Protective Masks: Disposable, Reusable, and Respirators
One of the means of personal protection is a protective mask. It can be either disposable or reusable, with or without a filter. Each model has certain advantages, but what matters most is that during a pandemic, a mask is the best accessory, regardless of whether you have symptoms of respiratory diseases. This is because it protects healthy individuals from infection and prevents the spread of the virus in those who are already sick.
For maximum protection, the wearer of the mask, regardless of its type, should ensure that it covers the lower part of the nose, chin, and nose-to-mouth area.
Rules for Using Protective Masks
Not long ago, seeing someone wearing a mask in everyday life was rare, but times are changing. Therefore, to make mask usage effective, some rules should be followed:
- The duration of wearing disposable and reusable masks should not exceed two hours (this period can be extended to a maximum of four hours). Masks should be put on with clean hands, and it is recommended to use other protective measures such as hand sanitizers and gloves. Regarding respirators, the duration of use varies depending on the type: up to 3 hours for FFP1 respirators, up to 5 hours for FFP2 respirators, up to 8 hours for FFP3 respirators.
- Avoid touching the mask with hands due to the risk of bacteria on the outer layer of the skin (as we touch various objects, such as door handles, products in stores, etc.).
- Change the mask in case of contact with unwashed hands.
- The use of masks implies individuality, meaning that sharing protective equipment with friends or family members is not recommended.
- If it's a reusable mask, it should be washed (by hand or in a machine) with detergent or soap, and ironed after each use.
Protective masks are effective in protecting the respiratory organs from dust, various aerosols, microbes, and viruses. They are used both in everyday life and in various industries. These products have gained widespread use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To find out what types of protective masks are available and what they protect against, read our article.
What is a Protective Mask
Protective masks are products designed to protect the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose from foreign bodies, aerosols, dust, etc. Depending on the material, the degree of protection of masks can vary. Some will protect only against dust, while others will become a reliable barrier to the spread of viruses.
It is recommended to buy protective masks in bulk for representatives of various industries, medical institutions, beauty salons, and other enterprises where employees need personal protective equipment. In addition, it is advisable for individuals at an increased risk of coronavirus infection to buy masks in bulk. This is because the disease can progress in a severe form, and the virus has not been completely stopped: the spread of COVID-19 worldwide continues. New cases are registered, including in Russia, and news channels regularly report on the appearance of new mutations of the pathogen.
Types of Protective Masks
Currently, consumers have the opportunity to buy protective masks in bulk of various types: disposable, reusable, and respirators with different filters. Let's consider the characteristics of each type of PPE in more detail.
Disposable Medical Masks
Disposable or medical masks are intended for short-term use and cannot be worn again. Such products are made from non-woven materials: spunbond and meltblown. Thanks to the unique properties of these materials, the finished product reliably protects its owner not only from contamination but also from harmful microorganisms. It is recommended to buy disposable masks in bulk primarily for equipping medical institutions and beauty salons.
Medical PPE can be non-sterile and sterile. The latter have an additional protective layer with hydrophilic properties. Such masks are used in laboratories and during surgical operations. The degree of protection against viruses and microbes reaches 99%.
Among the disadvantages of medical products, the main one is the short useful life. A medical mask can be worn for no more than 2 hours. After this time, it should be replaced with a new one.
Reusable Fabric Masks
Reusable protective masks are made from various types of fabric. The most common are products made of neoprene and cotton.
SIZ made of neoprene provides excellent protection against dust and suspended particles in the air. It is comfortable to wear, doesn't press on the face, ensures a snug fit, and allows airflow. However, due to the material's characteristics, it cannot retain viruses and pathogenic microorganisms.
Cotton SIZ is also comfortable and can be used multiple times. With proper sanitation, they can serve as an alternative to disposable masks and act as a reliable barrier against harmful microorganisms. The filtration efficiency can reach 60% depending on the number of layers.
Stores offer customers a wide range of knit accessories. However, they do not provide sufficient protection and are more of a decorative nature. Masks with copper threads can restrain bacteria but cannot stop viruses. Products made of three layers of spunbond provide air filtration at 80-90%.
Deciding to buy reusable protective masks, it's essential to remember that these items require special care and thorough disinfection. This is because breathing generates moisture and warmth, creating an ideal environment for the reproduction and development of viruses and bacteria.
Respirators
The name 'respirators' is derived from the Latin word 'respirator,' meaning breathing. These products have a special design and can be equipped with an integrated or replaceable filter. They serve to protect individuals from harmful gases, aerosols, vapors, and dust. Buying respirators in bulk is recommended for safeguarding respiratory organs in workers in mines, mines, chemically hazardous facilities, metallurgical plants, and more.
By design, respirators are divided into:
- Products with an integrated filter.
- Half masks with replaceable filtering elements.
- Dust or aerosol-resistant. Buying respirators in bulk of this type is recommended for protecting the respiratory organs from dust, smoke, and aerosols. They can be used in areas of chemical, radiation, or biological contamination but do not protect against vapors and gases.
- Gas masks. Buying respirators in bulk of this type is recommended for blocking gases and vapors (organic and inorganic in origin).
- Gas and dust-resistant or combined. These are universal SIZ with the broadest protection spectrum against various substances.
Classification by filtration efficiency:
- Respirators of Class 1 (FFP1) Can be used in well-ventilated areas. Capture up to 80% of liquid and solid aerosol particles and dust. Buying respirators in bulk of this type is recommended for work in dusty environments, the food industry, and agriculture. Suitable for protection against smoke.
- Respirators of Class 2 (FFP2) Provide reliable protection when exceeding the permissible concentration of harmful substances in the air up to 10 times. The filtration efficiency is up to 84%. Buying respirators in bulk of this type is recommended for use in industrial enterprises where work is associated with medium-toxic dust particles, asbestos, barium, vanadium, copper, titanium, chromium, and manganese dust; for objects in the chemical, metallurgical, mining industries; in shipbuilding.
- Respirators of Class 3 (FFP3) Have the highest filtration efficiency, capturing up to 99% of substances hazardous to humans. Allow working in conditions of exceeding the permissible concentration 30 times. Buying respirators in bulk of this type is recommended for equipping employees working with beryllium, arsenic, antimony, cobalt, cadmium, nickel, strychnine, radium, and radioactive particles.
To buy protective masks wholesale near you directly from the manufacturer is the best solution.
This not only allows you to save on the budget but also provides an opportunity to ensure the quality of the product.The company "KD GLOBALTY" has its own production and sells its products under the brand KD GLOBALTY. Under this brand, you can buy wholesale protective masks of various types: disposable, reusable, and respirators. All products undergo strict laboratory control and comply with quality standards.
By deciding to buy protective masks wholesale or other medical products from "KD GLOBALTY," you are guaranteed to receive a product of the highest quality, excellent service, and fast delivery at a competitive price.
You can buy protective masks wholesale near you by placing an order through any convenient method.