Darrick Robles It’s a small piece of stuff that fuels a lot of heated discussions. Mouth and nose masks have been part of our everyday life since spring. Autumn brought an extended mask requirement. We want to know more about it: An overview of current studies and the protective effect of the different types of masks.
Masks slow down droplets and aerosols
Corona viruses are transmitted via droplets and aerosols that we emit when we cough and sneeze , but also when we speak and breathe . An infected person emits thousands of virus-carrying particles every minute when speaking. Aerosols are so small that they are no longer subject to gravity. They therefore often remain in the air for minutes to hours. This increases the risk of infection, especially where it is not possible to keep your distance: in the subway, in supermarkets and on busy shopping streets.
The insidious thing about the coronavirus : You can also infect others when you have no symptoms or before the disease breaks out. Because everyday masks primarily protect our environment and not ourselves, everyone should wear a mask – not just the risk groups. In combination with distance, washing hands, sneezing etiquette and airing, they slow down the spread of Covid-19 . Incidentally, this also applies to influenza viruses .
The state of research
The World Health Organization (WHO) has had the protective effect of masks and social distancing analyzed. The result: Masks can keep some of the viruses away and possibly prevent a serious course of the disease. However, the researchers do not recommend masks as the only protective measure, but above all as a supplement to keeping your distance .
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has investigated how everyday fabric masks affect the spread of aerosols. To do this, the researchers simulated human breathing with a dummy and tracked the exhaled particles with 3D tracking software. The result: Tiny aerosols can penetrate the fabric of the mask, but it slows and redirects the exhaled air. This can reduce the risk of transmission in a direct encounter.
Which mask is suitable for me?
Some are single-use only, others are washable, and others aren’t for everyone. We provide an overview of the different types of masks and tips for correct use.
Everyday mask: for private use
- Alias: mouth and nose cover, fabric mask, DIY mask, community mask
- Use: in everyday life
- Self -protection: lower than with surgical masks
- Foreign protection: can reduce droplet ejection
- Can be used several times? Yes
Fabric masks are easy on the wallet and more comfortable to wear than disposable masks: they are therefore particularly suitable for everyday use. They are also more environmentally friendly because you can use them over and over again. It is important to wash the mask after each use. The Robert Koch Institute recommends everyone to wear mouth and nose covers in public if it is not possible to distance themselves from other people.
A 100 percent protective effect of the mouth and nose covers for the wearer cannot be proven. Incidentally, this also applies to masks with nanosilver particles. Every fabric mask is different and the fabric used has different densities. This is where they differ from the standardized surgical masks and FFP protective masks. Everyday masks are therefore not recommended for the medical field. One thing is certain: a two-layer cotton mask stops the droplets better than a thin scarf that you convert into a mask.
Surgical mask: for certain professional groups
- Alias: medical face mask, surgical mask
- Use: anyone who has a lot of patient or customer contact
- Self-protection: limited; with a firm seat
- External protection: yes; reduces droplet ejection
- Can be used several times? no
Originally, medical face masks were mainly used during operations: They are intended to prevent droplets from the patient’s breathing air from getting into open wounds. In Corona times, they serve the purpose of protecting the other person from infectious droplets. This applies less to self-protection: Because when you wear a surgical mask, you not only breathe in through the filter fleece, but also through the edges.
Surgical masks can only be used once. If they are soaked with sweat and breathing air, they lose their protective effect. Since you can’t wash them, you have to change them every time. The masks are therefore more suitable for occupational safety than for everyday life: either in the medical field or with a lot of customer contact (pharmacists, bus drivers, hairdressers).
FFP mask: for the medical field
- Alias: particle filtering half mask, FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 mask, respirator
- Use: mainly in the medical field
- Self-protection: yes
- External protection: without valve: yes; with valve: no
- Can be used several times? no
FFP masks are the only masks that also protect the wearer. This is due to their filter effect: they are designed to filter particles, droplets and aerosols from the inhaled air. The filter level is highest with FFP3 masks.
Some of the masks have a built-in exhalation valve – these only filter the inhaled air, not the exhaled air. They are therefore only intended for self-protection. Masks without a valve filter the breathing air in both directions, so they also serve to protect others. FFP masks are intended for the medical field and occupational safety. They are less suitable for supermarket shopping or the daily subway ride, as they are quite expensive and can only be used once.
Visor: in exceptional cases
- Alias: face visor, face shield
- Use: as an additive or for health restrictions
- Self-protection: low
- External protection: no
- Can be used several times? Yes
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), visors are not a substitute for face masks. They only serve as a spit protection. Since they don’t rest against the face, they can hardly hold back exhaled droplets – only those that land directly on the pane. The self-protection effect is also very low. In the hospital, visors are sometimes used in addition to the mask. In some federal states, they are allowed for people who cannot wear a mask for health reasons.
Mask hygiene: You should avoid these mistakes
Your mask should reduce the risk of infection . But that only works if you treat it hygienically – regardless of whether it’s a washable or disposable mask. It is best to do it like the professionals in the hospital and avoid the following typical mistakes:
- Carry under the nose: Even when exhaling through the nose, we emit aerosols that stay in the air for a long time and may be virus-laden. So pull the mask over your mouth and nose.
- Pull under the chin: Even if it seems practical – the mask has no place under the chin. When you later bring them back in front of your face, you have to touch them with your fingers. Better: Only remove the mask when you no longer need it.
- Touch with your fingers: You should wash your hands thoroughly before putting on the mask. It doesn’t always work outside. Therefore, only touch the rubber bands and pull them behind the ears. Try not to touch the mask while wearing it.
- Stuff it in your pocket: Worn masks are potential virus spinners. It is best to store your fabric mask in a can or bag. Or you wash them directly after use. You should dispose of disposable masks immediately after wearing them.
- Change too seldom: Wash your fabric mask regularly, preferably after each wear. With at least 60° C in the washing machine you can be sure that all viruses and germs die off. Alternatively, you can put the mask in boiling water for 10 minutes.
What to do if you suspect Covid-19?
Fever, cough, loss of smell and taste can indicate infection with the coronavirus . If you have mild symptoms, you can get video advice from our experienced doctors. They can assess your condition and refer you to the right medical facility if necessary. If you have severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath , you should contact an emergency room or the emergency services immediately .
