Covid is the third leading cause of death in Canada, and remains a high contributor to hospitalizations and disability. Wearing a mask, particularly in crowded indoor spaces, is one of the best ways to avoid being infected with it. Added bonus: protection against flu, colds, RSV, and allergens.
Cloth masks
Advantages: Can be quite a stylish option. And, reusable.
Disadvantages: Not terribly effective at protecting you from viral infection. A bit more effective at protecting others, but better options exist for that as well. Can be made somewhat more effective with multiple layers and inserts, but that makes them hard to breathe through.
Surgical masks
Advantages: Inexpensive, ubiquitous, pretty comfortable, available in various colours, pretty easy to breathe through, pretty good at protecting other people.
Disadvantages: Not that great at protecting you from viral infection. The main problem is the fit, which always has gaps big enough to let virus through. But the material is also not as protective as with N95 masks. These are also disposable, though biodegradable ones do exist.
Even a loose-fitting N95 can filter 57%–86% of particles, according to Japanese research. In comparison, surgical masks filtered 47%–50% of particles, while a simple cotton mask filtered 17%–20%.
Lauren Vogel, CMAJ
Vendor: These are easy to find, but one good source is The Canadian Shield, which have Level 1 to Level 2 masks (and explain what those are), along with biodegradable ones. They also sell respirators…
What can improve them: A mask fitter or brace, which tightens the surgical mask around your face. Available from FixTheMask.com.
Respirators
Advantages: The most protective (even with less than ideal fit), both to you and others, other than elastomeric masks—and they stand out less than elastomerics do. Now available in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and types—you should be able to find a type that’s comfortable for you. Least likely type of mask to fog up your glasses.
Disadvantages: Tend to be more expensive. Certified N95s, which have head straps, are available only in unstylish white—and the head straps can be an issue with long hair. The KN95 and KF94 have ear loops, which some find more comfortable, but those make it harder to get the best fit (and is why they don’t get certified for medical use).
If the cost of N95s is a deterrent (or you know someone for whom this is the case), note that the Donate a Mask charity can help. If that’s not the case for you, note that you can donate to them or purchase masks and other protective equipment from their store. They have quite the variety on offer:
They’ve yet to come up with a solution for how to eat while masked, but if you’d just like to drink in greater safety, you can get the SIP mask valve add-on kit. Reusable and can be attached to any mask.
If the limited colour choices are an issue for you, note that PPE Supply Canada offers their Kind95 masks in a veritable rainbow of colours.
These are ear loop KN95 types. I found they fit me reasonably well as is, and even better if I attached an “ear saver” to them.
Another good source of N95 and KN95 masks is Canada Strong. They have a lot of good masks in different styles, sizes, and colours (though not as many colours as above!), for adults and kids. A recent addition is the BreatheTeq mask, which are particularly easy to breathe through. Available in white, black, and grey, for kids and adults.
Elastomeric
Advantage: The most protective type of mask there is. Virtually 100% protection, if it fits well. Reusable. Various types available, some of which I’m told are quite comfortable.
Disadvantage: Not in common usage, so they look mighty weird to most people. And more of an investment upfront, though perhaps cheaper in the long run…
Creative types can make these masks look quite beautiful, however…
And for the less artistic, the Flo mask has a minimalist sort of appeal. People say it’s very comfortable, and there are kids sizes available. These are also available from the Donate a Mask store: https://shop.evidencebased.ca/products/flo-mask-pro-adult-elastomeric-respirator-standalone.
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