Top Benefits of Wearing Reusable Face Masks

Many eco-conscious and health experts are recommending the use of reusable face masks instead of single-use face masks. But why use reusable face masks when disposable ones are there to do the same job? Well, there are several reasons to choose reusable masks over disposable ones.

The reusable face masks are considered highly beneficial for the environment, as they don’t end up in landfills or seas and also don’t litter the streets. These are also very comfortable to wear and provide better protection to those who wear them.

In this article, we’ll share with you all the benefits of using reusable face masks over disposable face masks. But before that let’s find out why disposable face masks are not good for the environment.

Why aren’t disposable face masks good for the environment?

One of the major reasons why we need to use a reusable respirator or face mask is that these are good for the environment. Typically, single-use face masks consist of polypropylene, a plastic that often takes over 450 years to decompose. Even when single-use plastic begins to decompose it releases microplastics into the surrounding environment. Such microplastics often end up in oceans and waterways, leading to more environmental hazards.

It’s often estimated that around 1.56 billion face masks ended up in the oceans in 2020. This added pollution of around 6,240 metric tonnes to the seas. This plastic is likely to remain there for more than a hundred years and is most likely to be mistaken by water creatures for food. It would cause serious damage to their bodies, as well as the natural ecosystem.

Benefits of reusable face masks

Here are the 5 major benefits of reusable face masks:

1. In the long run, reusable face masks are cheaper

While single-use face masks may cost you way cheaper than reusable masks, reusable masks are cheaper in the long run. Since you can wash and reuse reusable face masks whenever needed, you don’t have to worry about disposing of them.

Even getting your kids to wear face masks is a big challenge, as they feel uncomfortable wearing them. But reusable face masks are more softer and comfortable. So, kids won’t find it uneasy to wear these reusable masks.

2. Reusable face masks are eco-friendly

Since disposable face masks are becoming a major crisis for the environment, more and more people are demanding reusable face masks. After all, disposable masks put the health of our waterways and oceans at higher risk. When discarded carelessly, disposable face masks pose a potential risk to the environment. It is because these masks contain plastic materials that don’t biodegrade or recycle. Therefore, reusable face masks are the better alternative to reduce pollution risks, as well as reverse the negative impact on the environment.

3. Public doesn’t dispose of surgical masks properly

In hospitals, surgical masks are properly disposed of to prevent contamination risk. However, the general public doesn’t follow the strict protocols to dispose of surgical masks carefully. When disposed of carelessly, these single-use masks pose a serious risk of unnecessary contamination and also an adverse impact on the environment.

4. Reusable face masks are available in various color and style options

Another best thing about reusable face masks is that they are available in various colors and styles. So, it works as a stylish accessory to match your everyday outfits. It is very simple to do so. All you need to do is choose reusable masks in various colors to ensure they match your maximum outfits or other accessories, like a bow tie, handbag, flower lapel pin, or shoes. Wearing a matching face mask to your dress or outfit will make you stand out from the crowd. It will also impress the people you’ll meet on special occasions or in day-to-day life.

5. Available in multi-layer option

You can find a reusable full-face mask available in various layer options. It is best to choose the one with more layers to increase its effectiveness to block germs, dust, and viruses from entering your system. Adding more layers to a reusable mask also increases the chances of trapping some vapors. Generally, two to three-layered masks are great to consider.

It’s best to choose a tightly woven cotton mask to trap moisture droplets without making it hard to breathe.

What to consider when purchasing a reusable face mask?

It is vital to know what you’re looking for in an organic, sustainable, or ethical reusable face mask. A mask that is loose and uncomfortable to wear is not going to provide as much protection as you desire, particularly if you have to keep adjusting it every now or then.

Therefore, it is best to look for a well-fitted reusable face mask. Such a mask will fit you better and won’t leave any air gaps around the sides compared to an ill-fitted disposable mask. Therefore, comfort and the right fit are of utmost importance when choosing a reusable face mask to combat viruses.

Conclusion

Face masks are one of the easiest and most proven ways to protect ourselves from unwanted viruses, like coronavirus and its variants. Earlier, people never used face masks as much as they are using them now. After the pandemic, there has been a massive surge in the demand of buying face masks. However, you need to consider the given benefits to choose a reusable face mask over a disposable face mask. Moreover, you need to purchase a high-quality reusable face mask from a reputed supplier or manufacturer to ensure durability.