Are You Wearing the Right Mask?

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With a new Covid variant coming around, people all over the globe are searching for the best protection that allows them to carry on with their daily lives. A manifold of options has been offered to us from the beginning, like cloth, surgical, and (K)N95 masks. But which of these options is our best bet from protecting our bodies against the Omicron variant? Martin Blaser, the director of Rutgers Univerity’s Center of Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, shares his wisdom on which masks offer the best and worst levels of protection.

Cloth Masks

Yes, cloth masks can be coordinated with outfits and be better for the environment, but they may not be the best choice in keeping yourself protected from Omnicron. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, cloth masks have larger pores and sometimes only one layer of fabric. Although, if you choose to wear cloth masks, the CDC advises you to make sure your cloth mask fits properly on your face, has multiple layers, and is made with fabric that blocks light when held to a bright source.

Surgical Masks

Surgical masks have been with us since March 2020, as they are the majority’s preference. But, while they are not the best for the environment- contributing to a large portion of global pollution since the start of the pandemic- they are also only moderately effective, just more protective than cloth masks with two layers of protection. The CDC recommends that your surgical mask is properly fitting, layered with non-woven material, and has a nose wire if you choose to wear a surgical mask.

KN95

KN95s, used interchangeably with N95s or KF94s, are your best fighter when it comes to Omicron. KN95s are designed to be about 95% effective due to their closer and smaller pores. At the beginning of the pandemic, the CDC requested that N95s be reserved for first-responders, but a couple of weeks ago, they advised the country that KN95s offer the best level of protection and recommended them for all, no longer just for healthcare workers.

All things considered, choosing the right mask is up to you and your personal needs. Remember to wear your mask properly, above your nose and under your chin, in order to lessen the spread of Covid and, of course, stay safe!