How effective is your reusable face covering?
Reusable face coverings can be a convenient alternative to disposable surgical masks – but do they actually work?
An independent investigation led by Which? independently tested a range of reusable face masks from high-street and online stores as well as the homemade face covering design recommended by the UK government. Out of the 15 tested, they discovered that a number of coverings blocked as little as 7% of particles expressed by the wearer.
The top performers in the test for filtration were, unsurprisingly, those that had 2 or 3 layers of fabric with the best filtering over 98% of particles. However, testers noted that reusable face coverings can get damp quickly just from breathing which impacts efficiency and can lead to users to adjust, remove or incorrectly wear their mask.
As COVID-19 is spread primarily via respiratory droplets and contact routes, government guidelines state the general public must wear face coverings in enclosed spaces for the protection of others. However as shown through the Which? testing, how effective a face covering is can vary from mask to mask.
Our Easimask Type II and Type IIR Face Masks are the same type and efficiency we provide to the NHS, offering a bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of ≥ 98%. Available in packs of 10, 50 or more, whatever your requirements, we’re here to help.