A mask is a face covering device engineered so breathing is effortless and comfortable.

It has clearly visible openings in front of mouth and nose for inhaled and exhaled air to flow effortlessly in and out of your mouth and nose as you breathe.

 A respirator mask, beside having the engineering of a mask, as answered above, also provides protection from airborne contaminants. There are many types of airborne contaminants: particulates, vapors, gasses and fumes as well as different volumes and possible concentrations of exposure.

 

In addition, there are different kinds of respirator masks: sizes, types and protection levels possible, so best to see a specialist like myself to make sure you are getting the correct protection from your exposure environment.

It is impossible for any respirator mask to filter viruses out of the air, so for all practical purposes the answer is no. The only way to protect your health from viruses is the same way we protect it from heart disease and cancer etc… is we stick to a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, avoid stress and sleep well.

Yes. Because they are not masks, they are not engineered for effortless breathing and as result will cause you to breath harder than you should and will cause hypoxia (insufficient oxygen) and hypercapnia (excessive carbon dioxide exposure) either of which can have very harmful effects on your health, especially when worn for an extended period of time on an ongoing basis. Please refer to the list of resources for more information I have supplied on the main web page.