TOP 7 best protective medical masks: virus protection, which one to choose, pros and cons

Medical masks protect people from virus infection. They are used by the medical staff during manipulations in order to reduce the likelihood of infection of the patient. Today you can find various modifications of respirators. But are they all capable of fully protecting us?

Popular types of medical masks will participate in the rating, and detailed descriptions will be given for each of them. And also in the article you will learn how to choose the right personal protective equipment and make it yourself.

Rating TOP 7 protective medical masks

Respirator SAFETY

The respirator is manufactured in Russia and is made of 6 layers. The outer protects against dust. The second is made using meltblown technology. It acts as a filter and prevents infections from entering. The third and fourth layers are charcoal filters. They protect against vapors, gases and aerosols. The fifth layer removes moisture from breathing. The sixth is soft and designed for comfortable wearing. There is also an exhalation valve. This mask has enhanced protective properties. Designed for single use within 4-6 hours.

I bought it through an online store. Delivery is fast and I really liked the products themselves. The workmanship is excellent. It is comfortable to wear, as it fits well and breathes comfortably. But now it is problematic to buy them.

Respirator Barrier Reef

The anatomical shape of the protector allows for a more snug fit to the face. The side valve removes the exhaled condensate. The medical device can be worn for up to 8 hours. It is made of three layers. The middle one has the function of a filter capable of trapping up to 98% of bacteria, allergens, dust, viruses, aerosols. The temples are adjustable. There is another version of this product that does not have a side valve. Such a medical mask has similar protective functions, but it can be worn for up to 4 hours.

More recently, we have bought several packages of Barrier Reef medical masks. Now the whole family is provided for. It is immediately evident that the high quality of the product is in everything. The fit can be adjusted with the temples and the nipple. I even have a child in it and I'm not afraid that it will fly off. Lateral moisture wicking allows for more comfortable breathing. The disadvantages include the high cost of a disposable product.

Masker's NF respirator

Anatomical medical mask contains three layers, medium filtering bacteria, allergens, dust, viruses and aerosols. It also has a side valve for quick outflow of exhaled air and moisture. Therefore, it is more convenient to wear glasses, since less moisture is released through the top and the glass practically does not fog up. There is a retaining baffle for the nose. The temples are adjustable in length.All this allows you to adjust a comfortable and snug fit to the face. You can wear it without removing it for up to 8 hours.

Stylish respirator that can be worn for a long time, unlike ordinary ones. It is wide enough to fit a large face. If you adjust the elastic and the strip adjacent to the nose, you can achieve a snug fit. It is comfortable to breathe, as there is a valve. Moisture does not accumulate inside. The fabric is soft and pleasant to the touch.

LATIO classic N10

Protective agent against the transmission of bacteria and viruses transmitted by airborne droplets. One-time use. The mask is made of non-woven fabric in three layers. Medium is an antibacterial filter capable of trapping up to 99.9% of microorganisms. The wearing period is 2 hours. There is a nose clip for a snug fit. The ear loops are securely attached to the outside of the product and also provide a tighter fit to the skin. Additional pleats create an air pocket for breathing.

I was pleased that when I bought it, I unwittingly became a participant in a charity event. According to it, 1 ruble from each sale goes to the Gift of Life! And I also really liked that there are detailed instructions on how to wear it correctly. In terms of execution, it is very high-quality: it fits snugly to the face, holds well on the nose, the correct size and high-quality elastic bands. The shape is such that there is no gap between the product and the cheek.

Hartmann Foliodress mask Comfort loop

This mask belongs to medical devices and is intended for treatment nurses and surgeons. There are three protective layers, the middle one acts as a filter. According to the manufacturer, it is capable of retaining up to 98% of bacteria and viruses. Fasteners with elastic bands. There is a soft padded retainer on the bridge of the nose for a tighter fit. The edging is soft. The brand is German, and the production is located in Thailand.

I bought packages for children undergoing chemotherapy with leukemia. They really need medical masks, since there is no immunity. These products from the German brand are immediately clear that they are of high quality. The material is dense and at the same time soft, it is well tolerated and fixed. The packaging says that the products are for surgeons, which means they have increased protection.

IP Margolin reusable protective

This reusable protection product is produced by an individual entrepreneur who is engaged in sewing medical masks and caps. The assortment includes several color options. The protective agent is multi-layered, but the manufacturer does not specify the composition of the material, the presence of filters that can retain bacteria and viruses. There is only a recommendation for the care of the product: wash with antibacterial soap and iron.

I bought a reusable mask specifically to save on disposable ones. It can be washed and ironed.Fastening with loops that are attached to the ears. The elastic does not pull. There is only a bridge for the bridge of the nose.

Sibrtech technical

Outwardly, the mask is very similar to those sold in pharmacies and related to medical products. It is also light blue, attaches behind the ears and has folds. But this product is categorized as “technical”. Direct purpose: to exclude the ingress of human-inhaled particles on high-precision instruments and equipment. The product does not have an antibacterial filter, nose clip. It is unable to protect against airborne bacteria and viruses.

Some in the reviews write that the seller deceived them and the mask turned out to be technical. If there is an inaccuracy in the description, then the photo clearly shows that it does not belong to medical devices. I buy them sometimes for work. For its intended purpose, I like it. But as a protection against bacteria and viruses, it really is completely unsuitable.

How to sew a face shield?

I will immediately make an explanation of reusable masks. They are only effective if you are already ill. Then the personal protective equipment allows you not to spread infections transmitted by airborne droplets. As a protection for a healthy person, tissue products, as well as cotton-gauze dressings, ineffective.

Now let's figure out how to properly sew a medical mask for ourselves. The easiest option is to take a disposable product as the basis for the pattern.

You can get by with a simpler option that will fit well to the face, but not have wrinkles. Difficulty level: low.

What masks can protect against viruses?

Many people are now interested in the question of which masks best protect against viruses? It is worth noting that conventional disposable products are intended to be worn by individuals who are already infected. In this case, protective equipment acts as a barrier and prevents the spread of viruses into the environment when sneezing, coughing and breathing. Despite the multi-layered nature, the presence of a filter, such products are not capable of acting as a full-fledged protection against infection. But if the rules of wearing are violated, it can even become dangerous.

A larger number of microorganisms and viruses settle on the upper layer. The person may often touch the medical mask, and then with these hands, for example, scratch the eyes. The virus penetrates through the mucous membrane instantly. It is also important to properly remove this hygiene item. This should be done for the rubber ears, but not for the fabric itself.

Respirators have additional valves for exhalation and condensate drainage. They may have additional layers of filtration, which more strongly traps microorganisms, which, as you know, can be of different sizes. All this allows to increase the service life up to 4-8 hours.

Reusable products, regardless of material and layers, are only effective for infected people. They are ineffective as a prevention of infection!