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The use of surgical masks are crucial to battle the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (COVID-19) , so what do we need to consider when buying surgical masks?
Surgical Masks / Procedure Masks / Face Masks
A 3-ply mask usually contains a layer of melt-blown material between two layers of non-woven layer, the number of layers does not correlate with the bacterial filtration efficiency nor the fluid resistance of a mask. Manufacturers conduct tests to meet the ASTM or EN14683 standards before marketing medical grade face masks in the United States or Europe.
- ASTM（The United States）
FDA required manufacturers to conduct the tests below:
- Fluid Resistance
- Differential Pressure (Delta P)
- Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE)
- Particle Filtration Efficiency (0.1μm PFE)
- Flammability
According to ASTM Standard F2100–11，there are 3 levels of protection：
Surgical masks meeting ASTM Level 2 or Level 3 will be able to filter ≥98% bacteria and 0.1μm particulates, while ASTM Level 1 can only filter ≥95% bacteria。ASTM Level 3 performs better than ASTM Level 2 in terms of fluid resistance，while ASTM Level 1 has the best breathability yet the lowest bacteria filtration efficiency.
For Medicom, Medicom ASTM Level 1 masks already can filter >99% bacteria, yet it cannot meet the fluid resistance requirement. (BFE >99%) Medicom ASTM Level 2 and Level 3 masks provide satisfactory fluid resistance.
Halyard from the United Kingdom also manufactures ASTM Level 1–3 masks.
2. EN14683 (Europe）
EN14683 is the standard used in Europe
Kids Masks aligned with EN14683: Wellsamed Wellsamask Premium for Wellsakids (details below)
EN14683 Type I and Type II can filter ≥95% and ≥98% bacteria respectively, Type I has a higher breathability than Type II, both are non-resistant to fluid. Type IR has the same bacteria filtration efficiency as Type I, just as Type IIR and Type II, while the former one are resistant to fluid.
All surgical masks manufacture by 3M meet the performance requirements of EN14683 Type II or Type IIR.
Medline from the United States is also a trust-worthy manufacturer when you are looking for masks meeting the EN14683 standard.
Wellsamed is a German brand manufacturing masks for both adults and kids that meet the EN14683 standard. You can purchase their masks at Amazon.
For Asian manufacturers from Japan, Korean (KF94, KF99), Taiwan, Thailand, or Indonesia, etc. It may be a good idea to check the BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency)、PFE (Particle Filtration Efficiency)、VFE (Virus Filtration Efficiency). Some say BFE >95% provides adequate protection for daily use.
Child Mask
Child masks can be classified according to ASTM and EN 14683 standards.
Dr Ho, paediatrician from Hong Kong, discouraged the use of mask in infants younger than one year old, due to the risk of suffocation.
The main reason that children’s masks are different from adult masks is the different in size. Droplets have the opportunity to enter our respiratory tract from the space between the mask and our face, any mask that do not fit may have suboptimal function in filtering particles, bacteria and viruses.
Medicom is one of the wellknown manufacturers that supply child mask. Model SFMHMK2331 for aged below 6, blue outer layer, 40 pieces per box with individual packaging. Model #2115-KIDS for aged above 6, white outer layer, 50 pieces per box with Japanese words printed on the yellow packaging box, made in China though.
The suitable age for masks is determined by their size.
Below are the dimensions for UltraReady Surgical Masks:
- Adult（L）17.5cm x 9cm
- Mask for children aged above 6（M）14.5cm x 9cm
- Mask for children aged below 6（XS）12cm x 7cm
How to wear mask properly
Remember to perform hand hygiene before putting on mask and after you take them off!
Please do not wear the mask upside down：
- metallic wire should sit right above your nose bridge
- inner and outer surface cannot be distinguished from their colours
- The folds should go downwards for the outer surface!（folds on your mask will become a container for droplets, bacteria and viruses if wear upside down）
Professor Ho, University of Hong Kong, teaches how to wear a mask:
Ordering Surgical Masks Online
I order surgical masks online, mostly on Amazon or eBay. As most of the sellers do not ship to Hong Kong, extra effort is needed when ordering. Amazon UK/Amazon JP/Amazon US sometimes show non-overlapping results.
