Face masks: Everything you need to know

N95 Masks

Reusable masks

Disposable masks

Bulk options

Designer masks

Kids face masks

Clear masks

Face shields

Shop for masks – Which is the best face mask for me?

Mask type	Reusable	Disposable	Filters air?	Readily available?	Average price
KN95/N95	No	Yes	Yes	In-stock retailers	£1.80 per mask
Cloth mask	Yes	No	No	In-stock retailers	£7 per mask
Surgical mask	No	Yes	No	In-stock retailers	£0.80 per mask

How to wear a cloth face mask

Cloth face coverings should:

• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops
• Include multiple layers of fabric
• Allow for breathing without restriction

How to fit your mask properly

When putting a mask on, a tight seal should be created against your nose and mouth. If you’re using a medical mask, follow the instructions provided with your mask for a correct fit. In all cases, test that a seal has been created by exhaling heavily. Air should not escape through any cracks. If a seal hasn’t been created, re-fit and test again.

How to remove your mask properly

First, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before putting on or removing your mask. When you’re ready to take it off, do not touch the front of the mask – it could be contaminated. Instead, remove it carefully using the ties or ear loops. Put the mask straight into the wash if it is re-usable, or discard it, before washing your hands again.

Popular mask certifications compared

	Example	Conforms to	Minimum filter efficiency requirement	Maximum total inward leakage requirement	Maximum permitted inhalation resistance	Maximum permitted exhalation resistance	Stockists
N95		USA: NIOSH (42 CFR 84)	95% more info button	N/A	3.43mbar at 85l/min	2.45mbar at 85l/min	Stockists
FFP3		EUROPE: EN 149:2001+A1:2009	99% more info button	2%	1.0mbar at 30l/min 3.0mbar at 95l/min	3.0mbar at 160l/min	Stockists
KN95		CHINA: GB2626	95% more info button	8%	3.5mbar at 85l/min	2.5mbar at 85l/min	Stockists
FFP2		EUROPE: EN 149:2001+A1:2009	94% more info button	8%	0.7mbar at 30l/min 2.4mbar at 95l/min	3.0mbar at 160l/min	-
FFP1		EUROPE: EN 149:2001+A1:2009	80% more info button	22%	0.6mbar at 30l/min 2.1mbar at 95l/min	3.0mbar at 160l/min	-
P2		AUS/NZ: AS/NZ 1716:2012	94% more info button	8%	0.7mbar at 30l/min 2.4mbar at 95l/min	1.2mbar at 85l/min	-
DS2		JAPAN: JMHLWNotification 214, 2018	95% more info button	N/A	0.7mbar at 40l/min (with valve) 0.5mbar at 40l/min (no valve)	0.7mbar at 40l/min (with valve) 0.5mbar at 40l/min (no valve)	Stockists
DL2		JAPAN: JMHLWNotification 214, 2018	95% more info button	N/A	0.7mbar at 40l/min (with valve) 0.5mbar at 40l/min (no valve)	0.7mbar at 40l/min (with valve) 0.5mbar at 40l/min (no valve)	Stockists

Sources: Smart Air, 3M, Health and Safety Executive

How to make your own face mask

If you want to make your own face covering, guides like this one from the New York Times outline the steps that can have you wearing a cloth mask in an hour or two. If you have a small swatch of fabric about the size of a napkin, shoelaces, scissors, and a needle and thread, you can make a mask without additional supplies.

Guide to choosing a face mask

Dr. William Li, a bestselling author and president and co-founder of the Angiogenesis Foundation provided Finder with tips on selecting a face mask:

“Surgical masks are now easier to find and a good option,” Li adds. “They have been effective in keeping infection rates low in hospitals.”

What’s the difference between a surgical mask and an N95 mask?

Should I share a mask with my family?

No. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t be sharing a mask with anyone. Even if it is your partner or child and you live in the same household, this is something you shouldn’t do. As the virus can spread so rapidly, extra measures need to be taken and good hygiene practices need to be adopted. Sharing a mask will reduce the effectiveness of this preventative measure.

What are type 2 face masks?

Type 2 face masks are medical face masks made up of a protective 3 ply material that prevents large particles from reaching the wearer. They are not effective when blood or bodily fluids are present, however. They are usually designed in a pleat style with ear loops or ties.