Best Surgical Mask for Virus Protection

Surgical masks are a good line of defense against viruses. Surgical masks were first introduced into hospitals in the late 18th Century but they were not used by the public until in 1919 in the Spanish flu outbreak.

They help to to reduce the spread of infections as long as they're 3 ply surgical masks and you practice washing the hands regularly with soap, not touching the face with your hands because when your hands are dirty and you touch your face without realizing it,  the mucous membranes can enter your eyes, your nose, your mouth and that is how viruses spread.

What are the most common ways of the transmission of viruses especially the flu?

The most common mode of transmission is from person to person since it’s the most common way for infectious diseases to spread is through the direct transfer of bacteria, viruses or other germs from one person to another. This can transpire when an individual with the bacterium or virus touches, kisses, or coughs or sneezes on someone who isn't infected.

The next is through the airborne transmission of aerosol or droplet. Respiratory droplets are emitted with a sneeze or a cough that is commonly thought to land within 6 feet of patients and are too large to stay on air currents. Respiratory aerosols are droplets too, but they’re smaller and light enough to travel farther.

Another common way is through indirect contact wherein many germs can linger on things and objects, such as a tabletop, doorknob or faucet handle. When you touch a doorknob handled by someone who’s ill with the flu or a cold, you can be infected with the germs he or she left behind. It’s when you touch your eyes, mouth or nose before washing your hands that you may become infected.

Do surgical masks protect you against viral infection?

Some medical professionals stressed that regular hand-washing is much more effective but the answer is yes, a surgical mask can protect you from viral infection. There are surgical masks nowadays that come with anti-virus and anti-germicidal features to ensure their effectiveness against viruses.

Surgical-type masks help block respiratory droplets carrying viruses and germs and protects you from the transmission of germs from the hands to the mouth.

Here are our top choices for the best surgical mask for virus protection

⭐ 3M 1819 Splash Resistant Disposable Surgical Face Mask

This is one of 3M’s premium surgical mask that is a tie-on mask that you can adjust the fit on your face. It’s 40 pieces of masks taken from an 80-pack original 3M box and packed and supplied in a sealed plastic bag.

Made with a white polypropylene four-layer construction that’s also splash and fluid resistant.  It’s very comfortable and breathable.

Pros:

• Has a good coverage on the face
• Thick breathable material
• Four layers of protection
• Adjustable
• Lightweight

Cons:

• No negative reviews so far

Where to buy:

• eBay

⭐ 3M High Fluid Resistant Procedure Mask with Face Shield 1840FS

Another 3M lightweight mask but this time an earloop surgical mask that’s easy to put on and remove. It’s very comfortable and  it fits a wide range of users.

GenerallyiIntended for general patient care and procedure environments, ER, cardiac labs, etc. where high levels of fluid protection are required.

It also help reduce its user’s exposure to contamination caused by exhaled organisms.

It’s available with or without a face shield, these high fluid resistant earloop procedure masks pass ASTM’s highest level of protection (160 mm Hg).

Pros:

• Very safe and secure to use
• Offers good face coverage
• Lightweight
• Very comfortable to use
• Breathable
• It can come with a face shield too

Cons:

• No negative reviews so far

Where to buy:

• Amazon
• 3M

⭐ 3M Tie-on Surgical Mask with Face Shield 1818FS

Another 3M surgical mask that’s flat, with bi-directional pleats and horizontal ties for comfort and for your increased facial ease and fit.

It has a soft breathable inner lining that offers convenience to the user. It can also come with a face shield with the AFAR technology that has greater than 80% light absorption, reducing glare which is a contributing factor to eye strain. The 3M AFAR face shield is anti-fog anti-reflective too.

One of the popular flat surgical masks, preferred for its comfort and breathability.

Pros:

• 98% of bacterial filtration efficiency
• 99% PFE at 0.1-micron particles
• Latex-free
• Hypoallergenic
• Minimizes contamination to exhaled microorganisms
• Also helps reduce exposure to blood and body fluids

Cons:

• No negative reviews so far

Where to buy:

• Amazon
• 3M

⭐ 3M Filtron High Performance Surgical Mask

This is a high performing tie-on surgical mask from 3M with a unique duckbill pouch design. It’s also very comfortable and breathable. It’s totally hypoallergenic to prevent any allergic reactions to the user.

It gives very high protection against bacteria and viruses.

Pros:

• High-performance mask
• 99% of bacterial filtration efficiency BFE
• 99% PFE at 0.1-micron particles
• Latex-free
• Anti-fog design
• Helps minimize users contamination of exhaled microorganisms

Cons:

• No negative reviews so far

Where to buy:

• Amazon

⭐ Daisy DND Carbon Face Mask

This professional medical-grade mask with 4-layers of activated carbon is made from non-woven fabric, activated carbon cloth,  high-efficiency filter cloth, and skin-friendly cotton.

It covers your nose, mouth, and chin for full protection. It’s a disposable face mask to protect you against coronavirus, SARS, dust, germs, virus, and weather.

It can effectively help protect your respiratory system. Its nose clip can be adjusted to make the mask tighter, and the dust cannot leak easily.

It makes breathing easier, suitable for long-term use in high temperatures and high humidity environments.

Uniquely designed with comfortable elastic earloop and extra-soft ear loops eliminate pressure to the ears when being worn.

Pros:

• 4-layer activated carbon mask
• The inner layer is made of soft facial tissue
• Professional medical-grade mask
• Suitable for long-term use
• Individually packed in a box
• Has comfortable elastic earloop

Cons:

• No negative reviews so far

Where to buy:

• Amazon

⭐ Universal 4533 3-Layer Non-Woven Sanitary Dust Mask

It’s a lightweight mask that’s sanitary and easy to breathe through. This non-woven mask is designed for comfortable protection against non-toxic dust, pollen, mold, dander, and common airborne irritants.

It’s made from 2 layers of non-woven fabric and a single layer of melt-blown fabric with activated carbon applied.

It comes with two comfortable and elastic ear bands and an adjustable nose bridge to provide a secure, customized fit. This mask comes in black which users feel are unique and cool.

Pros:

• These are great masks and they are black so they look cool
• Functional and stylish
• These masks fit very well
• Perfect for the price
• 3 ply mask
• It’s waterproof
• Melt-down fabric in the middle

Cons:

• Other smelled something strange when they first opened the mask

Where to buy:

• Amazon

After Thoughts

Surgical masks will continue to have their presence felt during flu season, or in polluted areas and every time there is a serious outbreak of respiratory disease. 

Viruses will just spread around uncontrollably like a chain reaction if people won’t wear a mask. It’s really a valid precautionary measure to one’s health and others as well if you will don a surgical mask.

It’s out of courtesy too especially if one is ill because it shows how socially mature and responsible one is. It will work both ways, wearing a surgical mask will protect you from getting infected and it will help infected people not to spread the virus.