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5th August 2021:-

How to choose a good surgical mask in view of multiple different commercial brands of mask available?

1. WHAT IS FILTRATION EFFICIENCY?

The bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of a mask refers to the degree of barrier protection provided by the material or fabric of the mask.

A mask with a higher BFE would be more effective in preventing bacteria-containing droplets from reaching the wearer.

Masks that meet the requirement for medical and surgical standards have a BFE of 95 per cent - blocking 95 per cent of droplets it is exposed to.

2. WHICH MASK TO CHOOSE?

Masks with at least two to three layers of fabric. As a guide, the material should not be see-through when held against light.

Layers should preferably be made with different fabrics, including a water-repellant outer layer, a middle filter layer to remove particulates – this can be disposable filter inserts and an absorbent inner layer to absorb droplets from the wearer’s mouth.

Choose fabrics with better filtering efficiency and with enough permeability to allow breathing.

3. CERTIFICATION & ASTM RATINGS

Infectious diseases expert Leong Hoe Nam said on CNA on Tuesday that masks have certifications and one can look for its ASTM rating.

These are issued by ASTM International, an organisation that develops and publishes standards on materials and products, including personal protective equipment.

Before, ASTM guidance only applied to masks used in medical settings, but in February 2021 it issued standards on consumer face masks. To get such ratings, the masks have to be tested for bacterial and particulate filtration capability and fluid resistance, among other things.

ASTM mask gradings vary from one to three and all can filter particles of 0.1 micron and above, said Associate Professor Richard Sugrue from the School of Biological Sciences at Nanyang Technological University.

"Most masks do not filter out individual virus particles (which are too small), but act by preventing large aerosol droplets from reaching the wearer," he said.

Dr Leong, who practises at Rophi Clinic, added: "If you were to use cloth masks which are made on your own, you don't know how good they are.

4. WEARING THE MASK PROPERLY

Ensure that the mask closely and completely covers the nose and mouth.

Disposable masks be changed every four hours if worn continuously. Reusable and washable masks must be washed daily.

Touch only the straps and not the surface of the mask when removing it, and wash hands after disposing a used mask.

5. Surgical mask manufacturing facilities

All surgical masks manufactured by these licensed facilities are required to comply with international standards such as ASTM F2100, EN 14683, or their equivalent. They also have to be tested to meet a minimum bacterial filtration efficiency of 95 per cent.

EN 14683 is a standard that medical face masks in Europe are required to comply with.

6. WHICH MASKS OR FACE COVERINGS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED?

Masks with exhalation valves should not be worn as they do not effectively prevent the release of droplets from the wearer when he or she exhales.

Plastic spit guards and face coverings such as neck gaiters, bandannas, scarves or handkerchiefs are not considered masks.

Face shields cannot substitute masks in protecting the wearer from droplet infection, and "do not adequately prevent" droplet spread if the wearer is infected.

Below is a good general information on how to choose which type of mask to buy:-

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid19-how-to-choose-masks-filtration-bfe-surgical-1382776

30 July 2021:-

For those requiring letter to travel to consult us:-

Please note that the letter is NOT final as it is still subject to APPROVAL clearance from enforcement agency/roadblock

1. Pre-existing or current patients of Pertama Specialist Centre:-

Please kindly PM (via Facebook Messenger OR email) the following

Your Name:

New IC and Old IC:

Phone Number:

Date to see Us:

A letter will be issued and sent via Whatsapp

2. Great Eastern Client:-

Please have your agent come to clinic and bring along query letter and a photocopy of client's IC

3. New Patients:-

Please kindly call the clinic number for advice.

4. Pre-existing or current patients of Klinik KPPP Serdang:-

Please kindly call Klinik KPPP for advice.