As mass COVID-19 vaccination campaigns continue across Europe, bringing hope they will allow governments to ease restrictive measures on their citizens, we look at the most common types of masks and the level of protection each type offers.
The reusable fabric masks have been popular, however the protection these offer depends on the fabric and the number of layers. /Rogelio V. Solis/AP
Fabric face masks
The reusable face masks are made of different fabrics and may have different styles and fits, too, depending on the fabric.
The ones made of cotton are good at filtering particles as long as they have more than one layer. Cotton masks are effective in eliminating a substantial amount of the virus particles that may be produced during a normal conversation.
The masks made of polypropylene and polyester, both synthetic materials, also offer good filtration and have moisture-wicking properties. Polyester masks, like the cotton ones, must also have multiple layers to ensure protection.
In some instances, silk masks have also been used as the fabric repels water and is therefore less likely to absorb virus droplets but this is yet to be proved.
Cost per mask: UK - $2.78 to $10.43 | France - $9.71 | Denmark - $8
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Due to shortage of the more effective, higher-grade medical masks at the start of the pandemic, medics had to rely on surgical masks for protection against COVID-19. /Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Surgical masks
A surgical mask protects the wearer from the risk of splashes of biological fluids as it is waterproof and it can filter out viruses.
It covers the user's nose and mouth and provides a physical barrier to fluids and particulate materials. Before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, these were used for medical purposes and were considered medical devices but are now more widely used as the single-use protective mask.
Although it can block splashes and large-particle droplets, it does not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface of the mask and the face.
Surgical masks are not respiratory-protective devices such as respirators.
Cost for a pack of 50:
UK - $41.74 | France - $20.72 | Denmark - $32.47
FFP respirators provide maximum protection to the wearer from airborne infectious diseases.
On average, their protection factors are 12 to 16 times higher than those of surgical masks.
The FFP respirators offer much higher protection than the loose-fitting surgical masks. /Fernando Llano/AP
FFP1 and FFP2 or N95
FFP1 filters the least of the three FFP masks, with an aerosol filtration of at least 80 percent and leakage to the inside of a maximum 22 percent.
Meanwhile, respirators of class FFP2, equivalent to N95, offer significantly higher filtration of particles and aerosols. These masks are commonly used by professionals in hospital and care home settings.
FFP2 masks offer a minimum of 94 percent filtration and maximum 8 percent leakage to the inside.
Cost:
UK - $13.90 (5 masks) | France - $49.80 (10 masks | Denmark - $25.78 (5 masks)
FFP3 masks offer maximum filtration of particles and aerosols. /Getty Creative via VCG
FFP3 or N99
These masks offer maximum protection due to their minimum filtration of 99 percent, while allowing no more than 2 percent leakage to the inside.
FFP3 masks offer maximum filtration of particles and aerosols. They protect against very fine particles such as asbestos.
Medical staff and caregivers must wear a respirator when caring for a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patient.
Although respirators give the best protection to those who are in contact with others, respirators must be "fit-tested" before being worn to prevent any leakage and to guarantee the best protection.
Cost of a pack of 10:
UK - $63.98 | France - $100.50 | Denmark - $87.91