The mask is cold and the protection is weak
Text/Photo by Yangcheng Evening News reporter Liu Xinyu
Recently, the weather in Guangzhou is getting hotter and hotter, and the "mask anti-stuffy artifact", which is sold to relieve the stuffy discomfort caused by wearing a mask, has attracted many people's attention.
Ms. Zou, a citizen, bought a product called "mask explosion beads".
"It's a small one, put it into the inner layer of the mask, squeeze it, and the mint smell comes out in an instant. It's very cool, but I don't know if it will affect your health?" Ms. Zou said.
Can this type of seasonal consumer goods known as "mask companions" really be able to prevent stuffiness and viruses?
In order to find out, the reporter of Yangcheng Evening News purchased and tested a number of "mask anti-stuffy artifacts", and visited and investigated, and comprehensively took stock of their safety and protection.
Mask popping beads, cooling stickers, aromatherapy buttons
Experience: It has a cool feeling, and the fragrance pattern is also attractive
The reporter randomly visited and inquired about many pharmacies and supermarkets in Guangzhou, but did not see the "mask anti-stuffiness artifact" on sale.
A pharmacy employee told reporters: "Medical masks can be bought in pharmacies and belong to the second class of medical devices, but the products you mentioned are not medical devices, and we do not sell them."
The reporter then searched Taobao for the keyword "mask anti-stuffiness artifact", and the results showed that there are a variety of "essential oil" products and "internal or external" products such as nose pads, fans, and brackets.
Among them, "essential oil" products are mainly divided into three types: "mask explosion beads", "cool mask stickers" and "mask aromatherapy buckles".
The reporter purchased these three products in a number of high-selling online stores, and found that after checking the product labels on arrival:
The beads of "mask blasting beads" are mainly made of essential oils. After squeezing the beads, the essential oils volatilize, which will have a cooling effect;
The sticker of "Cool Mask Sticker" is coated with essential oil, and it works by itself when it is attached to the mask;
The button of the "mask aromatherapy button" is actually a magnet, and the front and back are hollowed out. The product is attached with several small cotton pieces and essential oils. After twisting the button open, place the cotton pieces dripping with the essential oil, and the effect can be exerted.
In addition to "anti-stuffiness" as the main selling point of these products, they also attract consumers with different fragrances, colors and patterns.
Citizen Wang Qi (pseudonym) who bought the "mask aromatherapy buckle" said: "I usually go out, there are some distinctive mask decorations, and I can smell the smell I like, and I will feel better."
Expert: Explosive beads wet the mask and affect the protective effect
In fact, most of these essential oil products are mainly mint.
Does it have antibacterial properties?
Will it affect the protective effect of the mask?
In this regard, Xie Hong, deputy chief physician of the Infection Management Department of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, told reporters that essential oils themselves have no antibacterial and antiviral effects, and the "explosive beads" wet the mask, which is not conducive to protection.
"The reason why the medical masks we use can have a good anti-epidemic effect is that there is a filter layer in the middle, which is composed of polypropylene melt-blown microfibers, which carry a small amount of electric charge and can effectively absorb particles and viruses in the air. The essential oil produced after squeezing the 'explosive beads' makes the inside of the mask wet, and the electrostatic effect disappears, which will definitely affect the protective effect of the mask. Moreover, according to the requirements of the medical protective equipment industry standard, the wet mask should be replaced in time. The 'explosive beads' such as It is obviously unscientific to continue to wear the mask after the 'artificial' wet mask." Xie Hong said.
So, are the odors emitted by these products harmful to the human body?
Xie Hong said: "Ordinary people may be fine, but for people with allergies, the smell is irritating and has a certain risk of allergy. Especially people with allergic rhinitis, asthma and other people should avoid contact."
Mask nose pads, fans, brackets
Experience: The nose pads, brackets and the face do not fit completely
Another type of products are mainly mask nose pads, mask fans, and mask brackets.
The reporter purchased and tried to find that compared with essential oil products, such products are more expensive and more practical.
Mask nose pads: made of silicone or sponge, tear off the adhesive tape and stick the nose pads on the nose bridge of the mask, mainly to solve the problem of glasses being troubled by fog when wearing a mask;
Mask fan: a USB rechargeable mini fan, which can be clipped on the mask, with one side of the fan blade facing the inside of the mask. After starting, the wind can drive the air inside and outside the mask to circulate to relieve the sultry feeling;
Mask holder: Made of plastic or silicone, it is fixed on the inside of the mask when in use to keep a certain distance between the face and the mask. This function is also used to attract consumers who wear makeup. The advertising slogan frequently mentions that wearing a mask can " No lipstick, no makeup."
When reporters use it, they will encounter situations such as nose pads or brackets that do not fit their nose bridge or face shape, and the mask does not fit the face completely.
At the same time, the reporter found that many people are still posting pictures of themselves superimposing and using such products in the comment area, such as both built-in brackets and external small fans.
Expert: The mask has poor adhesion, and the protective effect is greatly reduced
Do such "artifacts" affect the protective effect of masks?
In this regard, experts from the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that the mask should be closely attached to your face to prevent germs in the air from entering through the gap, and adding a bracket to the mask will affect the tightness of the mask and prevent the protection The effect is greatly reduced, so the use of such products is not recommended.
In addition, if you are in a crowded place, you can hold a small fan to relieve the heat.
In addition, the reporter checked the "Technical Guidelines for the Selection and Use of Masks for Prevention of Novel Coronavirus Infection for Different Groups" issued by the National Health and Medical Commission's Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention and found that the document clearly guides "wash your hands according to the rules before wearing the mask, and avoid touching the inside of the mask when wearing it." .
However, whether the above-mentioned products are "essential oils" or "internal or external", according to the method of use, the hands will more or less touch the inner surface of the mask, which is likely to cause contamination of the mask.
The "Guidelines for Wearing Masks by the Public and Key Occupational Groups" (August 2021 edition) also clearly requires that masks be changed every 8 hours.
Taking the mask bracket purchased by the reporter as an example, it claims to be "recyclable".
Compared with the "one-time use" of masks, the repeated use of "mask anti-stuffy artifact" may cause the problem of mask pollution, thereby affecting the protective effect.
Tips
Changing masks during holidays
Handheld fan is also available
The "May 1st" holiday is approaching. Doctors suggest that you can carry three or four spare masks with you when you travel or travel, and replace them within 8 hours. However, if you encounter a lot of talking or the weather is hot, the masks may become wet, and the time can be shortened. For example, replace the mask with a new one within 2-4 hours.
When you must wear a mask in public places, you can also prepare hand-held small fans and other cooling objects.
Xie Hong also said: "N95 masks have good tightness, but they are really stuffy. Ordinary citizens can wear general medical surgical masks."
There are occasions where masks are not necessary.
According to the "Guidelines for Wearing Masks by Citizen Science (Revised Edition)", in low-risk areas, the general public does not need to wear masks when they stay at home, ride bicycles, or drive by themselves.