What Is the Best Material for a Reusable Face Mask? Here's What an Expert Says
Will Laundry Detergent Kill the Virus?
“If light easily filters through, the filtration is likely not as good,” says Dr. Segal. “If it blocks more of the light, it likely performs better.”
The study found that so-called “quilting cotton” was generally much better than the sort of printed fabric available in discount fabric stores. “It tends to have the characteristics we found most effective: thicker, heavier yarn, higher thread count, tighter weave,” says Dr. Segal. So if you know any quilters, now’s the time to call in that favor.
If you do have to use lower-end cotton on the outside, Dr. Segal suggests using flannel as an inner layer. “Two-layer masks performed better than single layer masks,” he says. “This is probably because the small particles would have to find their way through both layers to pass through the mask. In our hands, cloth, single-layer masks did not perform well.”
Just as important as filtration is breathability. Remember, you need to wear this thing. “If you can’t comfortably breathe through the material for several minutes, it won’t make a good mask, no matter how effective it is in filtering,” adds Dr. Segal.
If you can get your hands on quilting cotton, great. If not, don’t panic. “The CDC recommendation is based on preventing the wearer from infecting others if they are infected and don’t know it, not so much on offering protection to the wearer,” says Dr. Segal. “Anything that prevents the spread of respiratory droplets is better than nothing—this is why we’re asked to cough or sneeze into our elbows.”
So if all you have is an old T-shirt or a bandana, you shouldn’t shy away from making a mask. And whatever material you use, make sure you wash it after each wear. “A homemade mask should be kept as clean as possible,” says Dr. Adalja. “Contaminating yourself with an infected mask is a real risk.”
Finally, never think a mask gives you immunity against the coronavirus. It’s crucial to continue to follow all other guidelines. “No mask is as good as social distancing and good hygiene,” advises Dr. Segal. “That’s still the number one way to protect yourself and others."
The information in this story is accurate as of press time. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.
“If light easily filters through, the filtration is likely not as good,” says Dr. Segal. “If it blocks more of the light, it likely performs better.”
The study found that so-called “quilting cotton” was generally much better than the sort of printed fabric available in discount fabric stores. “It tends to have the characteristics we found most effective: thicker, heavier yarn, higher thread count, tighter weave,” says Dr. Segal. So if you know any quilters, now’s the time to call in that favor.
If you do have to use lower-end cotton on the outside, Dr. Segal suggests using flannel as an inner layer. “Two-layer masks performed better than single layer masks,” he says. “This is probably because the small particles would have to find their way through both layers to pass through the mask. In our hands, cloth, single-layer masks did not perform well.”
Just as important as filtration is breathability. Remember, you need to wear this thing. “If you can’t comfortably breathe through the material for several minutes, it won’t make a good mask, no matter how effective it is in filtering,” adds Dr. Segal.
If you can get your hands on quilting cotton, great. If not, don’t panic. “The CDC recommendation is based on preventing the wearer from infecting others if they are infected and don’t know it, not so much on offering protection to the wearer,” says Dr. Segal. “Anything that prevents the spread of respiratory droplets is better than nothing—this is why we’re asked to cough or sneeze into our elbows.”
So if all you have is an old T-shirt or a bandana, you shouldn’t shy away from making a mask. And whatever material you use, make sure you wash it after each wear. “A homemade mask should be kept as clean as possible,” says Dr. Adalja. “Contaminating yourself with an infected mask is a real risk.”
Finally, never think a mask gives you immunity against the coronavirus. It’s crucial to continue to follow all other guidelines. “No mask is as good as social distancing and good hygiene,” advises Dr. Segal. “That’s still the number one way to protect yourself and others."
The information in this story is accurate as of press time. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.
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