Which respirator to buy to protect against coronavirus

Can a disposable respirator protect against coronavirus

According to the study, the diameter of coronavirus viral particles is about 125 nm, or 0.15 microns.

Depending on the class, respirators can protect against inhalation of elements of different diameters. The most effective ones are capable of trapping particles less than 2 microns and can become a barrier to the entry of viruses. Lower grade respirators protect against particles with a diameter of 2-5 microns and can interfere with contaminated dust or droplets of water and body fluids.

It should be noted that WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise against wearing respirators at home, even when in contact with patients. The only exception WHO makes for doctors, and then during procedures involving a patient's cough or sneezing.

However, if the recommendations do not bother you and you are firmly decided to protect the respiratory organs with a respirator, it is important to choose the right class for maximum protection.

What are disposable respirators?

According to the European classification, which is also used in Russia, respirators are divided into three classes of protection: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. Let's talk about each of them.

1. Respirator with degree of protection FFP1

First class protective equipment retains 80% of airborne contaminants and protects against particles larger than 5 microns. And although the half mask can pass the virus itself, it will filter out most of the virus-infected dust particles and small water droplets.

The cost of such respirators varies from 120 to 900 rubles per piece.

What to buy

Respirator with valve FFP1, 129 rubles →
Half mask-respirator FFP1 with filter, 489 rubles →
Set of 5 respirators FFP1 with an exhalation valve, 899 rubles →

2. Respirator with degree of protection FFP2

The second class of protection is more effective. These media filter up to 94% of contaminants, although they can still pass the virus, as they trap particles with a diameter of 2 to 5 microns. WHO recommends that doctors wear such respirators when performing procedures with patients with coronavirus.

The cost of second class half masks is about 350–1,200 rubles apiece.

What to buy

Respirator universal FFP2, 359 rubles →
Set of 10 respirators FFP2, 1 200 rubles →

3. Respirator with degree of protection FFP3

These filtering half masks trap up to 99% of impurities and do not allow viruses, bacteria and mold spores to pass through - they are effective against particles less than 2 microns. This is the best option for protection from disposable half masks. However, it should be borne in mind that such respirators only protect the respiratory organs and do not cover the mucous membranes of the eyes, so the risk of infection still remains.

The cost is about 500-600 rubles apiece. We could not find such masks on sale. Perhaps they will be in hardware stores in your city.

4. Respirator N95

These are respirators from the US classification. Such half masks are recommended to be worn by doctors as an alternative to FFP2 during procedures with patients. Filtration - up to 95% of particles with a size of 0.3 microns, that is, the protection is as good as that of the second class.

Although one study found the N95 to be only slightly better than regular face masks. Among the medical workers who put on such respirators, during the experiment, only 9% fewer people got sick with the flu and other ailments of the respiratory tract than in the group of those who wore masks.

The cost of the N95 is about 300-600 rubles apiece. These respirators are sold in sets of 10 pieces.

What to buy

A set of 10 N95 masks with filter from AliExpress, 379 rubles →
A set of 10 N95 masks without AliExpess filters, 389 rubles →
A set of 10 protective black N95 masks from AliExpress, 550 rubles →

What to Consider When Buying a Disposable Respirator

Valve presence

The heat and moisture from breathing causes the respirator to lose its protective properties. The inhalation and exhalation valves help to reduce wetting of the half mask and extend its life.

If respirators without a valve will effectively protect you for about two hours, then the option with such a part will last for 6-8 hours. But after that you still have to throw it away and put on a new one.

Health status

Even with valves, breathing in a respirator can be difficult. Therefore, if you have chronic respiratory diseases, heart and vascular problems, or other conditions in which breathing problems may occur, ask your therapist if you can do this before wearing a respirator.

Facial hair

The respirator is not suitable for people with a beard and mustache: the hair does not adhere to the skin tightly, and this reduces the effectiveness. Therefore, if you are not going to shave off your chic beard, do not waste money on half masks.

How to properly wear a disposable respirator

You must put on and take off the product correctly so that it truly protects you from the virus.

How to put on a respirator

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.

2. Unfold the respirator and place it on your face with one hand.

3. Tuck the rubber bands behind your ears or around the back of your head and neck. In the last option, make sure that they do not overlap with each other.

4. Squeeze the noseplate at the top edge of the respirator so that it fits snugly against your nose, following the shape of your nose bridge.

5. Make sure the half mask covers your nose and chin.

How to check if a respirator is protecting well

Close the valve of the half mask with your hands or, if it is not there, its surface in the area of the nose. Take a few sharp breaths in and out. If you feel air movement in any place where the half mask touches your face, the respirator does not fit snugly.

Try spreading the elastic bands around your head or pressing the noseplate more firmly against your nose. It is also worth adjusting the half mask if, while wearing, you feel the movement of air from under it on the upper part of the face or eyes.

How much to use and how to remove the respirator

As we wrote earlier, disposable respirators without a protective valve lose their properties after 2 hours of use. Models with a safety valve will last a maximum of 8 hours, but it is advisable to remove them earlier - after 4-6 hours.

Take the respirator by the rubber bands and remove it from the head. Do not touch the front of it with your hands - it may be contaminated with bacteria.

How to dispose of a respirator

Throw away the product in a closed trash can, or wrap it in a plastic bag first and then dispose of it. Then wash your hands with soap and water.

And do not forget that a respirator will in no way save you from the virus if you do not follow the basic rules: self-isolation, hand washing, disinfection of household items.