Cloth Masks vs. Surgical Masks: Which Are Effective?
When the pandemic began, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended using face masks to control the spread of the virus. With both cloth masks and disposable surgical masks are allowed for use, it is time to determine which kind is the most effective in preventing the spread of disease.
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Cloth Masks vs. Surgical Masks
Cloth Masks
In the early pandemic stage, authorities have asked the public to use cloth masks instead of medical-grade surgical masks due to supply shortages at the time. Surgical face mask supplies would be unavailable to the healthcare workers, who face the virus every day.
Due to this, the CDC has set up requirements to follow when buying or creating your cloth mask at home. They should have a correct fit over the nose and mouth and are made up of layers of breathable, tightly woven fabric. The fabric must be able to block light when held up against a light source. It must also have a nose wire to fit over the nose properly.
Cloth masks must not have vents, openings, or any kind of exhalation valves. These valves do not block viruses from coming out of the mask, allowing the spread of germs. Non-effective cloth masks also have gaps on the sides of the face and are made with only a single layer of fabric that does not block light.
The general public under 60 years of age and has no underlying health conditions can use cloth masks.
While cloth masks may not have the same filtering action as surgical masks, they are still considered a form of protection against COVID-19. It can be rewashed for multiple uses and fits the person’s facial profile, unlike the disposable surgical masks.
Surgical Masks
Surgical face masks are considered one of the first protective barriers against the virus. It protects both the wearer and the public. Healthcare providers wear them to keep from spreading the germs from the wearer’s nose and mouth to the patient.
