Wearing face masks on public transport and in shops is now mandatory in the UK, with most European countries recommending face coverings for all outside public spaces. At the beginning of the pandemic, there was an extreme shortage of face masks. This has now been resolved and face masks are more readily available. However, that does not mean that all masks are effective at protecting you from the virus.
Fashion Cloth Masks
Face masks, combined with other preventative measures, such as frequent hand washing and social distancing, help to slow the spread of the virus. People have been urged to start wearing do-it-yourself (DIY) cloth masks or ‘fashion masks’ to protect themselves and others from the virus. However, fabric masks do not protect against COVID-19 as well as surgical masks do.
Cloth masks are more environmentally friendly they are not fluid-resistant as the fabric is often porous and cannot keep out droplets. Most fabric masks create gaps near the nose, cheeks, and jaw where tiny droplets can be inhaled. After 2-4 hours wear of cloth face masks, the mask becomes very warm, damp, and moist, which creates the best environment for bacteria to grow, which may cause more harm than good.
Unlike a disposable mask, you must take extra care when taking off a fabric mask. When removing a cloth mask, it must be stored in a clean, resealable plastic bag after use. It must then be removed from the bag by the straps and washed immediately. Cloth masks must be washed in hot water, with detergent and disinfectant after every use.
Individuals donning cloth masks may not be aware that these rigorous guidelines are necessary for effective infection control.
Type IIR Surgical Face Masks
Also known as a medical mask, a surgical type IIR mask is fluid-resistant and protects the wearer’s nose and mouth from contact with droplets, splashes and sprays that may contain germs. Type IIR Masks also filter out large particles in the air. Surgical masks may protect others by reducing exposure to the saliva and respiratory secretions of the mask wearer.
Surgical face masks are composed up of a 3-layer breathable design. They are tested in the direction of exhalation (inside to outside) and the efficiency of bacterial filtration is considered. Face masks must filter 99% of bacteria to be fluid resistant.
Type IIR Face Masks are more expensive than other lower grades of disposable masks but for good reason. To be sold on European marketplaces, all Type IIR masks are required to hold a CE mark. However, there are a limited number of factories providing Type IIR masks and even fewer factories have the CE certification.
The Phoenix Type IIR Masks have been designed with ear loops made from the highest quality elastane to ensure that the masks fit as close to the face as possible. Our masks also include a metal nose-grip along the full width of the face mask so it can be tightly pinched against your nose. These features help the mask keep its shape against the face and prevent fogging up glasses.
To fulfil market demand, we have ensured we have a continuous supply of Type IIR Face Masks. We have recently lowered the prices of our face masks to guarantee the lowest price on like-for-like products. Our masks are available to purchase in packs of 25 (individually wrapped) or 50 masks.
If you require any more information regarding Phoenix Type IIR Surgical Masks, please contact sales@phoenixmd.co.uk.
For more guidelines on how to wear a face mask safely, please visit the WHO website.
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