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Whether you’re concerned about getting sick, need to clean a dusty room, or plan to work on a construction project, there are times when it can be dangerous to breathe in particulates in the air around you. With a disposable face mask, you can protect yourself from inhaling anything you don’t want to, and you can protect others from being exposed to any germs.
A disposable face mask covers your nose and mouth and is thrown away after each use. It’s made of several layers of flexible material and features straps to hold it in place. Some disposable face masks are suitable for medical use and prevent you from breathing in or exhaling airborne germs, while others are designed for use in cleaning and construction settings and can keep you from inhaling smaller, non-infectious particles.
To make sure that you’re adequately protected, you need to choose the best disposable face mask. That means selecting the right type, closure style, and other features that ensure the utmost protection and safety.
There are several types of disposable face masks to choose from.
All disposable face masks have a closure to hold the mask securely in place on your head. While all closure types can work well, some are easier to use than others.
Some disposable face masks feature a bar over the nose, which gives the mask a snug fit to ensure you’re protected from airborne particles. Opt for masks with an adjustable nose piece so you can be sure that the fit is not only snug but comfortable, too.
Because they’re meant to be thrown away after each use, disposable face masks come in packs with multiple masks. Some boxes have as few as 12 masks, while others have up to 125.
Disposable respirator masks are usually sold in smaller packs because they’re more expensive and they prevent the inhalation of finer particles than other face masks. They typically come in boxes of 12 to 20 masks. Dust masks and surgical masks are usually available in larger packs of 50 to 125 masks. If you only use a face mask for occasional painting or cleaning jobs or when you’re sick, a smaller quantity is usually sufficient. If you paint and clean regularly or suffer from chronic allergies, a larger pack is a better value.
Disposable face masks are usually made from paper or non-woven fabrics. Some masks are made of polypropylene, which is a plastic. To make sure that your masks are hypoallergenic, opt for an option made with a material that’s 100% latex-free to avoid any possible irritation.
Some disposable face masks have an odor that many users find unpleasant. If you’re concerned about the scent, opt for paper or fabric masks, which usually don’t have a strong latex or plastic smell.
Disposable face masks vary in price based on the type and the number of masks in a pack. Most boxes cost between $6 and $32.
Disposable dust face masks are usually the most affordable option. Boxes of 50 to 125 masks typically range from $6 to $18.
Disposable surgical face masks are usually a mid-range option. Boxes of 50 to 125 masks typically cost between $7 and $20.
Disposable respirator face masks are generally the most expensive option. Boxes of 12 to 25 masks usually range from $13 to $32.
Q. Can a disposable face mask prevent me from getting the flu?
A. Respirator-style disposable face masks can help protect you from some airborne flu germs. General surgical or dust face masks, on the other hand, don’t offer much protection from the flu. However, even a respirator mask can’t filter out all the airborne microorganisms that could give you the flu, so you might still become sick. A flu shot is your best bet for preventing the flu.
Q. Can I reuse a disposable face mask?
A. A disposable face mask is meant to be thrown away after one use, so you shouldn’t reuse it. Once it’s been used, the mask is contaminated, so it can actually pass germs, dust, and other potential irritants on to you if you use it a second time.
Q. How should I throw away a disposable face mask?
A. To keep any airborne particles that may have found their way onto the mask from contaminating the environment further, place the mask in a plastic bag. Tie off the end of the bag, and throw it out in a garbage can. Make sure to wash your hands afterward, too.