Five simple ways to make the mask protect even more effectively

Proven content

Scientists do not stop researching the effectiveness of masks. Today we know for sure that we do not need a professional N95 mask to ensure effective protection. The transmission of the virus is sufficiently prevented by cloth or non-woven masks. And recent tests conducted in the USA show that there is a simple way to further improve them.

1. The team of prof. Linsey Marr of Virginia Tech tested 11 different types of face masks. The idea was to find out which one was the most effective
2. The worst protection against viruses comes from a plastic face shield, according to a study. This is not the first experiment to show that the helmet is not a very good way to stop viruses
3. The effectiveness of the mask depends not only on what it is made of, but also on how we wear it. The team of prof. Marr has made a series of recommendations worth knowing
4. An additional filter in the mask can be made from a vacuum cleaner bag and even a coffee filter – the researcher argues
5. You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page

The professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, Linsey Marr, is a leading specialist in aerosols and the interactions of nanomaterials and viruses. He is currently focusing on analyzing how the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads through the air. Recently, she also led a study in which 11 types of masks made of various materials were tested.

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They confirmed that an appropriately fitted cloth mask copes well with filtering virus particles at a level that can cause infection. And making a few simple tweaks – fabric, filters, and adjustments – can make it even more effective.

What did prof. Marr?

Three layers protect better than two

– Effective masks should consist of two layers of tightly woven material and a filtering layer placed between them – explains prof. Marr.

To create an additional filter layer, you can use a non-woven fabric from a surgical mask or even a piece of a vacuum cleaner bag. A coffee filter will also be useful, but before you put it in the mask, it’s worth checking if you can breathe through it. It is even easier to put the two-layer fabric mask directly over the surgical mask. Scientists from the team of prof. Marr found that a well-fitting fabric mask with an additional filter layer retains 74 to 90 percent of virus particles.

Flexible material is better

The stiff material usually sticks out from the face in several places. That is why it is worth reaching for a mask made of tightly woven elastic material that adapts to the shape of the face. Masks with a flexible wire that can be formed around the nose will also be the right choice. Thanks to it, they fit better, closing the gaps through which air containing viruses can escape and penetrate.

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The ties are better than the ear elastics

Masks that can be tied on the head will always fit better, and will be more comfortable during longer wear. Those with elastic bands, especially too loose, may stick out from the face, while those with too tight ones cause pressure and pain in the ears during prolonged use.

Always wear the helmet with the mask

It has been proven that the face shields made of clear plastic do not provide adequate protection against infection. Although they are impermeable, air flows freely around their edges.

“The cover itself is the worst choice,” said Dr. Jin Pan, co-author of the study. – However, combining it with a mask provides additional protection, especially for the eyes.

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A well-fitting mask protects the wearer

The team of prof. Marr has tested the masks for protection of people in the environment (external protection) as well as for the protection of the user (internal protection). The results indicate that the masks are more effective at filtering viruses from the exhaled air, but in most cases they trap nearly as many viruses from the environment. The masks that performed the worst were the ones made of stiffer materials and not fitting properly to the face (with gaps at the edges).

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It is true that prof. Marr has tested under laboratory conditions, but ensures that people who wear well-fitting masks will provide additional protection against infection by following her advice. Particular emphasis is placed on fit, as it may spoil the effect of our efforts. An example is the study in Denmark, the results of which suggested that the masks did not protect enough. However, almost half of the participants wore them contrary to the instructions.

At the same time, prof. Marr emphasizes that the mask is not enough. You still need to keep your social distance and wash your hands.

“But there’s always something better than nothing,” he says. – Even the simplest mask made of one layer of fabric blocks more than half of aerosols containing virus particles. And if we choose a tighter weave and more layers, the mask’s performance will increase.

See also:

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