Since the coronavirus pandemic began, many statements about the benefit of using masks have emerged. Masks have, therefore become an instrument in the fight against coronavirus. There are so many varieties of masks, and each one of them offers a very different degree of protection against the coronavirus.

Before acquiring a mask, it is necessary to know the different types available and to be very clear about the most valid to protect yourself against this disease in the most effective way possible. One may be wondering what type of mask best protects against coronavirus?. Well, according to research, here are the best facemasks for the prevention of convid-19:



Respirators are equipment that covers the nose and mouth, providing an adequate seal on the user’s face. They have an efficient filter to reduce respiratory exposure to the virus and other chemical or biological contaminants. The best respirators available include:


  1. N95 MASKS

The N95 respirator best facemasks retains droplets and is designed to protect workers against aerosols containing viruses, bacteria and fungi. It was so named because it can stop at least 95% of the small particles that are being carried by air. These masks are made from polyester and other synthetic fibres, including layers of fibres tangled together which present as a filter to hinder the passage of particles.

Some models even have “exhalation valves” that makes breathing simpler. Its curved shape helps to keep in it tightly in place, thereby stopping particles from entering through a tiny open space. N95 masks are being manufactured by many companies; thus, they have various models. However, a company called 3M produces popular models which include the 3M 8210 N95, 3M 1860 N95, 3M 9211 N95, 3M 8515 N95 etc.




  1. N99 MASKS

This type of mask manages to reduce between 94 and 99% the risk of contagion in situations in which one is close to an infected person for more than 20 minutes. The N95 and N99 are more effective because they close more tightly around the nose and mouth, causing few particles to enter.

In addition, they have tangled fibres that filter pathogens in the air. However, the N95 is more effective than the N99 because although the N99 masks filter out 4% polluted particles than the N95 mask, the N95 offers 50% lesser breathing resistance than the N99 mask. That means you can wear the N95 mask for a longer time without feeling suffocated.




  1. PM 2.5 MASKS

The name PM2.5 originates from these filters’ original use as protection against Particulate Matter 2.5. The filter with a properly-fitted cloth mask best facemasks can lessen the total airborne particulates by as much as 90%. These masks are therefore made of materials such as activated carbon, meltblown fabric and spunbond fabric.

They are flat, disposable, take up less space than standard respirators, remain effective for years, and can be used continuously for 16-24 hours. The filters can be easily replaced as they are relatively cheap.




Also known as clinical masks, surgical masks are disposable, non-fitting, and serve as protection for nose and mouth of the wearer from making contact with droplets, splashes or sprays that may have microbes. Surgical masks also filter large particles in the air. They can protect others by reducing exposure to the saliva and respiratory secretions of the person using it.

Surgical masks come in various forms – some filter 60 to 80 percent of small particles under laboratory conditions. Surgical masks are often made of layers of breathable, paper-like synthetic fabric, cut into a rectangular shape and with pleats that serve to expand and better fit the face. They are sold in packages of up to 100 units and designed to be used only once.





Due to the shortage of surgical masks, many people have turned to make their own or buying homemade ones. Depending on the fabric and the manufacturing process, a homemade mask can sometimes protect the same as a surgical version and any type of face covering is preferable to nothing. A good homemade mask is made from a material that is thick enough to catch viral particles but allows for tolerable breathing.

Materials such as a T-shirt made with high cotton content, flannel, or a tightly woven dish towel can be used. The material with the highest number of threads – which allows very little light to filter through – will likely provide the best protection. Look for one that has at least two layers of material, covers the top of your nose and the bottom of your chin, and has adjustable straps. Or More know by check our this page.


Reference :

  1. Sarah Brooks, PhD, Professor, director of the Center for Atmospheric Chemistry and the Environment at Texas A&M University, Email interview,
  2. Mr. Lawrence Chu, Professor,  MD, director of the Anesthesia Informatics and Media Lab, Stanford University School of Medicine, Email interview,
  3. Mr. Ron Shaffer, PhD, former chief of research at the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, phone interview,

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