Tips to Buy the Best TOP10 Face Masks Online

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, face masks have transitioned from exclusive healthcare use to protective gear for the public. With this development, various face masks have surfaced in the market. But, how do you know which is the best for you?

Here, we'll discuss face masks, their types, benefits, and considerations when buying. Also, you'll know where to purchase face masks in bulk at wholesale prices. Read on! 

What Are Face Masks?

Face masks are personal protective equipment (PPE) worn to prevent the risk of contracting or spreading infections through the mouth or nose. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), face masks are useful for protecting the respiratory tract, limiting the spread of Covid-19 and harmful airborne particles, depending on the filtering barrier.

During the emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was necessary to expand the knowledge of the different protective masks. The purpose was to prepare measures for hospitalized patients and protect all hospital staff. Also, the pandemic made face masks necessary for even ordinary citizens. 

It is good to remember that face masks do not cancel basic hygiene rules. Therefore, you should always wash your hands and keep a social safety distance even when wearing masks.

The variety of face masks on the market raises the question of how long one can use a mask. Well, the answer depends on the type of face mask. Homemade cloth face masks are reusable after washing. But, for surgical masks, it's advised to discard them after use. 

However, the case is different for respirators, as you may reuse or discard them depending on your level of exposure to risk factors. For individuals who use their masks for short periods with limited interaction with others, such masks can be reused for over two days. On the other hand, those who use the respirator in high-risk conditions must dispose at the end of the day.

The Benefits of Face Masks

Face masks have dual benefits whether you're wearing them or not. For someone who has an infection, the face masks help curtail the spread by filtering nasal and oral droplets that may be harmful to those who aren't wearing them. On the other hand, in the case of airborne diseases and when working under conditions that expose one to dust, smoke, or other unhealthy particles, the face masks help prevent infection or respiratory allergies.

Types of Face Masks

Disposable surgical masks

This type of mask is mostly used in the hospital setting. They are made of non-woven fabric and have a total filtering capacity towards the outside, while the capacity is reduced towards the inside. The disposable surgical mask has a nose wire that helps fit when worn. However, due to the structure of the mask, it does not adhere completely to the face; thus, they do not offer total protection from infections like Covid-19.

Surgical masks are for short-term use, and therefore if the mask gets damaged, wet, or causes breathing difficulty, it should be discarded. This mask can also effectively reduce the emission of infectious agents even by an asymptomatic wearer.

KN95

The KN95 mask is a type of respirator that offers protection against Covid-19 and related diseases. KN95 masks are used both in medical and public settings. They are the gold standard of masks regulated by the Chinese government. The analog of the KN95 regulated by the United state government is the N95 mask. Interestingly, the "95" means that these masks offer a 95% barrier against airborne particles and droplets from the mouth and nose. The KN95 mask has ear bands, fit better on the face, and can be used for a long period, provided that it is not soiled or wet.

Respirator

Respirators, unlike surgical masks, are made of materials that offer higher filtering capacity. These types of facial filters adapt and adhere perfectly to the shapes of the face, leaving no affected area uncovered. Therefore, they are useful in infectious disease wards and for industrial purposes. Some examples include FFP1, FFP2, FFP3, etc. The FFP stands for Filtering Face Piece, and this type of device differs from each other through the final number, which designates the filtering efficacy.

FFP1

The FFP1 has the least filtering capacity and protects against non-toxic and non-fibrogenic powders.

FFP2

The FFP2 respirator has a better filtering capacity than the FFP1. It protects from dust, smoke, and solid and liquid aerosols that are harmful to health. FFP2 is used, for example, in the metallurgical industry or the mining industry. In the coronavirus case, the diameter of the pores of the filter weave is larger than the virus. However, they can block the particles thanks to the electrostatic effect.

FFP3

The FFP3 has the best filtering capacity of up to 99% providing the greatest protection. This class of respirators can filter out carcinogenic, radioactive harmful substances, and pathogenic microorganisms. The pores that make up the filter mesh have a smaller diameter than the coronavirus and, therefore, act similarly to the filter mesh of surgical masks. However, FF3 masks can be uncomfortable because breathing is more difficult, and the humidity that accumulates internally reduces the filtering power at the inlet. For this reason, they must be replaced more frequently.

Face shield

The face shields, when used alone, offer little or no protection against droplets and aerosols. Due to their structure, face shields do not properly cover the mouth and nose as they have gaps below and the side of the face. Thus, they don't prevent the spread of infectious droplets. Therefore, face shields are not recommended as a substitute for face masks. However, face shields are reusable and can be used with a face mask for supportive protection.

Factors to consider before purchasing the face masks

Disposable or Reusable

Generally, there are two categories of face masks, disposable and reusable. However, the duration of use would determine your choice. Disposable masks are applied in medical settings for short-term use and are discarded immediately. But, reusable masks can last longer as you wash or disinfect them.

Application: Medical or home use

Another factor to consider in the context of the application. You need to know where you will need the mask, the people you'll be interacting with, and your health status.

If you need a mask for your general daily activities, you may opt for surgical masks or washable cloth masks. But, if you work in a healthcare facility, the FFP2, FFP3, or KN95 will offer optimum protection.

The level of protection required.

Different face masks provide varying levels of protection due to their respective filtering capacities. For example, some mask protection is limited to dust, smoke, and non-toxic powders. Also, some offer protection from harmful aerosols and pathogenic microbes like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Generally, your level of exposure to risk factors would guide your choice of masks.

Comfort

While face masks protect against airborne diseases, they should be comfortable to use. Therefore, when purchasing face masks, ensure it is breathable and fits the face of the user. Because if it is too large and allows the passage of air, the mask won't serve its purpose. 

Considering that the mask is worn on the facial skin, ensure the fabric is safe; otherwise, it may irritate the skin. Note that only CE-marked face masks are recognized to meet safety and efficacy standards.

Price

Today, various models of face masks are on the market. However, their prices vary depending on the filtering capacity. But, while searching for a good price, ensure it matches the quality of the mask. Also, ensure the mask is safe and choose the appropriate mask for the right purpose.

Face Masks Price guide

There are different models of face masks on the market with varying prices according to their brands. Some are listed below:

● The 3-Ply Disposable Face Masks MDW-308 costs about $0.03.

● The 5-Layer KN95 Face Mask MDW-205 costs about $0.16.

● The Medical Face Shield MDW-FS costs about $0.30.

● The Kimberly-Clark PROFESSIONAL N95 Pouch Respirator (53358) costs about $1.16.

● The Medline NON27122 Isolation Face Masks costs about $0.11.

Where to buy face masks in bulk with wholesale pricing

Medwish.com is an international B2B marketplace that deals in the sales and distribution of face masks and other hospital and laboratory materials.

If you're stuck on where to get varieties of face masks in bulk, worry not; Medwish.com to the rescue. With Medwish.com, financing services enable you to pay for your orders in installments. Also, there are multiple payment options available to you, including credit cards, L/C, American Express, Paypal, etc.

In addition, the Medwish.com team works alongside custom clearance, insurance, and logistics service providers to ensure your face masks are delivered under safe conditions.

Conclusion

Face masks are essential for PPE both in the medical setting and in the general public. They are useful in limiting the contraction and spread of infections, especially the Covid-19. Therefore, when buying face masks, consider the application, price, comfort, type, etc.

Contact Medwish.com today for your face masks and hospital and laboratory medical supplies.