Mouth and Nose Protection Can Protect against Viral Infections: Application & Health Benefits

The Corona pandemic and its accompanying illnesses have greatly changed our lives. For about a year, protective measures such as the minimum distance as well as regular disinfection of our hands have been part of everyday life. The changes in our daily lives are particularly visible in the wearing of mouthnose protection. Already at the beginning of the pandemic, numerous studies have proven the protective effect of masks. A mouth and respirator mask has been shown to protect against infection with SARS-CoV-2. By wearing the mask, we are contributing to the containment of the pandemic and protecting ourselves and others. However, the actual protective effect depends on the quality and tightness of the masks. There are a total of three different types of masks on the market, some of which differ significantly from each other.

Mouth-to-nose coverage

Mouthnose coverings are also called everyday masks or community masks. Usually, they are made of commercial fabric or sewn by oneself. Mouth-to-nose coverings cannot be categorized as either medical devices or personal protective equipment. The fabric mask is not subject to any legal requirements or technical standards. Accordingly, there are no legal requirements regarding filter performance. However, as a general rule, the more densely woven the fabric, the better the performance. A multi-layer mask also filters better than a single-layer mask, and a layer of different fabrics (e.g. cotton + silk) provides better protection than layers of the same fabric. The mask should be made to fit as tightly as possible to the face at the edges. The wearer must also ensure that the mouth and nose are completely covered. Unlike medical face masks and FFP masks, fabric face masks are not subject to any legal requirements. For this reason, fabric masks have a lower protective effect compared to the other types of masks. However, commercially available fabric masks can also reduce the risk of infection. Droplet ejection is reduced and thus the mask contributes to protection against SARS-CoV-2.

OR Masks

The face mask is used in medicine to prevent the transmission of pathogens. Medical face masks are also known as “surgical masks” and are most commonly used in operating rooms or doctors’ offices. Unlike the fabric mask, the medical face mask must meet legal requirements and technical standards. It belongs to the category of medical devices and is therefore subject to medical device legislation. Surgical masks are made of special plastics and have a multi-layer structure. Surgical masks often look very similar: They have a rectangular shape with drapery. This allows the mask to ideally fit the shape of the wearer’s face. Medical face masks have ear loops and a wire nose clip. Surgical masks were basically designed to protect others. By wearing this mask, for example, doctors prevent droplets from their breath from entering the patient’s open wound. However, if the mask is worn correctly, it also provides a certain degree of self-protection. Surgical masks protect against droplets, but less so against aerosols. Surgical masks must have clearly defined filtering properties. In principle, the mask is declared by the manufacturer as a disposable product. The CE mark on the mask indicates that the manufacturer has fulfilled all legal requirements and technical standards for the mask. Due to legal requirements, surgical masks offer a higher level of protection against infection than fabric masks. To protect yourself and others from the virus, it is recommended to buy surgical masks. They effectively protect strangers from droplets and provide self-protection when used properly. Medical products such as surgical masks are subject to strict regulations and are not approved for sale in Europe until they meet all legal requirements. Masks must be changed and disposed of regularly.

FFP masks

Another type of mask that offers effective protection is the so-called FFP mask. The abbreviation FFP stands for “filtering face piece.” FFP masks belong to the category of “personal protective equipment” in the context of occupational health and safety. A distinction is made between the protection levels FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. While FFP1 offers a filtering performance of 80%, FFP2 must filter as much as 94% of droplets and aerosols, and FFP3 even 99%.The particle-filtering half masks are white, dome-shaped foldable and resemble a coffee filter in appearance. They protect the wearer from particles, droplets and aerosols and are made of a soft non-woven polypropylene fabric. FFP masks provide both self and external protection. Of course, for FFP masks to serve their purpose, they must fit snugly against the face. Like medical face masks, particle-filtering half masks are disposable products. They must be changed and disposed of regularly. Like surgical masks, FFP masks are also subject to strict legal requirements and standards. The filtering performance of the mask material is tested against the European standard EN 149. The test standard is printed on the surface of the FFP mask together with the CE mark and a four-digit identification number. The CE mark may not be printed on the mask until the product meets all EU-wide requirements for safety, health and environmental protection.

Tips for using the mask

In order for FFP or surgical masks to provide adequate protection, certain hygiene tips must be followed. The Robert Koch Institute as well as the Federal Center for Health Education provide recommendations to which wearers* should adhere. Even when wearing a mask, a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from other people must be maintained. The mask should fit well and really cover the mouth and nose completely. Try several masks to make sure which one works best for your face shape. Make sure the edges of the mask are as close to your face as possible. This will ensure that as little air as possible is breathed past the mask. However, the mask should still allow enough air to pass through so as not to interfere with breathing. If your mask becomes soaked, you will need to remove and change it. When removing the surgical mask, touch only the straps. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds after removing the mask. Fabric masks are suitable for reuse. However, the masks must be washed regularly in the washing machine at a minimum of 95 °C. Another option is to store the fabric mask in an airtight bag. However, storage should only be for a short period of time, otherwise mold may form. OP and FFP masks are designed as disposable products and should therefore best be purchased in a value pack. In everyday life, however, these masks are often reused. However, there are some risks associated with this practice. Wearing them for several consecutive days causes the protective effect of the masks to diminish. Pathogens could be present on the masks and the risk of infection cannot be ruled out. However, consumers can do a few things to avoid compromising the protective effect despite reuse. They can let the mask dry in the oven at 80°C (no more and no less). According to Münster UAS, this leads to complete inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 viruses and a significant reduction in other pathogens. You can also let the mask dry for seven days. To do this, it is best to hang the mask in a place that is dry and free of objects. After these seven days, the amount of infectious coronavirus on and in the masks has been reduced to an acceptable level. However, be sure to wait these seven days.