Surgical masks or cloth masks, which one to choose? As the coronavirus epidemic is resurging in France, more and more cities make facemasks mandatory in outdoor places. And therefore, we find ourselves wondering: should we get a washable facemask or a disposable facemask? Here are the pros and cons of each option.
Disposable surgical facemask:
- Bacterial-filtering capacity over 95% depending on models – over 80% for FFP1 masks
- Single-use use to replace every 4 hours or so
- Costlier in the long term
- Less ecofriendly
- Reserved for healthcare staff first
- To use first and foremost in case you are highly exposed to the virus (medical or hospital environment) or if you are at risk
Washable cloth facemask:
- Bacterial-filtering capacity over 90% for a category 1 mask, and of 70% for a category 2 mask
- Reusable
- Ecofriendly
- More economical in the long term
- To use in a context you are not highly exposed to the virus
