5 Things You Need to Look for In a Reusable Face Mask, Especially If You Work in Healthcare
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, one big question on everyone’s mind was: To wear a mask or to not wear a mask? Eventually, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) agreed that wearing a mask can slow the spread of the virus. However, not all masks are equally effective. While both single-use and reusable face masks can protect people from potentially harmful airborne particles, reusable face masks are leading the way in people’s homes. So, why aren’t reusable face masks more present in the hospital setting? The reality is, they can be.
What to Look For In a Reusable Face Mask
In 2021, the CDC outlined criteria for wearing a face mask. It must fit tightly yet comfortably against your face. It must be secured with ties or ear loops. It must include multiple layers of fabric (if you’re going with a fabric option). It must be washable without altering its shape or effectiveness. Finally, it must allow for breathing without restriction. These five factors ensure a face mask is the most effective.
With that in mind, here are a few more things to consider when looking for a reusable face mask—as well as how the Teal Bio Respirator checks all of these boxes and more.
1. Comfort
Reusable masks are often crafted with multiple layers of fabric. However, the Teal Bio Respirator has a moldable, silicone mask body that’s flexible, so it can properly fit more faces. Fit is important because a mask needs to fit snugly against the face. If there are any gaps, air will leak out and enter the mask — and then, what’s the point? In addition to offering a better fit, the Teal Bio Respirator can be sanitized with readily available disinfecting wipes, which makes it easy to clean and reuse.
2. Custom Fit Qualities
In addition to a comfortable mask body, a reusable mask should have ear loops or straps, according to the CDC. Teal Bio’s reusable respirator has adjustable straps, so you can better customize the fit. The moldable mask combined with adjustable straps also helps create the airtight seal you need to effectively block out chemicals and particles.
3. Breathability
While face masks and respirators should filter the air you inhale, they should still allow you to breathe freely. The Teal Bio Respirator has partially biodegradable filters made with a specially sourced wool blend. These filter the air and remove potentially harmful particles from entering the mask. However, the filters also ensure it’s easy to breathe while wearing it.
4. Effectiveness
Respiratory protection is probably the most important factor when choosing a reusable mask. All of the above points combined can lead to more effective protection.
5. Sustainability
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According to Practice Greenhealth, hospitals generate approximately 14,000 tons of waste per day in the United States. Only 15% of this waste is considered a biohazard and incinerated. This means approximately 11,900 tons of waste goes to landfills, including PPE like single-use face masks. Reusable PPE would reduce this number. For example, with proper use, the Teal Bio Respirator can be reused for up to one year before requiring replacement.
In addition to reducing waste, this could reduce costs by minimizing spending on single-use respirators. According to an article published in the BMJ Open, a new N95 respirator per patient encounter would cost $6.38 billion and generate 84 million kg of waste (185,188,300 pounds) in the USA over six months. In contrast, reusable respirators would cost $1.24 billion and generate 15.73 million kg of waste (34,678,713 pounds).
All in all, when it comes to reusable face masks, fit, comfort, and effective air filtration are key. The Teal Bio Respirator offers all of the above, in addition to being more sustainable and cost-effective. Check out the Teal Bio Respirator on our website and join the waitlist today.
