The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought about the surge of face mask products, ranging from surgical masks to reusable masks. Their purpose is to protect you and those around you from getting infected by the highly-contagious virus. But, not all work the same way. 

Depending on the level of your exposure, activity, and lifestyle, the perfect face mask to suit your needs will vary. So, to give you a better idea, here are the top three categories of Australian made face masks you need to know about. 

Surgical Masks

Surgical masks are perhaps the most basic type of mask you can get on the market today. They’re disposable products that cover your mouth and nose to create a barrier against droplets and other particles. 

While surgical masks are easily accessible and widely available, they’re not the most effective option for you. Here’s why:

• They’re loose-fitting

Generally, face masks are used in a clinical setting for operations, dental appointments, isolation, and other medical procedures. Because of this, surgical masks need to be as flexible and pliable as possible. 

The problem, however, is that they’re loose-fitting. This means surgical masks don’t offer the perfect fit for your face. You may need to constantly adjust your mask to sit comfortably on your face throughout the day. 

• They’re not durable.

While it’s true that surgical masks are made in different thicknesses and materials, they’re usually not very durable. In addition, they’re made with disposable materials, making them susceptible to damage. You need to replace your surgical masks every four hours or more frequently if required. 

• They don’t filter small particles.

Due to the nature of surgical masks, they’re only effective in blocking large-particle droplets. Small particles and airborne diseases quickly pass through this type of mask because of its thin and porous material. In addition, it also doesn’t have the best filter, making it a low COVID-19 barrier.

Reusable Cloth Masks

Likewise, reusable cloth masks became popular in light of the pandemic. Reusable clothes became a sought-after item among eco-conscious consumers, developed primarily for eco-friendly purposes and personal style. 

Reusable masks are designed to cover the nose and mouth like surgical masks. However, unlike surgical masks, reusable masks are washable. For this reason, they’re a more environmentally friendly alternative.

However, according to experts, reusable cloth masks are not enough to protect you from the virus since they do not have sufficient layers to filter viral particles. Moreover, some brands have loose weaves, allowing easy penetration to your mouth and nose. So, although they’re more breathable and versatile, they’re not the most effective option against COVID-19.

P2 and N95 Respirators

Compared to the two previously mentioned variants, respirators like the P2 and N95 are the best Australian made face masks.

When used correctly, P2 or N95 masks offer the highest protection against the deadly virus by filtering up to 95% of airborne particles. They mould perfectly to your face and show no gaps for particles to seep into. Additionally, they’re made with four layers of exceedingly fine nano-fibres to provide optimal filtration while being highly breathable. 

Although they’re disposable, you can reuse them several times after a one-week interval. Because of these benefits, P2 masks are highly recommended.

Find the Best Face Mask for Yourself

While you can choose what type of face mask you want to use, you must consider its practicality, effectiveness, and overall environmental impact. With these considerations, you can easily scout the best product for yourself.