COVID-19 outbreak persists, and the mask order has been extended to all indoor and outdoor public spaces. Masks have become a necessity for Hong Kong people but how to ensure that we wear our masks properly? It is important that we pay attention to the proper use of masks because the effectiveness of mask will be reduced if we wear it improperly. The Department of Health listed out the correct ways to wear mask and in this article, we will summarize the guidelines and give you some tips on wearing masks.
Besides, the standard and specification of masks are also equally important. What is BFE, PEE, VFE? What does ASTM F2100 Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 represent? Let us tell you the different protection levels of different masks.
Proper Way of Wearing Mask 1: Know the Front and Back of a Mask
Speaking of how to wear a mask correctly, you must first know the front and back of the mask. Although the outbreak has lasted for more than half a year already, many people still couldn't tell the front and back of masks, or even wore the wrong mask, which affected the antibacterial efficacy. According to the two tips provided by the Center for Health Protection, you can wear a mask correctly by:
- Two-colour mask: the coloured side faces outwards and the light-colored side faces inwards
- Monochrome masks: the side of the metal strip that protrudes outward is the outside, especially for white masks that are difficult to distinguish between the front and back.
Proper Way of Wearing Mask 2: The Correct Way of Wearing Mask
To effectively prevent COVID-19, we should learn to distinguish between the front and back of a mask and master the correct way to wear a mask. Next, we will teach you the correct way to wear a mask,
- The colored side faces outward, and the metal strip side faces upward.
- Wrap the rubber band around the ear.
- Pull out the surgical mask so that the mask completely covers the mouth, nose, and chin.
- Press the metal strips of the surgical mask tightly along the sides of the nose to make the mask close to the face.
- When removing the mask, try to avoid touching the outer part of the mask, because this part may have been contaminated with germs.
Before putting on the mask and after removing the mask, remember to clean your hands with soap, disinfectant spray or hand rub. As long as you remember the above points, you should have a good grasp of the correct way to wear a mask!
Mask Standard 1: What are BFE, PFE and VFE?
The supply of masks in Hong Kong is gradually stabilizing. There are many types of masks in Hong Kong, such as Korean KF94 masks, Japanese masks and Taiwanese masks. What should we choose? To buy a mask, you must first know the specification of the mask.
Whether it is a surgical mask or an N95 mask, the filtration efficiency is an inevitable mask specification, which can be understood according to the following standards:
- BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency): For bacteria with a size of 3um
- PFE (Particulate Filtration Efficiency): For particles with a size of 1um
- VFE (Viral Filtration Efficiency): For viruses with a size of 1 to 5um
To put it simple, BFE and VFE have the same test basis so there is no need to look for a VFE standard mask. N95 mask has a strong filtering ability yet prior to wearing it, it must undergo a Fit Test to see if it fits snugly on the face and whether it will leak. Therefore, under the current situation, people only need to wear a surgical mask that meets the BFE ≥95% standard. It is good enough to deal with the threat of COVID-19 spreading through the transmission.
Mask Standard 2: What are Lv1, Lv2, Lv3 and KF94?
There is no international uniform standard for masks, so different countries, such as the United States, South Korea and European Union each have their own set of guidelines to measure the barrier performance of masks. The following tables list out the standards of different masks,
American Mask Standard: ASTM
| Level 1 Mask |
Fluid Resistance (mmHg): 80 |
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Fluid Resistance (mmHg): 120 |
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Fluid Resistance (mmHg): 160 |
South Korean Mask Standard: Korean Filter (KF)
| KF80 Mask |
Block 80% 0.6um non-oil particles |
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Block 94% 0.6um non-oil particles and 0.4um oil particles |
| KF99 Mask |
Block 99% 0.6um non-oil particles and 0.4um oil particles |
European Union (EU) Mask Standard: EN14683 Mask (with discount code)
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| Type I | Type IR | Type II | Type IIR | |
| Fluid Resistance (mmHg) |
N/A | 120 | N/A | 120 |
| BFE | ≥95% | ≥95% | ≥98% | ≥98% |
Mask Standard 3: Understanding the structure of Mask
The front and back of the mask is highly dependent on the structure of the mask. Taking the most common medical surgical mask as an example, they generally adopt a three-layer structure:
- Outer layer: waterproof/splash-proof layer, can prevent liquid splash, which means to prevent fluid from touching the mouth and nose
- Middle layer: filter layer, used to block the penetration of germs, the filtering performance of the mask depends on this layer
- Inner layer: water-absorbing/hydrophilic layer, the main function is to absorb the moisture released by the wearer
After understanding the structure of the mask, you will know why the waterproof layer should face outward when wearing a mask. Most masks have different colours on the front and back, and the waterproof layer is usually the darker side. If the mask is worn improperly, the water-absorbing layer becomes outside, other people's fluid will stick to the mask, which will become a hotbed for dirt. When too much saliva is accumulated, it will destroy the filtering function of the mask. Therefore, mastering the correct way to wear masks can greatly reduce the risk of infections.
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Mask Recommendation and Discount 1: Watsons Mask and Hong Kong Mask
In the beginning of the outbreak, masks in Hong Kong and overseas were low in supply.As local production lines ramp up, mask ordering becomes more accessible. Watson's three-layer medical surgical mask is one of the most sought-after products. Watson's Watsmask has a filtering efficiency of ASTM Level 2 and ASTM Level 3. Now you can order Watsons masks* and other made-in-Hong Kong masks at health.ESDlife.
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| Types of Hong Kong Mask |
WatsMask Adult 3-PlyHygienic Face Mask ASTM Level 2(30pcs Individual Pack)x3 + Level 3(30pcs Individual Pack)x3 |
LabPro 3 Ply Disposable Face Mask ASTM Level 2(30 pcs) |
Procare HK Adults ASTM Level 2 Three-layer Protective Mask(50 pcs) |
LiveMask Adult Medical Masks 50 pcs |
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| Size | 17.5cm x 9.5cm | 17.5cm x 9.5cm | 17.5cm x 9.5cm | 17.5cm x 9.5cm | |
| Price | HK$465(23% off) (Original price: HK$599.4) 3 boxes of Level 2: (HK$65 per box) 3 boxes of Level 3: (HK$90 per box) |
HK$60 (38% off)/ 30 pcs in 1 box Limit to one box per person (Original price: HK$96) |
HK$150/50 pcs in 1 box | HK$179/50 pcs in 1 box (25% off) (Original price：HK$239) |
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Kindly note that Watson's masks (WatsMask) will be launched on September 14. You can order now and have the masks delivered straight to your home. Healthy.esdlife also provides a number of Hong Kong masks discounts, you can stock up mask supply at a lower price in case of emergency:
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| Type | Discount | Buy Now |
| [Limited Promotion] LabPro 3 Ply Disposable Face Mask ASTM Level 2(30 pcs) |
HK$60(38%off)/30 pcs in 1 box |
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| [4 boxes discount] LabPro 3 Ply Disposable Face Mask ASTM Level 2(30 pcs) |
HK$299(22%off)/120 pcs in 4 boxes |
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| [4 boxes discount] LabPro 3 Ply Disposable Face Mask ASTM Level 1(50 pcs) |
HK$550(5%off)/ 200 pcs in 4 boxes (Original price：HK$580) HK$137.5/per box, free delivery |
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Mask Recommendation and Discount 2: South Korean KF94 Mask
The supply of South Korean KF94 mask was falling low when the epidemic first began, many suppliers jacked up the price to almost $30 for one mask. Health.ESDlife has introduced a variety of Korean-made masks, and the lowest price is only $10 each.
<<Swipe left or right for more details>>
| Types of KF94 Mask |
O2 Wear Korea KF94 Three-dimensional 4-layer Face Mask(Adult/Kid 50pcs) |
Brand-K Korea KF94 Adult Face Mask(20pcs/ 50pcs) |
Breath Silver Quintet Regular Adult 99% 5-layer antibacterial mask(2pcs x30 packs) |
Breath Silver Mask Fit Kids 99% Antibacterial (3pcs x 30 packs) |
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| Standards |
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| Size |
Adult: approximately 4-13 years old kid: approximately 18 x 7cm (folded) |
Before opening: 11cm x 14cm After opening: 22cm x 14cm |
14.5cm x 10.9cm | 11.2cm x 6.9cm |
| Price |
HK$425 (30% off) |
HK$260/20 pcs(13% off) HK$530/50 pcs(29%off) |
HK$1,198(47% off)/ |
HK$998(63% off) |
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Mask Recommendation and Discount 3: Taiwanese Mask and Other Masks
As Taiwanese mask supply resumed, Hong Kong people could finally purchase Taiwanese masks. Taiwan medical mask is recognized by the Taiwan Medical Inspection Brand and have passed professional inspection reports. They are comfortable to wear and effective in preventing bacteria. Taiwan's 3D masks are not only good at preventing bacteria, its design fit snugly on the face without steel wire, which is very comfortable to wear.
<<Swipe left or right for more details>>
| Types of Taiwanese Mask | Taiwan 3D Three-imensional Protective Mask(30pcs/100pcs) |
Taiwan BrealaxLab Medical Face Masjs – 2 boxes (100 pcs in total) |
Gill Face Adult Mask(FDA approved)(Adult)(Black 1pc) |
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| Size |
L：11-13cm(Adult) |
17.8cm x 9.8cm |
130mm(H) x |
| Price |
HK$100/30 pcs |
HK$299/ 100 pcs in 2 boxes (25%off) |
HK$178/1 Black |
| Buy Now | |
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Click here for mask order and discount
COVID-19 Test: Take Deep Throat Saliva Test Without the Hassle to Line-up
COVID-19 testing services in public hospitals were overwhelmed. Thus, testing services have been extended to some medical examination centres, private clinics and hospitals. Universal Community testing started on September 1, if you are over 18 years old and suspect that you have symptoms of COVID-19, or even urgently need a health certificate to cross the border, it is a good choice to make an appointment for a deep throat saliva test.
<<Swipe left or right for more details>>
| COVID-19 RT-PCR Test(Express Same Day Report) |
COVID-19 RT-PCR Test and Doctor Video Consultation Service |
COVID-19 RT-PCR Test Precious Blood Hospital |
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| Clinic | Quality HealthCare Physical Centres | ||
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| Testing Time |
Same day testing and results. Must return the sample to the designated clinic before 9:30 am on the day of collection. Electronic test result report will send via email before 7pm on the same day |
After submitting the sample, it will take 2-3 working days to obtain the electronic report |
The electronic report will be available 1-2 working days after submitting the sample |
| Features |
Express report on the same day, 24-hour test results for cross-border use |
Doctors perform virtual consultation, customers do not need to go to the clinic in person |
Can pick up/authorize someone to pick up the collection bottle and return the sample |
| Cost |
HK$1,780 |
HK$1,250 |
HK$1,200 |
| Book Now | |
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Supplements that Enhance Immune System and Prevent COVID-19
COVID-19 has not ceased, Professor Yuen Kwok-yung predicted that the epidemic will worsen again in autumn and winter. Hong Kong people do not only have to purchase masks and make appointments for COVID-19 testing, but also keep ourselves health by strengthening our immunity. Green tea, onion, turmeric powder and echinacea can help boost immunity. If you want to boost your body’s immunity, you might consider the following health products.
<<Swipe left or right for more details>>
| Qivaro Organic Turmeric 700 Pro Health (90 Tablets) |
Qivaro Immune Complex Pro Health (60 caps) | CATALO Natural Quercetin & Green Tea Extract 60 Capsules |
Adrien Gagnon Echinacea 1000 |
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| Main Ingredients | Organic Turmeric | Tumeric Rhizome Powder, Beta-glucans powder, cat's claw bard powder, Ginseng, lycopene, quercetin, etc. |
Natural concentrated onion (Quercetin) extract, Natural Green Tea Extract | Echinacea (E.purpurea) (150 mg), Echinacea (E. angustifolia) (20 mg) |
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| Price | health.ESDlife：HK$360 (Original price：HK$480) |
health.ESDlife：HK$435 (Original price：HK$580) |
health.ESDlife：HK$250 (Original price：HK$368) |
health.ESDlife：HK$109.9 (Original price：HK$155.9) |
| Buy Now | |
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