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Editor's note: As we will report below, experts agree that face masks and face masks cannot replace or alleviate the need for hand washing and social distancing, and they absolutely cannot prevent the spread of COVID-19 alone.

With the surge in cases across the country, more than half of the states in the United States require masks to be worn in public to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Many retailers have begun selling non-medical masks and masks with additional protective features, such as insertable filters or antibacterial materials. Another new protection trend? Face mask. The protective cover consists of a plastic plate that is often bent, hovering over the face, and held in place by an adjustable strap worn on the head. The styles and designs of masks are varied, from colored plastic covers to baseball caps with protective covers. But do you need a mask? Are they more effective than masks? If you are looking for a mask with more protection or less restriction, we have consulted with a medical expert to break down how the mask works and how to best buy a mask.

How does the mask work in this article? | Should you get one? | How to buy the right mask | The best mask shopping

The mask is basically a curved plastic that can protect your eyes or face from infection. David McKnight, MD, a clinical professor of primary care and population health at Texas A&M University, explained that they are commonly used by healthcare workers for certain procedures that "may be splashed or spilled," such as when a dentist is cleaning teeth. . Protective covers are also commonly used for the safety of hardware and home renovation projects.

Face masks cannot stop the spread of COVID-19, but they can help reduce the spread. McKnight said that the mask can prevent large particles from entering your eyes and mouth.

"Our goal is that if you sneeze or cough, the mask can minimize the distance the aerosol can travel," he said, adding that by doing so, you will "hope to reduce the risk of spreading it to someone nearby." ". . "

Wearing a face mask may also make you less likely to touch your face with unwashed and possibly contaminated hands. Joe Suyama, MD, director of emergency medicine at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, said that masks are usually disposable, but sometimes they can be washed with ordinary soap and warm water and recycled for future use.

The face shield can be used as an additional layer of protection against COVID-19, while at the same time you can wear a mask, maintain a safe social distance and wash your hands regularly. Suyama said that protective masks cannot replace masks because they do not fit your face and can effectively block respiratory droplets in the air around you. Experts agree that the mask can only be worn with the mask, not alone.

Kathryn Jacobsen, professor of global health epidemiology at George Mason University, said: “Most face masks do not cover the nose and mouth well and cannot capture the particles expelled by the wearer.” “Masks usually do not have filters. Reduce the risk of users inhaling virus particles."

According to records, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend the use of masks in place of cloth masks in daily activities because it is unclear whether they actually provide protection. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health in 2014 did find that face masks can reduce the risk of inhaling cough droplets by as much as 96%. But the author, William Linsley, a biomedical research engineer at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in the United States, previously told NBC News that cloth masks do a better job of protecting you from viruses.

"The mask is very good at resisting the really big [particles] you can see," he said. "But as these things get smaller and smaller, it can easily bypass the mask and be inhaled."

McKnight said that the protective cover can also be bulkier than the mask, which makes the wearer more uncomfortable (so they are more likely to remove it). Keep in mind that masks do not meet all state mask standards, so you need to check local requirements before wearing a mask in public without a mask.

Most masks are made of plastic, but some materials may be harder than others, and some are more scratch-resistant. A more durable shield will last longer. McKnight said that clarity is one of the most important aspects to look for-you want to be able to see through the shield.

In addition to masks, many online retailers are also turning to manufacturing face masks. McKnight says you can also find protective covers at home improvement, hardware and medical supply stores.

Below we have compiled a list of masks that can be purchased online, and their listed features include the expert guidance we shared above.

This plastic mask is fixed on the acrylic frame and is more comfortable to wear on the face than an adjustable shoulder strap. The shield can be easily cleaned, and the frame can be easily installed on most glasses.

These plastic masks have dozens of designs suitable for home use, including ladybugs, football players and unicorns. The protective cover can be used with goggles and face shields. They are available in adult and child sizes. The shield is equipped with an adjustable velcro strap and can be hand-washed.

These stylish pink hats come with a removable plastic face shield. The hat is equipped with an adjustable shoulder strap and can be washed by hand. The shield covers the sides of your face and stretches under your chin.

Two packs of these masks can cover your entire face. The protective cover is made of transparent, recyclable plastic, which protects your face from sprays, splashes and dust. The headband is made of soft sponge material, the forehead is comfortable, and the elastic band can be easily adjusted. The protective cover can be cleaned with water or disinfectant.

These one-size-fits-all protective covers are optical-grade, high-definition plastic lenses. The shoulder straps are adjustable and can be worn comfortably on the mask and glasses. The sun visor bends around your face and completely covers you from forehead to chin.

These soft plastic protective covers are fixed to the bucket cap and can almost completely cover your face and neck. The hats are blue, black, pink or khaki, one size fits all.

These masks fit firmly to your forehead and are made of plastic. They can be worn with the mask and glasses below, and are equipped with an adjustable headband with cushioned foam strips. Vistaprint recommends discarding the protective cover after one use. The protective cover is sold in packs of 10.

Hanna Horvath is a personal finance reporter based in New York. She currently writes for Policygenius, and her work has appeared in Business Insider, MSN, Inc magazines, etc. 

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