The 9 Best Dust Masks of 2024

Since the industrial revolution, our breathable air is no longer safe for us. This sudden change in the atmosphere is attributed to wide-spread pollution from mainly industrial waste materials. As a result, some of us have developed respiratory problems both short-term and long-term. And now the question is, “what is the remedy to this unending problem?”

Since we cannot stop breathing, we need to find a long term solution lest we all succumb to harmful wastes and pathogens in our atmosphere. The ultimate solution at the moment is the use of the best dust masks of 2020 as illustrated in our review below.

With the dust masks, we can protect ourselves from pollen grains, dust and other minute particles in the air. Most importantly, these masks can prevent the spread of air-borne diseases from person to person. Read on to find out more about the masks that will suit your daily needs.

Related:The 13 Best Disinfectant Wipes

Best Overall: 3M 8511 Respirator N95 Dust Mask (10-Pack)

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Keep yourself safe and warm by wearing the 3M 8511 Respirator-N95 mask. This product is designed to enhance a cool flow of air when breathing in or out. As part of the Pro Series, the mask is made to give you protection and comfort throughout.

For protection, you can rest assured that this product will provide you with 95 percent filtration efficiency against most particles in the air. Besides, the 3M Cool Flow valves on this mask come in handy to lower the heat build-up while protecting you.

With an advanced filter and 30 percent breath-easier (initial pressure drop) you will find breathing using this mask effortless and comfortable.

The mask provides you with an adjustable M-Nose Clip for the custom secure seal and fewer pressure points. Apart from that, the stretched, braided headbands are designed to keep you comfortable and relaxed when breathing.

The mask’s lightweight design ensures that you stay comfortable throughout the duration of wearing it. Once you are done, you can carefully remove and dispose of it thanks to its convenient, disposable design. That explains why this product comes in a pack of 10 pieces.

Best Pick: FIGHTECH Dust Mask

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Designed for comfort, FIGHTECH Dust Mask is all you need to protect yourself against pollen grains, mold, fumes, non-toxic dust, oil-based particles, and common airborne irritants. The improved design allows you to use the ear loop to hold the mask in place. This way, it cannot slip off your face to expose you to harmful particles.

Also, the valve on this mask reduces the heat build-up, leaving you comfortable throughout. As a universal mask, you can wear it when painting, mowing, cleaning, and wood-working. Apart from that, you can use it as an allergy mask to keep away allergenic pollens.

This product is also ideal when protecting yourself against the flu or common cold from the affected people.

As if that is not enough, you can wear this mask when cycling and running in the same way you would use an elevation training mask. Now that this mask is made of elastic materials, you can easily adjust it to fit your head regardless of the size.

Best value：BASE CAMP Dust Mask

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BASE CAMP Dust Mask is made of high-quality nylon to provide your face with excellent permeability. The mesh construction of this dust mask makes it lightweight, comfortable, breathable and suitable for hot weather.

The perfect design of this mask is another feature of great interest. This is due to the fact that this feature protects you from all types of pollution. To achieve this feat, the design involves an adjustable nose clip, removable hook and loop strap, and the hanging ear design.

The low breathing resistance ensures that you breathe without straining much. This is made possible with the help of the mesh material design and dual one-way discharge valves on the mask. The dust mask makes the air resistance less impactful without sacrificing its filtration.

The multifunctional aspect of this dust mask makes it easier to filter out nearly all dust, exhaust, particles, chemicals, smoke, fumes and pollen grains. This means you can wear it while mowing, woodworking, cycling, running, hiking and doing most outdoor activities.

Axsyon Dust Mask

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Axsyon Dust Mask is a must-have product and for good reasons. This mask comes fully equipped with great features to keep you safe as well as comfortable. The features include two reusable plastic valves, three disposable activated carbon N99 filters and three foam nose bridges to prevent fogging.

Best in the market design, this dust mask allows you to use the ear loop feature to keep it in place and prevent slipping off your face. Besides, the ear loop makes you super comfortable in all situations and at any time of the day.

The rubber-coated stainless steel nose clip is another great feature that you should take into account. This adjustable nose clip makes the mask fit well on your face without compromising your breathing ability.

The next generation velcro on this mask provides you with extreme adhesive strength that lasts longer than you ever thought. The velcro attaches pretty well to microfiber cloths that don’t deteriorate, giving you a strong bind all the time. That is why this dust mask is able to fit almost all head sizes.

RZ Dust/Pollution Mask

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Are you tired of breathing dusty air? If yes, RZ Dust/Pollution Mask has you covered in every aspect of safety. Since your health is important, this dusk mask is designed for you. This is because it is made to allow you to enjoy breathing clean air regardless of whether you are indoors or outdoors.

As a new product on the market, this mask does not disappoint users. This incredible product is made to keep you safe when riding, hiking, running or even working in a dusty environment. Additionally, this product keeps you safe when taking part in motocross, hunting, walking in cold weather, skiing and snowmobiling among other activities.

Since it is made of soft neoprene, this classic mask can fit comfortably under your helmet or goggles. Interestingly, it comes with a small pocket to keep your MP 3 player while performing your daily activities. This allows you to enjoy your music on top of breathing clean air.

With its filters, the RZ Dust/Pollution Mask is capable of filtering out 99 percent of dust or particles around you. Most significantly, you can replace these filters if you feel that they are not effective enough in keeping away all pollutants in the air.

Honeywell Nuisance Disposable Dust Mask

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Although it is simple in design, the Honeywell Nuisance Disposable Dust mask gives you basic protection against pollen, mold, dander, non-toxic dust and various common airborne irritants. The mask is made up of soft non-irritating and odorless material to keep you safe and comfortable.

Featuring a series of applications, this dust mask is classified under the general-purpose applications. Meaning that you can wear it when running, jogging, hiking, cycling and when working in a dusty environment.

The presence of an adjustable nose bridge ensures that you are secure and comfortable. The good news is that one size is capable of fitting most faces.

Due to its design and type of material used in its construction, this mask can only protect you against non-asbestos, silica and other harmful substances. That is the main reason this product is not NIOSH approved. Otherwise, it is meant for general use at home or any place of your choice.

Debrief Me Anti Dust Mask

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The Debrief Me Anti Dust Mask is made of 100 percent cotton material for comfort and safety. This high-quality cotton material acts as an anti-dust protection dust mask. Suitable for those taking part in sporting, running, climbing, hiking and many more.

This mask comprises five layers for antibacterial protection and other harmful particles found in the air. At the same time, this mask keeps you safe from dust, vehicle smoke, air polluted places, smog, fires, and sandy air. This should tell you that this product is designed to be 100 percent germ and pollen protector when covering your face.

Designed for all users, the Debrief Me Ant Dust Mask comes with advanced reusable carbon activated cotton material to take care of your skin. In other words, this mask works like an active natural protector against air pollution. You can use it when traveling, in a crowded place, performing outdoor activities, sanding, and gardening among other activities.

SPRING SEAON Dust Mask

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SPRING SEAON Dust Mask protects against dangerous elements in the air. This mask is able to keep away flu, cold, pollen, allergy, fog, ash, haze, passive cigarette smoke, and vehicle exhaust. The mask provides you with maximum protection in all seasons and in different environmental conditions.

Since this mask is built to cover almost every section of your face, it can protect you against harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. This way, your facial skin will stay safe from sunburn.

Its five-layer filter uses a special activated carbon to cut off harmful particles effectively. The filter ensures that every time you inhale the air, all dangerous elements in the atmosphere are removed to keep you safe.

For your comfort, this mask has it all. For instance, it is made of top quality cotton material to keep your skin soft and absorb moisture around your face. This feature promotes breathability while leaving you feeling comfortable all day long.

Vogmask Noir VMCV Dust Mask

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Vogmask Noir VMCV Dust Mask is an essential item that you should not miss at this time of the year especially when traveling. This accessory will keep you safe from numerous harmful particles and pathogens. Also, it will protect you whether you are traveling by train, car, air, bicycle or just walking from one location to another.

This stylish mask is designed to protect you against airborne contaminants that can alter your health status. That is the main reason this product inspires confidence while promoting your health wherever you go. So, don’t let pathogens and harmful particles affect your sensitive lungs.

Vogmask Noir VMCV Dust Mask is designed to be highly efficient in every aspect of protecting you. Whether you are working outdoors or indoors, this mask protects you against hazardous particles, leaving you as healthy as you were.

On that note, remember to wear this mask when going to places that are dusty, moldy, polluted, have high pollen grains, high PM, volcanic particulate matter, wildfire, post-combustion, and crowded environments.

What’s a Dust Mask?

When you hear the term ‘airborne particulates’ rest assured that it refers to solids or liquids suspended in the atmosphere. It is part of the air we breathe throughout. These particulates are usually in the form of mists, fumes or dust. Inhaling these particles might cause serious problems to your health. Some of these problems may become irreversible and eventually impact your day-to-day life negatively.

With the dust masks in place, such issues can be avoided. These accessories provide respiratory protection from different types of particles found in the air. These particles may include gases, vapors, and particulate hazards among others.

On top of that, the dust masks can protect your respiratory system against the invasion of the airborne contaminants while working in an extremely dirty and harsh environment.

More often than not, you will be required to use dust masks with cartridges and filters for easy breathing. This comes into practice through the reduction of heat and moisture build-up when wearing the mask. This explains why these masks have highly versatile pads to protect the mouth and nose with the help of elastic or rubber straps.

How Do Dust Masks Work?

The dust masks work on a very simple principle which is filtering dust, particles, dirt and other airborne contaminants. These masks make use of specially designed layers of filter materials to ensure that you breathe in clean air. Each layer is designed to serve a different function from the others.

To make it clear for you, dust masks provide you a great look and feel, resist tear and are suitable for the task at hand, not to mention the ease of breathing. Sometimes these accessories use the exhalation valves to make breathing easy and comfortable for you. In general, a well-designed dust mask should be able to solve problems associated with breathing resistance.

To reduce the breathing resistance, these filter dust masks make the permeability of the air easy. These accessories are also designed to prevent the passage of particles of any size. That is why the dust masks come with filter materials with the electrostatic charge ability.

The electrostatic charge prevents the tiniest of the particulates from passing through the filter layers. This happens by making the particulates to stick on the filter material during the breathing exercise. In addition, the dust mask prevents you from inhaling harmful particles that can damage your entire respiratory system when doing your normal duties.

In the real sense, the mask serves as a piece of filtering equipment designed to prevent you from breathing in airborne contaminants as well as pollutants.

The dust mask is categorized under purifying respirators because it functions as a filter. This means that it allows clean air to pass through and blocks all particles in the air from reaching your respiratory system.

The flexible pad on the mask is another feature that you should take note of. This pad has a curved shape that covers the entire area surrounding your mouth and nose. The pad covers almost half your face in such a way that it prevents any particles from accessing your mouth or nose when breathing in.

Why Should You Wear the Dust Mask?

The main purpose of wearing a dust mask is to protect yourself against hazardous particles, fumes, and chemicals found in the air. Without proper protection, these hazardous elements can become a health concern not only to you but to those around you. It is a good idea to have one of these accessories ready just in case you find yourself in a polluted environment.

Visible dust is usually less harmful compared to the minute particles. As a matter of fact, smaller particles that are ten microns can bypass almost all-natural defenses, causing them to reach as far as your lungs. Larger particles, however, are easily trapped by your body’s natural filters such as the nose and throat.

The danger related to inhaling dust is somehow associated with the air volume where it’s disbursed. A good example where you can experience such dangers is a garage with one large open door. In this case, you may expect the air inside the garage to be replaced at a faster pace. The opposite is true when working in an enclosed area or small spaces.

With this information at the back of your mind, you should think of taking drastic measures by protecting your respiratory system. And the best way of doing so is by wearing dust masks. If not, overexposure to harmful elements in the air can cause serious health problems.

For example, when you expose yourself to dust for one or two hours per week, your risk of developing respiratory complications is less than anyone who spends more hours in a dusty place.

Types of Dust Masks

Dust masks come in different designs, sizes, and brands. The most common ones include the following:

• FFP1 Dust Mask

  Even though it takes the first slot on our list, this mask offers very little protection against non-toxic particles. Regardless of its shortcomings, it is still ideal in keeping you safe and healthy when you use it properly.

  In simple terms, this dust mask plays a crucial role in keeping away airborne and hazardous particles, leaving you safe, comfortable and healthy.

  FFP1 Dust Mask consists of a minimal amount of filter materials compared to other types of masks. As a result, this type of dust mask provides you with very minimal resistance when it comes to breathing.

  Besides, it doesn’t have the exhalation valve for effective filtration. Regardless of its weaknesses, this mask can protect you against coal dust, pollen grains, gypsum, cement, sugar crystals, cellulose and brick dust.

• FF2 Dust

  This dust mask provides you with a moderate form of protection against anything that can compromise your safety through breathing.

  In other words, this mask keeps you safe from hazards such as mists, dangerous fumes, and particulates. The mask comes with an exhalation valve to control your breathing.

  Several dust masks under the FFP2 Dust Mask have an activated charcoal layer that gives you maximum protection against ozone. On top of that, they have a very high breathing resistance to keep you comfortable for a very long time. Such masks are popularly referred to as welding dust masks.

• FFP3 Dust Mask

  In this category of masks, you are likely to find better features than those found in FFP1 and FFP2 combined. This type of dust mask is suitable for those looking for masks that offer the highest form of protection.

  Provided that your FFP3 Dust Mask fits well, you can rest assured that it will keep you safe against harmful elements in the air. These masks are designed to protect you against toxic particles, bacteria, viruses, asbestos, and radioactive particles.

  The FFP3 Dust Masks are considered superior to other masks because of their features. In essence, these masks are constructed with thick filter materials to keep you safe throughout. In addition to that, these accessories have exhalation valves to help you control your breathing.

• Disposable Dust Mask

  The most important thing about disposable dust masks is that they are affordable. You can buy them in bulk and use them sparingly whenever you are stepping out of your house.

  A box containing 50 pieces can cost you $15 or even less. Unfortunately, these masks are not as effective as the reusable types. This is because they cannot block the finest particles in the air when breathing. In most cases, these masks cause a lot of discomforts when you use them for a very long time.

  Before using the disposable dust masks, you need to look out for their rating when purchasing them. The rating should indicate the percentage of particles they are capable of blocking and for how long you are supposed to wear them. If possible, settle for a pack that indicates a minimum of N95 in terms of rating. These masks are designed to block up to 95 percent of particles when breathing.

  Make sure that your disposable dust masks feature metal nose clips for easy use of the mask. The metal clip plays a crucial role in bending the mask to fit the shape of your nose.

  Another feature that you should look out in these masks is the non-return valve. This feature is included in the design to promote exhalation. When you combine these two features, you will be able to use your glasses without worrying about the fogging effect when breathing.

• Reusable Dust Mask

  Also known as respirators, the reusable dust masks are a better choice for you if you are exposed to harmful elements at your place of work. These masks are capable of protecting you against any type of particles you might be exposed to.

  The reusable dust masks are classified into two major categories. These are the full-face and half-face. The choice of each category depends on the level of exposure to hazardous elements and your comfortability.

  Regardless of your choice, keep in mind that the respirator will need to be attached using two filters, pre-filters, and a combination of cartridges (vapor or gas cartridges). Another point to note is that you will be required to buy a mask and cartridge of the same brand or from the same manufacturer.

• Powered Respirator

  There is also another option of dust masks and this is the powered respirator. With this accessory, you will not have to worry about the dust particles gathering in the filters and causing some difficulties in breathing. This is because the powdered respirators are equipped with fans to help you open up the filters when the particles get deposited in them.

Buying Guide for Best Dust Mask

Choosing the right dust mask can be a problem especially at this time when everyone is out there looking for this protective product. This comes in the wake of an outbreak of coronavirus that has sent the world in a state of panic.

That being said, it can be a little bit difficult to tell genuine dust masks from the counterfeits. Luckily for you, we are here to enlighten you on how to buy the right product to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Below is a guideline that will help you when choosing the right dust mask:

• Comfort

  The first thing to look out for when buying a dust mask is the comfort. This is due to the fact that you will spend some hours wearing the mask and comfort is the first thing you will need throughout.

  The comfort of your mask is your primary concern and should go hand in hand with its weight. In this case, a lightweight product is recommended if you want to feel comfortable and not overburdened by the weight of your mask.

  In addition to that, the mask should not be too tight, pinch or stick on your face. Therefore, take the comfort of your mask as the first factor to consider before buying a dust mask.

• Breathability

  After looking at the comfortability of your ideal mask, the next thing should be breathability. In this case, start by examining the material used in making the dust mask to know if it will enable you to breathe without straining yourself.

  A good dust mask should be made of well-ventilated materials that only allow air to pass through and not hazardous particles. As such, the best material that promotes breathability on a dust mask is mesh. Besides being breathable, the mesh provides you with security and comfort that is necessary to prevent you from gasping for air.

• Fit

  Your dust mask of choice should be one that will fit you well. Remember that your main goal is to buy a mask that will offer you protection against pathogens, fumes, chemicals, and dangerous particles.

  To achieve this protection, you need a product that will fit your face nicely without causing discomfort when breathing. For you to know if the mask fits you well, you need to find out if it can fasten securely around the head without leaving gaps or slipping off your face.

• Weight

  The weight of your dust mask will determine if you will wear it for a longer period. Since this product is meant to protect you for a very long time, you need to consider its weight to stay comfortable.

  Note that several dust masks come with extra features that make them a little bit heavier than you would expect. These features are crucial in keeping you safe, hence the need to be included. Nevertheless, consider choosing a dust mask that has all the important features while taking into account their individual weight.

• Certification

  Even though most people overlook this factor when shopping for their dust masks, you should not ignore it in your case. Certification is as important as any other factor because it shows that the product is approved for use.

  Mostly, these masks are approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and rated according to the set standards. If not approved or certified by NIOSH, you should not use such a mask to protect yourself against harmful elements.

• Filtration

  The main concept behind the design of dust masks is to filter out dangerous particulates and allow you to breathe in clean air. For that reason, filtration should be one of the key factors to consider before buying a mask.

  Still on the filtration, you need to know that some masks feature specially designed filters that you can replace when they accumulate enough dust. These filters are always equipped with carbon material which does not allow particles to penetrate the mask when you are breathing in.

  With this information at your fingertips, check your mask of choice to understand how the filtration process takes place or contributes to its performance before making your final decision.

• Care and Maintenance

  Just like any other product, dust masks need proper care and maintenance. When they are properly cared for, these accessories can last longer while serving their intended purpose. Having said that, you need to know how to take good care of your mask.

  The best and simplest way of taking care of your dust mask is by cleaning it properly. The process of cleaning the mask involves the use of a mild solution of water and liquid soap.

  Just dip the mask in the solution and swish it gently to remove loose dirt. Then rinse it thoroughly with clean water before swirling it to get rid of all dirt and water.

  You may disinfect it through rinsing in a solution of mild bleach and water as well. An ideal disinfectant solution is prepared by mixing one quart of water and one teaspoon of bleach.

  Once it is clean and dry, store it well to preserve its appearance and promote its durability. Just hang it somewhere safe but don’t stuff it inside your pockets as it may damage its structure. At the same time, never use a washing machine or do vigorous scrubbing when cleaning your dust mask.

9 Facts about the New Coronavirus Pneumonia (COVID-19) You Should Know

1. The virus is very sensitive to heat and ultraviolet (UV) light
2. The virus can be eliminated by exposing it to a 30-degree celsius ether, 75 percent ethanol, chloroform, peracetic acid, and chlorine-containing disinfectant.
3. The new infections come from patients already infected with the new strain of coronavirus.
4. The main mode of transmission is through respiratory drops from the affected person to a healthy individual. Or better still, through person-to-person contact.
5. The most vulnerable population comprises the elderly and anyone with underlying diseases.
6. The incubation period for this deadly virus is between 3 and 7 days all the way to 14 days.
7. The main manifestation is fatigue, fever and dry cough among other symptoms.
8. A large number of patients display a good prognosis. This means children display mild symptoms compared to the elderly. Deaths are prevalent among the affected elderly groups as well as those diagnosed with chronic underlying health conditions.
9. Desegregation and patient standards:
   • Body temperature gets back to normal for a period exceeding three days
   • An improvement in the respiratory symptoms
   • The nucleic acid test becomes negative for all respiratory pathogens. Please check CDC website for accurate information about COVID-19

How To Contain the Deadly New Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• Avoid eating any wild animals
• Wear protective clothing

  These may include dust masks, goggles, and gloves when stepping out of your home. This is because the new strain of coronavirus is transmitted by person-to-person contact and droplets.

  The right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is made up of items such as gowns, gloves, respirators, masks, and eyewear designed to create barriers that offer protection to your clothing, skin, respiratory tract and mucous membranes. The PPE comes in as a last resort when other protective measures have been rendered helpless.

• 4 things you should do when you get back home
  1. Remove the dust mask from your face, put it in a sealed polythene bag and spray it using an appropriate 75 percent alcohol before disposing of it in a trash can. Keep in mind that you should not wear one mask for more than four hours.
  2. Make sure that you disinfect all the returned items such as keys, cell phones, and other personal items. Spray them using 75 percent alcohol and please do not wipe them, let them air dry.
  3. Keep your shoes and jackets in a well-ventilated place.
  4. Wash your goggles and gloves after using them.
  5. Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially the back of your hands, palms, and fingertips.

• Make sure that you cover sneezes and coughs

  It is believed that the COVID-19 spread through droplets from the affected person to a healthy one. Therefore, you are advised to use the tissue or a clean handkerchief to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

  Once you are done with coughing, you must get rid of the tissue as soon as possible. Then wash your hands afterward to prevent the spread of flu germs.

• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes

  From the CDC-Trusted Source, COVID-19 are only able to live up to 5 minutes on your hands or body surface.

  You are likely to get infected by just touching an infected light switch or doorknob and later rub your nose, eyes, mouth or even bite your fingernails. In this case, you should avoid touching your face or any other vulnerable area that can easily facilitate the transmission of the virus.

• Keep your hands clean all the time

  Don’t just assume that all handing washing is the same.

  For effective cleaning of your hands, you need to take the following steps into account:

  1. Use warm water to clean your hands
  2. Add some soap
  3. Scrub your hands for about 20 seconds
  4. Rinse with clean water and dry them well

  You can purchase and stock up enough alcohol-based hand sanitizers just in case you want to keep your hands clean. Ensure that you store these sanitizers away from young children for the sake of their safety.

  The sanitizers should contain at least 60 percent alcohol. Otherwise, you need to make a habit of washing your hands regularly using soap and warm water.

  For your kids, you will have to remind them to wash up:

  1. Any time they visit the washroom
  2. Before eating
  3. After they arrive home from school or anywhere they had previously visited

  On the other hand, you should print out information regarding the right way of washing hands to serve as a reminder for everyone to observe cleanliness. This type of information is usually placed at strategic locations such as sinks to act as visual reminders for young kids or anyone else to observe cleanliness all the time.

• Practice good health habits

  Take into consideration the following helpful tips to keep your immune system strong and your loved ones safe during this flu season:

  1. Get enough sleep
  2. Eat a well-balanced diet
  3. Drink more fluids
  4. Exercise regularly
  5. Take control of your stress

• Keep your home clean

  Viruses and other pathogens are known to lurk on items or places you touch frequently.

  Below are the common places you are likely to encounter with germs of all kinds:

  1. Kitchen sponges
  2. Dishcloths
  3. Floors
  4. Sinks
  5. Toilets
  6. Home decks
  7. Cutting boards

  To stay safe and protect your family against the flu germs, you must clean and disinfect areas that have the potential to host viruses and pathogens in general. You can eradicate these flu causing germs by microwaving the kitchen sponge for a while using high settings in order to zap all germs.

  Should you suspect that one of your family members has the flu, you must take care when cleaning their personal belongings. Wash all the dishes and silverware thoroughly to eliminate all germs.

  When it comes to doing laundry, you don’t have to separate the sick person’s clothes from the rest. Instead, avoid scooping a lot of items and holding them close while washing them. Once you finish washing and setting the laundry, clean your hands immediately to prevent the spread of the virus or flu causing germs.

• Air circulation

  When you feel that the weather conditions outside are conducive, open the windows to allow free air circulation around your living space. The main idea behind the air circulation is to create a well-ventilated environment that will reduce the existence of viruses and germs. If it is cold outside, keep yourself warm and shut all windows and doors.

• Limit your contact with anyone infected with the virus

  Stay away from anyone (including your family members) who might be ill. Ensure that you seek medical attention at the right time to save your sick family member or friend. You may also use a dust mask when taking care or getting closer to the affected person.

  Make sure that the sick is wearing a tight-fitting dust mask to prevent the spread of the virus to other people. When removing the dust mask from the sick person, take care not to spread the virus to yourself or those around you.

  Handle the mask while wearing latex gloves in your hands while covering your nose and mouth. Then dispose of the sick person’s dust mask before washing his/her face with warm soapy water.

  You can also use disposable cotton swabs or paper towels to keep the patient clean. After the washing, get rid of the swabs and paper towels by sealing them in a plastic bag or container before throwing them in the household trash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are masks (dust masks) made of?
A: This depends on the type of your dust mask. For instance, if your mask is half-face type, it’s likely made using a filtering facepiece for easy filtration. However, the full-face respirator uses rubber or plastic for its construction.

Q: What is the difference between the respirator and the dust mask?
A: Although they are often interchanged, respirators and dust masks don’t differ that much. Dust masks are personal protective equipment worn for comfort while fighting against non-toxic elements. Unlike dust masks, respirators are designed to protect you against hazardous gases, fumes, vapors, and dust.

Q: Does a dust mask come with a filter?
A: In most cases, dust masks come fully equipped with filters. This is because a filter is a primary layer used in preventing dust and other elements from penetrating the mask when breathing in.

Q: Should I wear a reusable or disposable mask?
A: The decision to wear a reusable or disposable mask will depend on how often you will use this accessory. For instance, you can invest in a disposable dust mask if you are going to wear it in a short time or occasionally. But if you are looking for a mask that you can use it regularly then a reusable dust mask will be a better choice for you.

Q: Does a dust mask protect you against viruses?
A: Absolutely yes, especially the N95 type of dust masks. This category of masks protects against tiny particles in the air including viruses and other microscopic organisms.

Q: Does a dust mask protect you against fire smoke?
A: The answer is yes. This is true when using the N95 dust masks. The N95 masks are made to protect your lungs from fire smoke in addition to other minute particles.

Q: What is the meaning of N95 dust masks?
A: The N95 type of masks are made particularly to filter out very tiny particles found in the air. Such masks are built to cover your mouth and nose while offering you maximum protection against inhaling toxic and hazardous substances.

Q: What is the proper way of wearing a dust mask?
A: It is mandatory to wear a dust mask properly as directed by the manufacturers. When worn properly, these masks can protect you while giving you a lot of comforts.

When putting on your dust mask, ensure that its straps are not twisted or crossed and one of the straps must be above the eyes and the other one below. Your mouth and nose should also be covered properly. In general, the mask should fit your face snugly for maximum protection.

Q: How do you make your own dust mask?
A: It is actually possible to make your own dust mask. The whole process is simple, fun and straight forward.

Before you get started with this process, you will need a cotton fabric. This type of fabric is light and porous, making it the right choice for a dust mask. Cut it into two strips with each strip measuring 4 to 5 inches wide. Then stitch all ends of each strip to create a neat cut.

In the next step, wrap the pieces to naturally follow the shape of a dust mask. Secure the central section of the two strips on the upper side of your nose.

Tie the ends behind your head in a tight knot to prevent it from slipping off your face. Adjust it to make your improvised mask comfortable to wear. That is all you need to do when improvising a dust mask.

Conclusion

There you have it, the best dust masks of 2020. From the review and buying guide explained above, you can make the right decision when shopping for these protective products.

These masks will keep you safe while going about your business. At least you will not have the fear of contracting air-borne diseases or inhaling harmful pathogens, particles, and allergens.

After all, your health is the most important thing that you should not take for granted. With these affordable masks, you will go places, perform your duties and interact with different people without the fear of compromising your health.