We wear masks in public. Maybe you don't have a mask, or you need to keep more masks in your car, but you're not sure which masks are effective in preventing the spread of Covid-19. Do you want to know when you should wear a mask?

When do I need to wear a mask?

When you need to wear a mask depends a lot on when and where you live and work, and whether you experience any symptoms. In some places, you must wear a mask in public, which means you need to wear one. Many types of businesses, including restaurants, bars, and retail stores, have mask requirements for employees and customers. Some areas do not have a requirement to wear a mask, but individual businesses and organizations still may. The best and safest option is to make sure you always have one when entering a public area. No one wants to have to go all the way home just to have a mask.

The most obvious time you will need to wear a mask is if you are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms. In this case, you should not go outside, but if you simply must go outside, then you should wear a mask around other people outside of your family. Covid-19 is very effective in spreading among people who do not have symptoms, which is why many countries and states require the public to wear masks. Even if you are asymptomatic, one of the best reasons to wear a mask is because you care about keeping the people around you healthy.

There are other situations in which you should wear a mask. For example, if you feel sick or have been exposed to Covid-19, avoid going out and groups, and wear a mask if you must be with others. Also, if you are caring for a sick person or will be with a large group of people, wear a mask even if you know everyone. the CDC currently recommends that the public wear some type of mask in all public places and wash or sanitize their hands frequently to slow the spread of the disease.

How effective are three-layer masks?

There are many types of masks available, but a 3-layer surgical mask is a disposable mask that is easy to carry with you in case you don't have a reusable mask or forget to carry it with you when you run errands.

You may be wondering, "How effective can a small paper mask be?" That's a fair question. Thankfully, we do have the answer, and the scientific consensus is that they do help slow the spread of disease, even if they're not a perfect solution

But why do 3-layer masks work?

As the name implies, there are three layers of 3-layer masks, each serving a different purpose. The outermost layer is designed to help stop water, body fluids, and other liquids. The middle layer helps filter larger pathogens and particles, and the inner layer absorbs and controls breath moisture and sweat. 

One thing to keep in mind is that a three-layer surgical mask can still allow pathogens to enter. Smaller pathogens (such as Covid-19) can sneak into the middle layer or the sides of the mask that are not fully sealed, but the mask still has the ability to help slow or stop most airborne pathogens.

When everyone wears a mask, masks do help reduce the risk of diseases such as Covid-19. By controlling breathing, coughing, sneezing, and spitting while talking, they greatly reduce the amount of potentially contaminated air. Many estimates say that if only 80% of the population wore masks, the current pandemic could be more easily contained.

While cloth masks or surgical masks are acceptable for most uses, 3-ply masks offer a more convenient option for keeping your face clean and uncontaminated and are often considered more effective. And because you don't have to worry about cleaning your mask between uses, it adds an extra layer of safety that a cloth mask can't provide.  

How often do I need to change my mask?

There are many factors that affect how long a mask is worn. For simple shopping trips or low-contact activities, the mask should last a few hours. However, in cramped, crowded areas, or when excessive moisture (moisture, sweat, tears, etc.) is present, masks should be changed every 90 minutes or so when possible. If you come into contact with a person known to have COVID-19, you should change your mask immediately after leaving and washing your hands.

The lifespan of many masks depends on the circumstances and there is no one simple answer. The goal is to avoid the spread of disease, so if a mask becomes damp, torn, or loose, it's time to get a new one. In the case of high-risk activities, more frequent changes are recommended. Ultimately, it comes down to your judgment and the effort you put into keeping those around you safe. Considering the risk of catching something, changing your mask more frequently is a safer practice.

Where can I find masks?

Once you decide to purchase some 3-ply masks for regular, wholesale, or backup use, you will still need to find them. Unfortunately, many of the supply chain issues were exposed at the start of the pandemic, and while supply issues have begun to even out, it is still challenging to find quality surgical masks.

This is where Weikang comes in handy. Located in Hubei Province, China, we offer the highest quality personal protective equipment at affordable prices and provide free quotes and shipping times to customers worldwide. Weikang is committed to providing FDA approved and affordable masks and other supplies.