Last week, an article posted on CNN.com got quite a bit of viral attention, as it discussed a recent study of mask efficacy. The study, conducted by researchers at Duke University, analyzed a variety of different mask types to determine which are best at stopping the spread of COVID-19, and which are the worst. Here are some notes of their findings….
BEST: N-95, which has a specifically applied seal and is tested to block 90-95 of mouth droplets. Unfortunately, these are the most expensive, hardest to acquire, and are supposed to be used on a singular basis, and constantly swapped out. In other words, you’ll see them a lot more often in the emergency room than at your local grocery store.
2ND BEST: Simple two-layer cotton (aka “surgical”) masks. These are much less expensive and easier to find than N-95s, and provide almost as much protection. If you can find a big box of these, you’ll be in great shape.
WORST: The neck gaiter, which actually increased the droplets coming out of your mouth by breaking up larger particles into smaller ones. While these may be fashionable and comfortable, you should probably think twice about wearing these around town.
Final thoughts: This article really didn’t tell us anything we probably didn’t already know. Some masks are much better than others. By using plain ole common sense, we know that the masks you see in an operating room are going to provide much more safety and security than something you mow your lawn in. But masks do work……if you use the appropriate variety in the correct fashion. So #maskup, Louisiana.
LINK: Neck gaiters are bad