Face Masks and COVID-19
Face masks are an essential element of the fight against COVID-19 and other dangerous pathogens. Disposable surgical masks like Rensa ClearCare™ and ClearCare Ultra™ protect medical staff, teachers, retail workers, industrial workers and others protection from both airborne pathogens and other particulates. Here’s what you should know about masks and COVID-19.
The Journey of a Germ
One primary transmission route for COVID-19 is through virus particles carried in respiratory droplets. (1,2)
Larger Droplets
- Fall out of the air within seconds to minutes
- Remain close to their source
Smaller Droplets and Particles
- Remain suspended for minutes to hours
- Can travel far from their source on air currents
One Breath:
- Releases 50-500 droplets
- Low velocity
- Travels 3-6 feet
One Cough:
- Releases 3,000+ more droplets
- Velocity ~50 mph
- Travels up to 19 ft.
One Sneeze:
- Releases 30,000+ droplets
- Velocity ~200 mph
- Travels up to 26 ft.
Masks and Coronavirus Transmission
Masks help to control the spread of the coronavirus by capturing respiratory droplets before they enter the airstream. They work best when EVERYONE is masked. (1,2)
Wear Your Mask Correctly
Choose the Right Mask
Different types and styles of masks have different levels of effectiveness. Choose the mask that is right for your level of exposure and work environment. (1,2,3)
| Cloth Masks | Surgical Masks | N-95 Respirators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look for: | - Multiple layers of fabric - Tight weave - Disposable filter pocket (optional) | - ASTM rating 2 or 3 (for fluid protection) - 3 layers of protection - Nose bridge strip for better fit | - NIOSH Approval - Tight seal against face (must be fit tested) |
| Best for: | - General public - Daily use in non-medical/low-risk environments | - Commercial and industrial environments - Low- and moderate-risk medical environments (no direct contact with known COVID patients) | - High-risk medical environments/COVID patient care - Industrial environments needing both small particulate and pathogen protection |
| Protect against: | - Large respiratory droplets (Good) - Small respiratory droplets (Moderate) - Large particulates (Moderate) - Small Particulates (Poor) - Fluid spray (none)  | - Large respiratory droplets (Excellent) - Small respiratory droplets (Good) - Large particulates (Good) - Small particulates (Good) - Fluid spray (Excellent)  | - Large respiratory droplets (Excellent) - Small respiratory droplets (Excellent) - Large particulates (Excellent) - Small particulates (Excellent) - Fluid spray (Moderate)  |
| Features: | - Washable | - Disposable - Fluid Protection | - Disposable - Fit tested |
| Protection Type: | - Protects others from wearer | - Protects others from wearer - Provides some protection for wearer | - Protects others from wearer - Protects wearer |
DO NOT USE:
| T-Shirt or Loose Weave Synthetic Cloth Masks | Dust Mask with Exhalation Valve | Face Shields |
|---|---|---|
| - Does not contain respiratory droplets - May aerosolize droplets, increasing airborne spread | - Does not contain respiratory droplets  | - Does not contain respiratory droplets - Should only be used for additional fluid spray protection WITH a mask  |
More COVID Resources from the Rensa Filtration Family
We offer additional products for COVID protection through our Rensa Filtration sister companies, including high-quality HEPA filters and air purification systems.
Resources
Download and share our infographics on Face Masks & COVID-19, Preventing COVID-19 Transmission, and The Making of a Superior Mask.
Sources: 1.CDC, 2.OSHA, 3.Health Grades
