Saturday, August 08, 2009

Choosing Your Surgical Masks

The Influenza A (H1N1) situation is getting worse across the globe. In Malaysia alone the number of cases has breached the 1000 mark, and everyday there are new cases reported. Sooner or later we may need to live with surgical mask.

Several weeks ago I wore a surgical mask when traveling by train. I wanted to do my part in slowing down the spread of the disease. Somehow, it was difficult to breathe with the mask sticking on my face.

On July 25, I flew from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. (Read my post here.) Then, I put on a mask made by another vendor. Breathing was no issue! How were the two types of masks different from one another?

The mask I used in the flight had a ‘metal arc’. This enabled it to stand away from my face, while at the same time provided a secure fit around the nose and mouth. Thus I was able to breath without difficulty. I can’t commend on the effectiveness, though.

If you plan to buy some surgical masks, choose carefully.

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing this. I will be travelling soon so will need to purchase some surgical masks.

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  2. I live with mask every working days, so it wont be a problem for me.
    yaya, mask with "metal arc" is better choice. ^.^

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  3. N95 mask is the recognized type...

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  4. I read that wearing a mask is more when you have a cough or a flu. It prevents the virus from flying about when you cough or sneeze. But if one does not have a cough or a flu, is there a need to wear a mask?

    The Health Ministry advises wearing a triple-layer mask for its effectiveness.

    My two cents.

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  5. I wear a mask too today...but then again...I'm not sure if it's effective?

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  6. they look pretty silly actually...

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  7. Mei Ting
    Better take precaution.

    我的天地
    Yeah, choose a mask that can let you breathe easily.

    Grass
    Is N95 an overkill?

    HappySurfer
    I can't answer your question, but better safe than sorry.

    tekkaus
    I am also not sure its effectiveness, but better safe than sorry.

    xiao rou
    Doctors also wear masks, so are they silly.

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  8. Yeah, better wear mask and be safe than to be sorry. Although I was a bit lazy to wear one while onboard the AirAsia plane on my return flight from Guilin. Cos wanted to eat my lunch onboard : )

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