Social distancing, wearing a mask in classrooms and outdoor spaces, risk of contamination, the arrival of seasonal flu – this year, returning to school in Utah could be chaotic!
While the Utah State Board of Education permitted in-person classes back in July 2020, it is still mandatory to follow the COVID-19 preventive measures to limit virus transmission. This means your little ones are still required to cover their mouth and nose with a protective mask to avoid being a potential carrier of the virus.
There are various masks available in the market, but which one is the best for your school-going child? Let’s check them out!
1. Medical Mask: A Classic of Epidemics
The most common, cheapest, and, in theory, one of the most effective masks is a medical mask. Such masks are multi-layered; the number of layers in most cases is three, some of which are made of synthetic material.
There is one more similar type of medical mask – called a surgical mask. Such masks have more layers – four, due to which they allow less dust and bacteria to pass through. In either case, these masks need to be changed very often – the recommended usage time of each is up to two to three hours.
An important reminder – Medical masks are not intended to protect the wearer of the mask, but those around them. Therefore, if you want to protect your child from infection, it is better to provide them a different type of protective mask.
2. The Reusable Mask
The mask that has gained immense popularity in the context of the coronavirus pandemic is the so-called reusable mask. However, there is no clear regulation of how they should be made and what kind of protection they offer.
Moreover, there are no studies related to how much worse or better such masks are compared to medical ones. Nevertheless, this is clearly better than nothing.
If your child uses a reusable mask, advise them to wash it after 2-3 hours with soap or detergent to kill germs and bacteria. If not possible, make sure to give them a spare mask to use.
3. FFP1 Respirators: No Guarantee, But Better than a Mask
Respirators are devices that are somewhat different from masks in their essence. They are designed to protect the person who wears the respirator and not those around them. They are divided into various protection classes; FFP1 is the weakest of them.
4. FFP2 And FFP3: Allow a High Degree of Protection
Respirators with higher protection classes – FFP2 and FFP3 – are designed to protect against viruses. The FFP2 protection class roughly corresponds to the N95 standard. For example, in the USA, a respirator must prevent 95% of aerosols from passing. The FFP3 standard offers even more efficient protection against 99% aerosols. However, none of them offers 100% protection.
Respirators of all protection classes are sold with and without a valve. The valve – a plastic device on the respirator – helps facilitate breathing by “opening up” as you exhale.
It is generally believed that physicians who come into contact with patients require FFP2 and FFP3. These masks do not need to be purchased for general use in public places. Despite the high degree of protection, respirators are disposable.
At Spirit Magnet, we provide customized back-to-school face masks made of cotton with screen print or colored designs and hassle-free delivery anywhere in Utah. Our team especially offers youth-sized masks to make it easier for children to wear and protect themselves from the virus. The best part – upon ordering 1000 custom masks, you’ll receive 100 disposable masks FREE. Place your order today!
