Here's a breakdown of why:
* Intended Use: Are you wearing it for general public use, protection from dust, medical purposes, or something else? The intended use dictates the level of filtration and features needed.
* Level of Protection Required:
* General Public Use (e.g., source control, social distancing): A cloth mask or surgical mask is often sufficient. The goal is to reduce the spread of droplets.
* Healthcare Setting (e.g., protection from airborne particles): An N95 respirator is typically required for adequate protection against airborne pathogens.
* Dust/Allergen Protection: A mask with a good filter might be suitable.
While comfort, fit, and cost are important, they are secondary to ensuring the mask provides the necessary protection for the situation. If the mask doesn't offer the right level of protection, those other factors are irrelevant.