Plus Minus and Other Important Things About Cloth Masks That Now Must Be Used

Several governments have started advising people to use cloth masks even when they are in good health. This follows the recommendations of the world health organization (WHO). But how effective is it to use a cloth mask? What are the advantages and disadvantages of cloth masks? Check out the following explanation. You can check the recommended item here https://www.staples.dk/huer-masker/cbk/5345.html for further details.

How Effective Are Corona Virus Resistant Cloth Masks?

Research conducted by Davies et al in the UK states that homemade cloth masks have an effectiveness of filtering particles measuring 0.06-1 microns by 71 percent while for large particles, they are 79 percent. It’s still much better than not using a mask at all.

Who Is Recommended To Wear A Cloth Mask?

The use of cloth masks is recommended in handling the COVID-19 corona virus, for the community. This is in order to maintain the safety of the surgical mask stock for medical personnel who need it more.

What are the advantages of using a cloth mask?

A cloth mask can be used several times with a note to always make sure the mask is clean. Wash the cloth mask regularly and don’t wear it for more than four hours.

Use a cloth mask because cloth masks are washable. It is recommended to use a cloth mask for no more than four hours and then wash it by soaking it in water.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Cloth Mask?

A pulmonary specialist, dr. Erlina, said that the protection of cloth masks against droplets exists, but not on aerosols or airborne particles. So for coughing or sneezing at the wearer if the droplets are large, a cloth mask can still prevent it. But for smaller droplets, cloth masks can still be translucent.

“Because, cloth masks cannot protect the entry of all particles, and it is not recommended for medical personnel on the grounds that 40-90 percent of particles can still penetrate cloth masks,” explained Dr. Erlina.

“The effectiveness of the filtration on particles with a size of 3 microns can be filtered 10-60 percent or prevented. Of course, because the cloth mask still has leaks and the advantage is that this mask can be used repeatedly but needs to be washed,” he added.

What Materials Will Most Effectively Filter Out Particles?

The following types of fabrics were tested and their effectiveness in filtering particles measuring 0.02 microns.

• Duster: 73 percent

• Cotton blend: 70 percent

• Anti-microbial pillowcases: 68 percent

• Linen: 62 percent

• Regular pillowcases: 57 percent

• Silk: 54 percent

• Cotton: 51 percent

• Scarves: 49 percent