Face masks reduce the spread of COVID-19 by reducing both the amount:
- of the virus released into the air by a person infected with COVID-19
- breathed in by people who are nearby.
The effectiveness of a mask depends on how well it filters virus particles in the air and fits around your nose and mouth.
Fabric masks
Fabric masks are the least effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19 and are not recommended for people who are immunocompromised.
High quality medical grade respirators (N95 masks)
These are the most effective masks as they:
- fit snugly around the nose and mouth
- filter most virus particles from the air
- stop unfiltered air from leaking around the sides of the mask.
Masks labelled as N95 are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. You can search for registered brands on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
N95 masks are recommended for use by healthcare workers at risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Surgical masks
Surgical masks are recommended in current WA Health guidelines (external site) for people who have risk factors for more severe COVID-19, however you may consider upgrading to an N95 respiratory in situations where there is a higher chance of contracting COVID-19.
N95 masks are more expensive than surgical masks, however they may be reusable if they are not damaged or visibly contaminated.
KN95 or KF94 masks
These masks are not regulated in Australia. They may provide better protection than a surgical mask by providing a better seal around the nose and mouth, and better filtration by the mask material.
Safe mask handling
Make sure you use hand sanitiser before taking off your mask, and then immediately again after you remove it.
Medical grade respirators (N95, P2, KF94 masks) are more expensive that surgical masks. You can store a respirator somewhere to dry out (i.e. not in a sealed plastic bag) and use it again a few days later, up to 5 times.
There are videos available online with instructions on how to put on and take off different types of masks, as well as how to reuse them.
Watch how put on and take off different masks: