Are All Face Masks and Hand Sanitizers Same? Understand for Effective Usage

As the COVID-19 pandemic has created an alarming situation all over the world. People are highly concerned about knowing the right type of protective equipment to ensure protection against viral and bacterial contaminants. The best way to Face Masks and Hand Sanitizers safeguard yourself from cross-contamination risks. To practice social distancing, regular hand washing, and avoid touching your face frequently. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States advises. People to wear a mask or any face coverings in public settings. Like grocery stores and pharmacies, especially where social distancing measures are hard to follow. Since you can protect yourself, your family, and the entire community by maintaining personal hygiene. It is vital to know the difference between different safety gear to gain a high level of protection. 

This comprehensive guide will help you identify the suitable face masks and hand sanitizers you should be using for better safety. 

How Different are N95 Respirators from KN95 Face Masks? 

Both N95 and KN95 masks have the ability to block large and tiny harmful particles and filter out up to 95% of particles (approx. 0.3 microns), making them an effective gear to prevent microbes, bacteria, and viruses. 

Many people might get confused between KN95 and N95 respirators due to their similar-sounding terms. While one is GB 2626-2006 KN95 standard mask, the N95 masks are US standard NIOSH-42CFR84. The standard is the major difference between them but all in all. They have the same structure, performance and are ideal for 95% filtering efficiency. 

You can choose KN95 masks, N95 respirators, or even cloth masks to prevent bio-aerosols, droplets, fumes, bacteria, and other hazardous components. 

When to use a face mask:

• Make sure to wear a mask when taking care of COVID-19 infected person
• Wear a mask if you’re having a cough, cold, or fever
• Masks are only considered to be effective when it is used alongside regular hand washing
• Make sure to wear a mask when stepping outside your home for grocery or other essential tasks.

Different Types of Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizer is a liquid or gel that is effective in killing germs and other microorganisms from hands, especially when water and soap aren’t available. These are usually available in two common categories, that include: 

1. Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

Alcohol-based sanitizer includes 60-95% of alcohol in the form of ethanol, isopropanol, or n-propanol. You need to buy hand sanitizer having at least 60% of alcohol to reduce the number of germs on the hands. 

1. Non-Alcoholic Hand Sanitizer

Alcohol-free hand sanitizer usually contains disinfectants like Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC) or any anti-microbial agent. It has thickening agents that soothe the skin and render fragrance. 

Which One is Suitable – Alcohol-Based or Alcohol-Free Sanitizer?

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the most recommended ones than the rest. Especially when applied properly over the hand surface. For at least 30 seconds and allowed to air-dry thoroughly to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses from hands. 

It is advisable to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Especially when you’re out in public, after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing. It is also essential to wash your hands before preparing or eating food, before touching your face. After using a restroom, after handling a mask, and after touching an infected area or surface. 

Conclusion:

Both Face Masks and Hand Sanitizers are valued as safe and effective hygiene essentials in these unprecedented times of coronavirus. Thus, it is necessary to stock these personal protective equipment (PPE) at your home, workplaces, or other risky areas. You can easily find masks and hand sanitizer in the USA or elsewhere to ensure safety and limit the spread of the virus.