GEORGE TOWN: With Covid-19 cases surging, many consumers are willing to pay more for better face masks to stay protected.

       A pharmacy here has recorded an increase in sales for KF94 and KN99 face masks, while demand for ordinary three-ply face masks has dropped by about 50%.

       Its manager Belinda Yeoh, 27, said her customers were willing to fork out more for face masks with at least four-ply protection due to the rise in cases.

       “As consumers are now better educated on safety aspects, they are opting for KF94 and KN99 face masks which offer better protection.

       “They are looking at Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) ratings that measure the resistance of the materials and components of medical devices to bacteria penetration,” she said, adding that these people were willing to pay a bit more.

       In Lorong Kulit, face mask trader Vincent Yeoh, 34, said customers were opting for KF94 face masks because of its greater comfort and coverage.

       “The design has better sealing on the side of the face.

       “It is more comfortable to wear over long periods of time. Customers are buying in bulk these days,” he said.

       Yeoh, however, said sales had dropped by almost 40% since early February as more people are staying home due to a rise in cases.

       “Fewer people are coming out now due to the higher number (of cases).

       “I was told by suppliers that the price will increase by about 10% in the next shipment due to higher transportation costs,” he added.

       Another face mask supplier said consumers’ preference had shifted from traditional three-ply masks to those that offer a higher level of protection.

       Its brand manager Iris Li said depending on their needs and where they go, some consumers would opt for more expensive face masks at high-risk places.

       She said a good face mask would provide two or three times better protection, adding that all the masks were laboratory tested and certified.

       “A three-ply mask consists of only a single layer melt-blown fabric.

       “KF94 which is four-ply consists of double layers while KN95, which is five-ply, consists of triple layers,” she said.

       Li said the company would soon release face masks for children aged two and above.

       “The product is in the final stages of testing and we expect to release it next month,” she said.