What are the best masks for children?

The return to school this year has been much more peculiar than other years. In addition to the gowns, the uniform, the tracksuit, the notebooks and the backpack, this year the families have had to buy masks

It is mandatory that children over 6 years old wear a mask, but many schools also recommend that children from 3 years of age do so when entering and exiting the school. The use of the mask, together with hand hygiene and the safety distance, is the basic measure to stop infections.

But before this purchase of masks for children, many mothers and fathers wonder...

Which masks should I buy for my children?

In view of this question, the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has created a decalogue of advice to serve as a guide to make an adequate purchase of masks for children.

According to the OCU, "the mask must be able to filter bacteria, yes... but it must also fit well to the size of the person wearing it. That is why it is important that children wear masks that are suitable for them. Also make sure that he breathes well with it (the breathability of the mask is also an important aspect)”.

The mask must be able to filter bacteria, yes... but it must also fit well to the size of the person wearing it. That is why it is important that children wear masks that are suitable for them”

Types of masks

There are three basic types of masks: hygienic, surgical and PPE.

For children it is recommended to use hygienic masks. These are the most indicated for use as prevention by the healthy population. These types of masks can be disposable or reusable.

You can also use surgical masks, which have the category of medical device, are approved and are disposable. This type of mask, which, in principle, was only for adults, is now also beginning to be seen in the children's category.

The choice in terms of safety, sustainability and economy is preferable that they are hygienic, reusable and approved, something not so easy to find.

Disposable children's masks are more easily found and are usually approved (and therefore have guaranteed bacterial efficacy)... but on the other hand, they are much more expensive, up to 10 times more if their cost per use is calculated.

How can I know that a mask is approved?

The OCU warns that to find out the certification of the product you must look at its labeling. The approved hygienic masks do not carry the CE marking, but they do bear the indication of the standard to which they comply.

• The UNE 0065 certification for reusable masks guarantees at least 90% bacterial filtration efficiency.

• The UNE 0064 certification for disposable masks indicates that they have greater bacterial filtration efficiency: at least 95%.

• Along with them there are masks that have been submitted to other specifications, not to the UNE standard, or that do not have any homologation: their sale is authorized, but there is no certainty of their effectiveness.

It is also important to know, and the OCU warns about this, that not all masks sold in pharmacies have the certification. In fact, a survey carried out by the organization in various establishments such as fashion stores, sports stores or supermarkets, approved masks are sold along with others that are not.

From OCU we advise in all cases to buy approved masks, masks with UNE 0065 or UNE 0064 certification”

“From OCU we advise in all cases to buy approved masks, masks with UNE 0065 or UNE certification 0064. It is legal to wear other masks, without certifications, which are sold in all kinds of establishments (in bazaars, fashion stores and even pharmacies), and which in the case of children, may be easier to find and more attractive … but be careful: approval is, to this day, a guarantee”, they warn.

How much do they cost?

Based on the data collected by the OCU, each family can spend 3 euros per month per child if they resort to reusable masks. This expense rises considerably if single-use masks are used, reaching up to 27 euros per month.

What is the useful life of a reusable mask?

The number of washes that a reusable mask admits is very different depending on the model. Some specify 5 washes and others exceed 100. For this reason, the OCU recommends knowing how many washes they can withstand and respecting this indication. "Keep in mind that, according to our analysis, with long-term washing, the antibacterial efficacy may suffer," they warn.

What is the right size for my child?

There are three different sizes of children's masks: children 3 to 5 years old should wear the small size; The medium size is for children from 6 to 9 years old and the large size is for children up to 12 years old. From that age, they can already use adult masks.

Are the filters for a non-approved reusable mask safe?

A non-approved reusable mask, whether bought in a store or handmade, you must carry or add a filter to offer extra protection that it offers adequate security against contagion.

Regardless of where you buy the filters, you should always check that they are approved. These mask filters are simply a piece of cloth that must be placed in the inner pocket of cloth masks. But they must have the UNE-EN ISO 14683:2019 certificates if they are for surgical masks, and UNE 0065:2020, for hygienic masks. Only these are approved today.