![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/11\/590x\/secondary\/covid-face-mask-covering-best-type-ffpp2-n95-professor-advice-health-news-protective-measures-5001786.jpg?r=1696845342421\")
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While all masks can be effective when worn correctly, research indicates that N95 and FFP2\/FFP3 coverings are the \u201cgold standard\u201d that offers the \u201cbest overall protection\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dr Papadopoulos said: \u201cThese masks achieve a close facial fit and are capable of filtering out at least 95 percent of airborne particles, including both large respiratory droplets and smaller particles.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are commonly used in healthcare settings as they are considered the gold standard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n N95 and FFP2 or FFP3 are disposable just like the surgical masks but they pack several more layers of different fabrics.<\/p>\n These layers include a polypropylene filter which can trap the smallest airborne particles.<\/p>\n Surgical masks that are a go-to choice for many are \u201cstill good\u201d but they aren\u2019t \u201cquite as effective\u201d, the professor explained.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cThey are primarily designed to protect others from the wearer, but they also offer some level of protection for the wearer by filtering out large respiratory droplets.\u201d<\/p>\n While face coverings can offer an \u201ceffective\u201d level of protection, the professor explained you shouldn\u2019t fall into a \u201cfalse sense of security\u201d when wearing a mask and forget other protective measures.<\/p>\n Dr Papadopoulos said: \u201cWearing a mask is beneficial on its own, [but] its effectiveness is significantly enhanced when combined with other preventive measures such as proper hand hygiene and social distancing.\u201d<\/p>\n
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