Medical masks are divided into general medical masks, medical surgical masks and medical protective masks, and their protection levels are gradually increased.

1) General medical masks generally lack the filtration efficiency requirements for particles and bacteria, or the filtration efficiency requirements for particles and bacteria are lower than medical surgical masks and medical protective masks. The general medical mask is generally ear type, which can be used for one-time health care in ordinary environment, or the barrier or protection of particles other than pathogenic microorganisms such as flower powder.

2) The surgical mask is divided into three layers. The outer layer has the function of blocking water to prevent droplets from entering the mask, the middle layer has the function of filtering, and the inner layer has the function of moisture absorption. The medical surgical mask is generally a lace up type, which is suitable for the basic protection of medical personnel or related personnel, as well as the protection of preventing the spread of blood, body fluid and spatter during invasive operation.
Compared with ordinary medical masks, medical surgical masks have better barrier effect on respiratory infectious diseases, and the dust-proof effect is also better than ordinary medical masks, but compared with medical protective masks, the protection level of medical surgical masks is slightly weaker.

3) The medical protective mask is suitable for the protection of airborne respiratory infectious diseases, and it also has a very good barrier effect on dust and haze. The protection level of these masks is high. We often say N95 masks belong to this category.

Even the protective effect of ordinary cheap medical masks is much better than that of various masks on the market. So is it better to choose a mask with a higher level of protection?

Of course not! Choose to wear according to the specific environment. Everything has its two sides, and masks are no exception. Masks with better protection function will have better airtightness. In a word, they will be stuffy, and wearing them for a long time will cause discomfort.