Table 1.

Summary of three main mask categories.

Masks	Characteristics	Advantages	Disadvantages
Respirators(e.g., N95 masks)	· Protects from aerosols/droplets· Made of 4 layers, usually polypropylene and other materials· Requires certification by authorities, NIOSH in the US or equivalent organizations in other countries · EN 149: 2001 +A1:2009, TSE EN 149 standards for European Union and Turkey retrospectively	· Designed to be tightly fitted and has a tight seal· High filtration efficiency· Contains electrets to filter particles electrostatically· Recommended for healthcare workers performing aerosol generating procedures · May be oil resistant depending on model· May be fluid resistant depending on model, e.g., surgical N95	· Expensive· Not readily available· Designed for single use, or when possible, complexity of decontamination and reuse techniques
Surgical masks	· Prevents aerosol/droplet spread instead of protecting the wearer· Usually made up of 3 layers of melt-blown polypropylene · Approved by FDA, EN 14683, EN 14683+AC standards, but has a wide variety of masks	· Cheap· May use electrets· Flame and fluid resistant · No significant differences for H1N1 infection rate for healthcare workers wearing either N95 or surgical masks	· Loose fitted· Single use· Not suitable for high-risk environments and aerosol generating procedures
Clothmasks	· Made up of various fabrics (cotton,silk, nylon, etc.)· Not regulated by any agency	· Cheap and easy to produce· Widely available for public· Can be washed and reused, · May use electrets, depending on material used	· No standardization in design and material· Poor filtration efficiency and may decrease by washing· Not fitted· Not recommended for HCWS