Not all masks provide 100% safety and protection against viruses and finding a suitable mask that offers protection is quite tricky
With so many viral pathogens and variants emerging and at the same time schools reopening across the country, the teaching community needs to brace itself and provide a safe learning environment to students.
Which is the right type of mask or best mask for teachers to don? This is the pertinent question among educators. With schools re-opening and educators returning to classrooms, the search for the perfect mask is on. What kind of face mask is ideal and best for the teacher?Maybe one that is comfortable, have layers with filters, and is breathable enough so that it doesn’t muzzle their voice, offering comprehensive protection.
According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers have been investigating what type of masks are better for educators, least intrusive for teachers and through which students can hear clearly what the instructor is saying.
As education is mainly an immersive communicative, relational and interactive activity, wearing masks can pose specific challenges and negatively impact students and educators by creating barriers in comprehending visual communication and can be psychologically unsettling for both the stakeholders.
In some of the studies and researches, experts discovered that surgical and N95 masks are most favourable and better than fabric layered and cloth masks because fabric tends to absorb sound that affects sound waves, moistening the air particles through friction. The most preferred and popular masks that are in demand currently are surgical masks and N95 masks. Also, a study revealed that N95 masks are more effective than KN95 masks if people are not at high risk of infection.
However, to ensure proper safety and protection, CDC recommends teachers to wear masks that are FDA authorised that can fit properly onto your face and is breathable. So, some of the best face masks that teachers should look for overall protection are
1.Type of substance used
Face masks are crafted using various materials like silk, polyester and cotton. But for maximum safety, cotton is preferred more as it has the tightest weave and thread count is effortlessly seamless, making it breathable. Second popular choice is silk for its natural water-resistant quality and eschew polyester made masks.
2. N95 leads
N95 masks are the popular one’s as they block 95 per cent of airborne particles, if put on correctly. However, they can be a bit pricey due to high demand and limited supply. You can always look for another alternative.
3. Reusable masks are better than disposable masks
We buy disposable masks in bulk, but most health experts suggest reusable or cloth masks to be better because they are environment friendly and the substance used provides better protection. They come in filter pockets and colourful fun designs.
4. Face shields as an add-on but not necessary
Some educators might refrain from wearing masks for obvious reasons related to breathing problems or suffocation and choose a face shield over a mask. While a face shield may ward off voice stifling and provides students with a better site of your facial expressions. Face shields work as addon protection along with masks, but they should not be replaced entirely with masks, as they are open from below and alongside the face, giving more exposure to airborne droplets.
Teachers can opt for masks with a transparent plastic window so that children can see the educators mouth. These kinds of masks are ideal for teachers with hearing-impaired children and speech therapists. Many healthcare experts and CDC suggest that face shields are helpful but should not be used as an alternative to masking, and also, they are not very necessary for educators. Educators can use the aforementioned masks to limit the transmission risk ensuring the safety of all.
