Covid-19 Omicron: Is it better to wear a cloth mask or an N95 right now?

Is it better to wear an N95 or cloth mask right now? Photo / AP

Is it better to wear an N95 or cloth mask at this time?

Health experts suggest stepping up protection against the highly contagious Omicron variant with stronger masks such as N95s, KN95s or P2s,

It's especially important now with healthcare systems under strain, and with people in higher-risk situations such as crowded, indoor settings for extended periods, says Linsey Marr, who studies viruses at Virginia Tech.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its guidance to recommend the kinds of masks used by healthcare workers, but also noted it's important to pick a mask that fits well and that you'll wear consistently.

"Our main message continues to be that any mask is better than no mask," CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said in a statement.

Previously, the CDC had said N95 masks should be reserved for healthcare workers because of supply shortages. There's a special category of "surgical N95" masks that are generally not available for sale to the public that the CDC says should continued to be reserved for healthcare settings.

N95s have a tighter fit to your face than cloth masks and are made with a special material designed to block 95 per cent of harmful particles. The fibres are pressed closer together than in cloth masks and have an electrostatic charge that attracts molecules to stick to the mask rather than passing through.

KN95s and KF94s offer a similar level of protection. A full list of masks that meet an international quality standard is available on the CDC website.

But be careful when buying. The counterfeit market is huge, and about 60 per cent of KN95s in the US are fake and do not meet quality standards, according to the CDC.

It's hard to tell just by looking if a mask is counterfeit, so experts suggest buying directly from reputable sellers. Project N95 is also a known seller of valid brands, and Marr says she buys masks through industrial suppliers like Grainger or McMaster-Carr.

If you find certain N95s difficult to wear for long periods, experts suggest exploring the different shapes and styles available to see what works best for you.

- AP