Points to Consider When Selecting Disposable Kids Face Masks

Understand disposable kids face masks

As the current epidemic prevention and control remains strict, masks have become a necessity for people while traveling to prevent respiratory diseases. However, children are still in the stage of growth and development, with their organs still immature. The various types of kids face masks available in the market vary in quality, making it difficult for market regulators to monitor. Therefore, the State Administration for Market Regulation officially released the National Standard for "Technical Specifications for kids face masks" on May 6, 2020. It is crucial to choose the appropriate mask for children during the winter and spring, when infectious diseases are prevalent.

According to the National Standard for "Technical Specifications for kids face masks," kids face masks are divided into two categories based on their functions and usage scenarios. The first is the children's hygiene mask, which is a blocking mask that requires high barrier properties for the mask material. It is mainly suitable for daily use by children, especially for school. The second is the children's protective mask, which requires high sealing and protective effects and is mainly suitable for wearing in high-pollution or high-risk environments. In terms of protective performance, disposable kids face masks require a particle filtration efficiency of not less than 95% and a protective effect of not less than 90%. Children's hygiene masks require a particle filtration efficiency of not less than 90% and a bacterial filtration efficiency of not less than 95%.

How to choose disposable kids face masks?

The first key point is to protect children from virus invasion, so masks must be worn when going out, and parents should always check their children's breathing status. Here are several points to note when choosing disposable kids face masks:

Type/Material: Generally, children's anti-droplet masks have some protective effect. Cotton and sponge masks have poor barrier properties and are not recommended for children. Surgical or medical masks provide the best protection, with functions such as water resistance and pathogen filtration. They are moderately breathable and can be accepted by most children.

Appropriate age: Disposable kids face masks available in the market are mainly divided into two sizes for children aged 1-3 and 4 and above. Parents should choose the appropriate size for their children based on their age. However, the recent shortage of kids face masks may require the temporary use of adult masks. As long as the mask is tied tightly and fits on the nose, it is acceptable.

Regular replacement of disposable kids face masks: The protective effect of all types of masks is limited, and they need to be replaced regularly. Whether it is surgical or medical protective masks, they must be replaced when they become wet or contaminated with secretions (such as sneezing or coughing). Also, the appearance of the mask must not have any defects such as damage or deformation, and the straps should be adjustable. It is best to choose head-mounted masks, where the straps on the top of the mask are tied to the head, and the two straps at the bottom are tied behind the neck. Before wearing the mask, be sure to read the instructions carefully.