The year 2020 has been faced with a lot of economic, political, and social stagnation due to the Coronavirus pandemic that hit the globe. The virus—also called COVID-19—has infected more than 1.71 million Americans and is currently the rising cause of deaths, especially of the older adults and those that are immune-compromised.
COVID-19 is transmitted via virus-carrying air droplets through sneezing or coughing. This type of virus is very contagious, which led to scientists and medics to go back to the drawing board to collect and provide useful information in the cure and prevention of this disease. Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends frequent washing of hands using soap and water as a preventive measure to combat COVID-19. Periodic sanitization of hands and wearing of face masks are also recommended to help prevent the transmission of the virus.
This presents an important question: Which type of mask is most appropriate in the prevention of the coronavirus? A direct comparison between the N95 and the cloth mask will give us a better understanding of which masks to use and why.
Comparison #1: Design and Construction
N95 Face Masks
N95 masks are made from synthetic non-woven polypropylene fabric. The N95 respirator is created to have a pore size of 0.3 microns, which filters out at least 95% of particulate matter and disease-causing micro-organisms. They are designed to prevent exposure to small air droplets containing the virus and other minute particles.
Cloth Face Masks
Cloth masks like these ones from ShirtSpace are made from common textile materials such as cotton or polyester. Most cloth face masks are multilayered. Their pore size is about 100 nanometers. They are not effective in the prevention of airborne transmitted viral diseases like COVID-19. Studies have shown that cloth masks are only preventive in inhalation of particulate matter that is 500nm in size and above.
Generally, cloth masks are available in a variety of colors and designs. They are designed to be secured from falling with elastic ear loops. Cloth face masks are relatively cheaper compared to the N95 respirators.
Comparison #2: Testing and Approval
N95 Face Masks
The N95 respirator has been tried, tested, and approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH is responsible for the verification of the manufacturer’s claims and data. They conduct their investigations on the filter efficacy, flow rate, and degradation before they are introduced in the market. Based on the NIOSH findings, N95 respirators can be classified into either:
- 95% filter efficacy, or
- 7% filter efficacy
Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other government authorities also verify the N95 face masks.
Cloth Face Masks
Neither NIOSH or the FDA have verified cloth face masks for their use in the prevention of Coronavirus.
Comparison #3: Purpose
N95 Face Masks
According to WHO, the N95 face respirator protects the wearer from contaminants found in the environment. The N95 face respirator with a valve filter both the air inhaled, and the air exhaled. Because of this, WHO recommends that N95 face masks are reserved for healthcare workers who are treating infected COVID-19 patients.
Additionally, N95 masks are reserved for healthcare workers because there is a shortage in the supply since the onset of coronavirus. WHO saw it fit to reserve the supply of these effective masks to use by health workers and other persons who are at a higher risk of contracting the virus.
Cloth Face Masks
Although the use of cloth face masks has proven to not be as effective as N95s, WHO recommends its use to the general public because they:
- Could reduce hand contact with the T-zone, which includes the eyes, nose, and mouth
- Are designed to form a physical barrier between two individuals who are six feet apart
Generally speaking, it is advised that cloth face masks should be used by the general public, especially those that are in high-risk zones.
Comparison #4: The User Seal Demands
N95 Face Masks
The N95 face respirators are specially designed to suit a particular individual. This means that an individual’s measurement must be taken before the manufacture of the N95 face mask. The N95 face masks face tight and allow for little or no air exchange if the air does not pass through the filter.
Cloth Face Masks
On the other hand, cloth face masks are made to suit the measurements of the general public. They are loose-fitting with a provision for air spaces on the sides. They may come with adjustable earloops but are generally one-size-fits-all.
Comparison #5: User Limitations
N95 masks should be disposed of after eight hours of use or if they become dirty, wet, or loose.
The cloth face masks are preferred for non-threatening environments because they are reusable with proper cleaning after its use.
Comparison #6: Breathability
Due to the infinitely small pore size of the N95 face mask, it is not easy to breathe in them. Facial clothes masks, on the other hand, are made from cotton or polyester, so they are relatively easier to breathe in.