MASK
Sources: JAMA; FDA; OSHA, CDC
All of the masks, explained
Surgical mask
(disposable)
N95 respirator
(disposable)
P100 respirator/
gas mask
(reusable)
Full face respirator/
Powered air-purifying
respirator
(reusable)
Self-contained
breathing
apparatus
(reusable)
USE
DESCRIPTION
USUAL
COST
WHO NEEDS FOR COVID-19
Surgeons (mainly, so they don't get germs on their patients)
Can help protect wearers from getting others sick through their spit.
Doesn't protect healthy people from acquiring
an illness, and a loose fit leaves room for error.
$0.25
Sick people (to avoid infecting others), and caretakers
Working with dust, mold, or medical/
environmental emergencies. Only protects against particles, not gases or vapors.
Can help protect healthcare workers from germs by blocking out at least 95% of small airborne particles — if worn correctly.
Healthcare
workers
$2–$4
Painting/
woodworking, exposure to lead, asbestos, solvents and chemicals.
Protects manual laborers from exposure to lead, asbestos, solvents, and other dangerous chemicals on the job.
Effective
for all, but unnecessary
$25–
$50
Painting or scenarios where a person needs protection from gases and vapors. Protects the eyes.
Protects people from gases and vapors. Can be
a better fit for people with breathing problems or robust facial hair.
Could be for people who have a hard time breathing in a regular mask, as some are powered with an air supply.
Prices vary.
Start around $115 for basic models.
Firefighters
Protects people like firefighters who need clean air in dangerously polluted situations.
No one
$2,500–
$4,000
USE
USUAL
COST
WHO NEEDS FOR COVID-19
DESCRIPTION
USE
USUAL
COST
WHO NEEDS FOR COVID-19
DESCRIPTION
USE
USUAL
COST
WHO NEEDS FOR COVID-19
DESCRIPTION
USE
USUAL
COST
WHO NEEDS FOR COVID-19
DESCRIPTION
Homemade
mask
(reusable if
washed)
Recommended for everyone in the US by the CDC, for use in public places, like grocery stores.
Homemade masks can be sewn, cut, or fashioned from
a bandana and coffee filter, per the CDC. The masks should be washed routinely.
People in crowded places where it's difficult to maintain
6 feet of distance between yourself
and others.
Low
cost
USE
USUAL
COST
WHO NEEDS FOR COVID-19
DESCRIPTION
Surgical mask (disposable)