 Masks
KF94 masks are very similar to the highly sought after N95 masks. They are made in South Korea and provide 94% protection against dangerous particles, like the particles containing COVID-19 and other bacteria or viruses. These masks are a good option for workplaces that require their staff to have a higher level of protection than what other masks, like cloth masks, can provide.
KN95 Masks
KN95 are the N95 equivalents. They filter out 95% of harmful particles in the air and are also very effective at preventing the transmission of COVID-19 and other viruses when worn by a person who has the virus. KN95 masks typically use loops around the ears instead of an elastic band around the head, so many people believe they are more comfortable than the traditional N95 masks. Embrace Life Medical Supplies offers KN95 masks in bulk quantities.
Knowing the setting you plan to use your masks in, your budget, and your other needs will help you determine which type of mask is best to keep your staff safe until the end of this global pandemic. If you have any questions about what type of mask to choose, pricing, or quantities to order, please contact us anytime.