How to Find the Best Disposable Protective Face Masks for Children
As schools continue to open around the world, parents are looking for the best disposable protective face masks for their children.
Masking is a very important measure that can stop the spread of Coronavirus, so people should keep some important things in mind to get the best mask-in 3-ply disposable protective mask for themselves and their children.
According to medical experts, the most important thing in choosing a mask for your kids is to make sure it is comfortable so that the child continues to keep wearing it for a long period.
Following are some of the most important things to consider when choosing the best mask-in 3-ply disposable protective mask for children:
1. Comfortability and Fitting
A mask will only protect your child if he or she is wearing it all the time in school and while around people. You should select a mask that is comfortable for smaller children so they don’t tamper with it all day.
Choose a mask that fits comfortably over the nose and mouth, as well as down to the chin. It would be much better if the mask had adjustable ear loops. Remember that a secure fit is essential for a protective mask, so make sure your child’s mask does not gape open at the corners.
2. Double Masking
If your child is comfortable wearing the mask, now is the time to add a filter or consider double masking for older children. A lot of masks come with a built-in filter layer. If a cloth mask has a filter pocket, you should use it and add a filter.
Experts recommend using a good-quality mask-in 3-ply disposable protective mask since they’re composed of a material that filters out particles effectively.
The use of two masks is also a feasible alternative. A surgical mask would be worn closest to your child’s face, with a snug-fitting cotton mask on top to minimize any gaps. It will provide significant filtration and fit, which are both critical to having a protective mask.
However, not all experts believe that double-masking is required. Hence, if your child is not comfortable with double masking, you should avoid it.
3. KN95 Masks for Kids
KN95 masks are now available for children. However, doctors do not suggest using them for children under the age of 12. They can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, just like double masking.
Experts, on the other hand, believe that if a youngster is comfortable wearing a KN95, it is not a problem.
A key advantage of a KN95 is that it is well-fitting. These sorts of face masks must fit perfectly to perform as efficiently as they are advertised (blocking out at least 95% of tiny airborne particles).
A KN95 that doesn’t fit properly may not be very protective to your child and may offer you a false sense of security.
4. Spare Mask
Kids tend to be messy, so it’s a good idea to throw an extra mask in their backpacks in case the one they’re wearing gets soiled or sweaty.
Parents should also consider giving cloth masks along with disposable ones to the kids.
5. Type of Mask
A non-medical or mask-in 3-ply disposable protective mask can be used by children who are in excellent health. This offers source control, which means it prevents the virus from spreading to others if they are infected but are unaware of it.
The adult supplying the mask should make sure the cloth mask is the right size and completely covers the child’s nose, mouth, and chin.
In collaboration with their medical professionals, children with underlying health problems, such as cystic fibrosis, cancer, or immunosuppression, should wear a medical mask.
A medical mask is suggested for anyone at a higher risk of becoming very ill with COVID-19 because it limits the viral spread and protects the wearer.
Takeaways
A non-medical or mask-in 3-ply disposable protective mask can be used by children who are in excellent health. This offers source control, which means it prevents the virus from spreading to others if they are infected but are unaware of it.
The adult supplying the mask should make sure the cloth mask is the right size and completely covers the child’s nose, mouth, and chin.
In collaboration with their medical professionals, children with underlying health problems, such as cystic fibrosis, cancer, or immunosuppression, should wear a medical mask.
A medical mask is suggested for anyone at a higher risk of becoming very ill with COVID-19 because it limits the viral spread and protects the wearer.