The news from the last months have led to a dramatic increase in demand for protective antiviral masks. Manufacturers are outdoing each other in the production of more and more new solutions using a variety of materials, patterns and colors in the production of protective masks. However, the question arises whether such protection can be effective? There is no clear answer to this question, it all depends on the method of production and the appropriate selection of materials.
What material to choose for the production of face masks?
When choosing a material for the production of protective masks, we should be guided primarily by its antiviral properties. However, for users, features such as wearing comfort or the possibility of reusing the mask are important. Taking into account the different features of the masks, various types of fabrics and nonwovens for the masks can be used in their production.
Nonwovens for medical and protective masks
High efficiency of bacterial filtration - at the level of over 98% - is ensured by masks made of the highest quality three-layer SMS non-woven fabric, which is made of spunbond and meltblown fibers. The material, in addition to its excellent protective properties, provides the possibility of free breathing and low permeability of impurities and liquids.
In the production of medical masks, ready-made rolls of nonwovens in the production size are also used. For this purpose, a spunbond fleece (17.5 cm and 19.5 cm) and meltblown (17.5 cm) can be used. Thanks to them, you can create two-layer masks (spunbond nonwovens are joined) and three-layer masks (between two layers of spunbond non-woven fabric there is a meltblown filtering fleece). The nonwovens are welded together, and between the layers of the material there are round and soft ear elastics and a nose clip. A professional protective mask is not easy to make at home, it should be remembered that in addition to the appropriate selection of material, its design is also important, which should ensure proper adhesion of the material.
Cotton for protective masks
Protective masks are also made of cotton. Such material, however, will not be able to provide a high level of anti-virus protection and is not used as medical masks. However, the great advantage of such masks is that they can be used and washed many times, which works well with the daily necessity of wearing masks. Due to the fact that cotton is breathable better than polypropylene nonwovens, it is also more comfortable to wear for a long time.
Do protective masks protect us from the virus?
Antiviral masks made of three-layer medical non-woven fabric have a filtration efficiency of over 98%. To achieve the highest possible efficiency of use, remember about proper hand hygiene and proper putting on and taking off the mask. It is also worth paying attention to its recommended time of use and remember that the mask does not protect us in 100% - we should use all methods of personal protection to minimize the risk of infection.
