If the coronavirus had just arrived in the world it was difficult, with the explosion of infections, especially in Spain, it became impossible. Having a mask was a chimera a little over three months ago, with a market that was completely out of supply and that barely had enough to cover the needs of health personnel. Little by little it has been able to recover and reach the level of supply necessary for a population that is now forced to wear them as a preventive measure against the virus. Now the offer is so wide that even supermarkets have masks of various types for sale.
But is it safe to buy masks in the supermarket
According to the OCU , which has analyzed 11 different masks (8 single-use and 3 reusable) for sale in supermarkets, they do work. The consumer organization has assessed determining aspects of its quality, such as its filtration capacity and breathability, in addition to other criteria such as the resistance of the harnesses and rubber bands, the comfort of use or the labeling information, among other things, and the The conclusions are very positive : In general, these are masks with very good filtration efficiency , whether they are surgical or hygienic, and whether they have national or European standard certificates or only Chinese certificates of origin, they obtainefficiency results clearly above the value of 95% legal filtration. They are relatively comfortable, their resistance is acceptable and the price is around 0.60 euros per unit. By brands, the one sold by Mercadona is the best in single-use, and that of the Consum supermarkets , in reusable ones.
The OCU has especially highlighted three reusable masks as the best for different aspects.
Delicious, the best
Mercadona’s cosmetic and drugstore brand is the best. It is a 3-layer hygienic mask that meets the requirements of the UNE 0064 standard. Its filtration efficiency reaches 99% , breathability is good and it is sold at a good price: 6 euros for a pack of 10.
Mask4u, quality- price in day
The masks sold by the Dia supermarket chain take second place, in addition to being considered a Master Purchase by the OCU for its quality/price ratio. It is a surgical mask, a medical device with standard EN 14683 , with good filtration (98%) and good breathability. The package of 10 units is sold for 6 euros , which, despite being a surgical mask, maintains a price of €0.60 per unit, the same as hygienic masks.
Lidl’s Jiangsu
It is also a Master Purchase, according to the OCU. The masks sold in Lidl supermarkets are also surgical, type II R , a medical device with the EN 14683 standard . It offers 99% filtration , although its breathability is lower than in hygienic masks. The package of 10 costs 5.99, so each unit, of 0.59, has the same cost as hygienic masks despite being a medical device.
As for reusable masks , they are a more environmentally friendly option and are also cheaper, although, on the other hand, their filtration efficiency is lower., and is lost with washing. The OCU has analyzed three of these products, and the best is the Belpla brand, which is sold in Consum supermarkets . They are four-layer masks that comply with the UNE 0065 standard and stand out for their breathability. After 5 washes its filtration efficiency is still 86% . It costs one euro, but since it can be washed 5 times, it is equivalent to five disposable masks, so its price for ‘use’ is €0.20 compared to €0.60 for hygienic ones.
