Production: Pablo Cantudo
The masks, in Spain, are mandatory as of Thursday, May 21, 2020 in all those public places in which an interpresonal distance of at least two meters cannot be respected. That means that many people, especially in large cities, will have to stock up on masks for use once they return to work, or they can make certain trips as their region passes into phase 1 of the de-escalation.
But what is the most suitable mask? To answer questions, Marián García (better known on social networks as Boticaria García), doctor in Pharmacy, disseminator and professor at the Isabel I University, has gone to one of Muy Interesante’s Instagram directives.
Types of masks
We can classify them by their effectiveness. The most effective for filtering microscopic saliva droplets that carry cells potentially infected by the coronavirus are those of the FFP2 and FFP3 type ( filtering facepiece or, in Spanish, filtering mask). But these masks have two drawbacks: they are scarce, and they are indicated for health personnel in hospitals; In addition, they are built to last eight hours.
Second, we have surgical masks , which can be found at the pharmacy at a very affordable price. They filter slightly less than FFPs, but are still very effective. Its duration is about four hours.
The oceans are already feeling the effects of wearing the masks. The fact that they are single-use means that we have to dispose of many every day, with a corresponding effect on contamination. So what is the alternative?
Hygienic masks: they are recommended for the healthy general population. They can be reused, and they are filtering, but somewhat less than the previous ones.
What hygienic mask should I buy?
According to Boticaria García, there are two very important specifications that we must look at to buy an effective hygienic mask: the first is breathability, which must be equal to or greater than 60%. The second is filterability, which must be greater than 90%. This manufacturing guarantee can be found by looking at the label, which must indicate UNE0065.
How do you use a hygienic mask?
Hygienic masks can be washed at least five times, following the manufacturer’s instructions; normally, in the washing machine at 40ºC it is enough. Apothecary does not recommend us to use alcohol or other disinfectant substances, because they could damage the filter.
As for homemade masks, with a type of non-approved fabric, they do not guarantee any type of protection against coronavirus, or other pathogens.
