How to intelligently choose
your protective mask

The PROTECTION offered by a face mask is equivalent to its ability to filter bacteria in ambient air. A 95% bacterial filtration threshold is internationally recognized as safe enough for a mask to be used in a healthcare service context. Filtration capacity of masks is measured in the laboratory [1]. Non-medical protective masks have filtration levels below 95%. In general, they filter particles more efficiently than bacteria. However, a minimum bacterial filtration level of 50% is desirable in all use contexts [2].

The COMFORT of a protective mask is relative to each person. It can be measured with criteria such as the perception of breathability, stability on the face, irritation of the skin, ease of seeing or speaking, etc. A more comfortable mask will be worn for longer. Therefore, the value proposed to measure comfort is the number of hours of continuous wear of a protective mask.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends wearing face coverings in the community when a physical distance of 2 meters cannot be maintained consistently (for example, in stores and on public transport). It reiterates that approved medical masks, including surgical masks and respiratory protective devices like N95 masks, are primarily reserved for healthcare workers and others providing direct care to patients with COVID-19 [3].

Non-medical protective masks and face coverings don’t provide the same levels of protection and comfort. They are generally less effective than medical masks in preventing respiratory infections. Still, with proper design and use, some of them may have comparable effectiveness [3]. The context in which you use your mask determines the performance to seek in terms of protection and comfort.