Face Mask- COVID-19: Which Face Masks Are the Best?
In
light of the Coronavirus pandemic, face masks have become a societal
norm worldwide these days, and we all have become face mask experts of
sorts. We’ve learned which maskes irritate our skin, and which ones don’t, which ones are the most breathable, and how to clean them properly. We all have even found ways to customize face masks and render them more convenient for everyday wear.
But
it turns out that we still have a lot to learn about face masks because
by far not every face mask offers the best, or any, protection from
Covid-19. A recent research article
reviewed the different fabrics and filtering systems of common face
coverings, and established which face masks offer the best and worst
protection against the dangerous virus.
The authors of the study noticed
that while most news outlets and public health information sources
recommend face masks, very few of these resources specify which fabrics
should be used to offer the best protection against the novel
coronavirus. On one hand, this is understandable, as there is an ongoing
shortage of face masks and other protective equipment in many
countries, and limiting the list of face coverings to just one specific
kind or face mask or fabric could discourage people from using face
coverings altogether or further worsen these shortages.
On the other hand, the public,
especially those who fall into the high-risk group for catching
Covid-19, such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, should
certainly be aware of the level of protection they will be getting from
various face masks. It would be deceptive to say that a superfluous
covering like a folded bandana or scarf over one's mouth and nose would
be as effective at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus, as
the now-famous N95 respirator (picture can be seen above) because this
simply isn't the case.
Naturally,
all protective coverings will filter out a certain percentage of the
virus, which is exactly why governmental agencies and public health
agencies continue urging us to wear masks. As Dr.Teresa Amato, the
director of a geriatric emergency center explained to Healthline,
“If you are infected and you wear a mask, you will decrease the
likelihood of transmission. You’re wearing it to protect the people
around you and you’re also wearing it to protect yourself from getting
it. It’s really important to emphasize that more people wearing masks
will decrease transmission overall.”
When
it comes to the specific kinds of face masks and their effectiveness of
decreasing transmission, however, the researchers point out that the
range varies quite significantly. The least effective coverings are
those that are made of a single layer of breathable fabric, like a
bandana, scarf, or single-layer reusable cloth mask. The rule of thumb
is: if you look through the bandana in the sun and you see some light
shining through the fibers of the mask or covering, it's not a good
mask.
That
said, by far not all handmade cloth masks are necessarily bad, the
researchers find. In fact, well-fitting homemade face masks made of two
layers of quilting fabric were among the best at filtering out the
germs, as good, if not better than surgical masks. As the authors
conclude, “For minimizing the chances of transmission, it is important
to use masks made of good quality tightly woven fabric, as well as mask
designs that provide a good seal along the edges without being
uncomfortable.”
Other
excellent choices for personal protection are surgical masks, as these
are lightweight, single-use and they offer adequate filtering. So, using
them is also a good idea, if you can find those. Cone masks are
compatible, but many of those are made with plastic, so they may be
trickier to use during the summer heat.
Finally,
the most effective masks on the list of the study were N95 respirators -
special tight-fitting masks used by medical workers who deal with
contagious diseases like Covid-19 and others. While these masks are very
reliable, it needs pointing out that wearing them improperly renders
them ineffective. In addition, not everyone can wear N95 respirators
either: men have to shave off their facial hair when wearing these
masks, for example. Lastly, breathing in an N95 mask is very difficult
when fitted properly, and the tight fit can cause bruising and
irritation on the face. Thus, certainly, these respirators should be
reserved for medical professionals who need them most and know how to
use them properly.
Therefore,
while face coverings do certainly help prevent the spread of Covid-19
if combined with other social distancing tactics, you must remember that
masks that are made of a single layer and those that don't fit properly
aren't nearly as effective as we'd like them to be. When going outside,
opt for double-layered quilting cotton cloth masks, cone masks, and
surgical masks.