Since March, I have spent hours researching, and researching, and experimenting, and sourcing, and researching, and researching all the different types of masks that are readily and not-so readily available to the consumer market. Here’s a little summary of the different types that are commonly talked about in the consumer and salon markets. Please note all these opinions are my own, and figures are given on a representative basis only. Please follow public health advice!!!
Disposable 3-PLY Mask: This is a 3-layered mask that is single-used. It is commonly used for it’s cost-effectiveness and readily available status. However, a disposable surgical mask is meant for surgery. It is not designed to be worn with a visor in an aerosol creating environment. From a salon point-of-view, we use them when we are doing non-facial treatments i.e. waxing of the legs, underarm, bikini, etc., laser on the body, pressotherapy, etc. You can also use them with a visor on for consultations, reception, cleaning, etc. When it comes to facial treatments and specialised treatments, you need to ensure you have protection. I recommend NIOSH masks for these treatments. This is because the disposable masks are not sealing your mouth and nose, and can often be very loose fitting. This means that while you’re protecting the client, you’re leaving yourself exposed; and it’s a risk that can easily be mitigated, if not removed. Try tying the ear loops to get a snug fit to your face, and ensure the nose grip is tight-fitting.
Cotton/ Reusable Masks: These are ideal for most consumers. They are often 1, 2, or 3 layered and can have gorgeous designs on the front of them. They can be machine-washed at 60⁰C and that’ll kill the virus. Ideal! What makes them less ideal for salons is the Bacterial Filtration Efficiency of these masks. Homemade masks could have a very low rating, because of the material they’re using. Professionally made one’s are usually designed to have the 95% BFE that disposable surgical masks have. Again, I’d be slow to recommend these for facial treatments. Also, these shouldn’t be used when doing eyebrows… if client’s sneeze and you don’t have a replacement mask ready, it’s high-risk.
There are a few types of NIOSH rated masks, and they have different names in different parts of the world. These offer the best types of protection. All NIOSH masks can be reused, but not for more than 4-hours at a time, and for no more than 8-10 hours total.
America:
N95- usually a bra-cup shape, these masks are extremely effective at protecting all parties. They also have 95% filtration/ BFE but the difference is that the therapist has a better level of protection versus disposable masks.
N99- The best on the market but next to impossible to find. They have certified 99% efficiency against all particles and will leave you feeling safer. Bear in mind, if you have someone with underlying breathing issues, these masks can be hard to breathe in, so ensure to test it out before wearing it in the workplace, to be safe.
Europe:
FFP1- 68% protection. Similar to a 2-ply cotton mask or a paper mask. I wouldn’t wear these at work personally and there are loads of higher quality options out there.
FFP2- 95-97% protection. These are often 4-ply, so really good protection. Just check the nose guards as some are lower quality than others.
FFP3- 98%+ protection. These are what is worn in COVID wards in hospitals (when they can get them) so they are super for all aerosol environments. Check out the ones that we sell here.
China:
KN95- These are either FFP2 or FFP3, make sure to check with your supplier as they might charge the same for lesser quality. Rather than the bra-cup shape N95, these are often shaped like a V out of the face. More comfortable to wear than N95.
KN99- Similar to your N99 style mask in terms of protection. I haven’t been able to test one myself because they are next-to-impossible to find. It gets confusing because you can have a KN95 mask with FFP3 protection or a KN99 with FFP3 protection. The difference is 0.01% BFE- so don’t sweat it.
A disposable surgical mask is meant for surgery. I recommend a NIOSH mask for salons with any potential exposure to blood, mucus, saliva, or anyone with an underlying health condition. Your clients will thank you for investing a little more in their safety.
My overall summation.
Feel free to contact me on ben@totalcare.ie if you want to discuss this more.
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