However, it's not clear from this study how effectively ... shared with the CDC guidelines for making an effective face mask if surgical masks and N95 masks were unavailable during a viral outbreak.

Disposable masks also help prevent the wearer from inhaling large germ particles that may be in the air around them. Medical-grade (often called surgical masks) and nonmedical-grade are the two ...

But the Food and Drug Administration has also approved some KN95 and FFP2 masks made in China and Europe that offer comparable protection. Disposable surgical masks are also made of non-woven fabric.