N95 Mask Effectiveness

You're absolutely correctBut just use a proper N95 mask, it's even easier to breath than other masks

Surgical masks aren't good enough in this situation. Around Covid you need N95.

Is a surgical-mask better than a fake N95 mask?

I thing you had a typo and wanted to write "FFP2 (N95)" mask (which had been used in that study, at least in the sources I have read).

N99/FFP3 masks usually have valves, making it them inappropriate for covid. And in the end, fit is more important than the filtration rate. The 95% rate of N95 is actually a minimum, it is likely much higher for actual virus-containing aerosols, but if air leaks from the sides, it becomes much lower.If you think you need better than N95, you will probably want a full face mask with HEPA filters.

Depends on the mask. N95 protects you pretty well.

What is considered an actual mask here? N95, surgical, or something else?

You can actually get some protection wearing and N95 mask. Though those aren’t popular in the west because they often have exhalation valves that make people paranoid (the CDC says they are ok since they allow for a better seal and are filtered).

From what I understand n95 masks should work when used properly.https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/respirator-use...

Normal or surgical mask, yes. N95 mask protects oneself very well, too.