4. Masks “leak”
They are loose-fitting, so smaller particles such as viruses can easily get through. “You can breathe around the edges,” says Dr. Schaffner. In comparison, respirators are sturdier, thicker and have to be fitted to the person wearing them so as to prevent any particles slipping through.
As a matter of fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, people who wear respirators for work are required to have the fit checked every year and the seal checked before each use. If all is working well and there are no “leakages”, all incoming air will be filtered. Actually, when they are used properly, respirators are uncomfortable as they make it really difficult to breathe, says Dr. McGinty.
“These clearly should not be worn by the average person,” says Dr. Schaffner. “They haven’t been trained to put them on correctly and we need to reserve them for healthcare personnel.” So that means that you shouldn’t buy N95 respirators.
