Recycling, waste management and hygiene specialist Soltec has provided a useful update on new advice from W.H.O. (World Health Organization) and the HSE this week concerning the correct use of facemasks.

With the highly transmissible Omicron Covid variant of COVID-19 in mass circulation, effective mask choice and use is more important than ever. The HSE says, when worn properly, all types of face masks help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but only if it completely covers the nose and mouth. Different masks provide different levels of protection, which can be summarised as follows: 

Medical masks
Medical face masks are the most common in use and have 3 layers of light, paper-like material. They are usually white on the inside and blue on the outside. Medical masks filter the air that goes through the mask but the wearer can inhale some unfiltered air around the edges. 
The HSE says you should only wear a medical mask once and you should not lower it to talk to someone or for any other reason. When you take off a medical mask, you should dispose of it immediately and safely. You should not reuse or wash medical masks. 

Respirator masks
Respirator masks often have 4 layers of light, paper-like material. They are usually white on the inside and the outside. FFP2, FFP3, N95 and KN95 are all common types of respirator masks and are all similar. The HSE recommends respirator masks with valves are not used for COVID-19 protection. 
Properly worn, a respirator mask gives you better protection against inhaling airborne particles than a medical mask. These masks generally make better face contact to reduce leakage. They should also only be single use and should not be washed. 
 
Cloth masks
A cloth face mask is usually made of cotton or silk. It should have 2 or more layers of washable, breathable fabric.  Cloth masks do not work as well as medical and respirator masks. 

Soltec offers a range of PPE, as well as sanitising products made from recycled waste materials, to provide protection and help in the fight against the Omicron Covid variant. It is currently offering FFP2 and KN95 masks at discounted prices online at soltec.ie