CDC Changes Guidelines: Which Face Masks Will Best Protect Against COVID-19

It's official—wearing a mask not only protects others from the respiratory droplets you exhale and infections (if you have them), but it also protects you from getting infected. New guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed these findings. Previously, it was believed that masks should be worn by those who are already infected and know about it, so as not to infect others. Edition CNN told you which mask to choose so that it protects you more effectively.

Photo: Shutterstock

“Evidence is accumulating that masks work in terms of reducing risk for everyone,” said Harvard researcher Joseph Gardner Allen.

But which type of mask will offer you and others the best protection against the airborne coronavirus?

“You need at least a two-layer mask, and even better, a three-layer mask,” Allen said.

Stay away from bandanas and neck warmers. Recent research has shown that they are the least effective in terms of protection.

“In addition to filtration level, we also have to consider fit,” Allen continued. — The mask needs to cover the bridge of the nose and the area below the chin. Your breath should pass through the filter material, and not disperse to the sides.”

No N95 masks

Important: Don't buy N95 masks for personal use, the CDC says. They are the most effective (filtering out 95% of all particles), they are considered a critical consumable, and therefore are intended for paramedics and other medical first aid services.

In addition, the N95 masks must be tailored to the face shape. You and your loved ones don't have access to that kind of expertise to properly fit this type of mask to your face.

"And be especially wary of the N95-like masks sold by large retail distributors," said Dr. Marybeth Sexton, an assistant professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at Emory University in Atlanta.

On the subject: Whether face masks protect others or those who wear them: a study

“Some of these masks have exhalation valves,” she said. “They make them more comfortable to wear, but do not protect them, but direct the air flow directly into the environment, without filtering.”

“In fact, a mask like this can make things worse because it concentrates the air flow on that valve, allowing it to pass under pressure, and the droplets can travel a little further. Therefore, we strongly recommend that people do not wear a mask with an exhalation valve,” Sexton explained.

Thick Cloth Mask

According to new CDC guidelines, high-density sheet masks are the most suitable. Choose a dense fabric, 100% cotton. Use a light test to check the weave: if you can easily see the outlines of individual fibers when you bring the mask up to light, it is unlikely to provide effective protection.

You want as many layers as possible without sacrificing breathability—if you can't breathe through the mask, you won't be able to wear it. Two- and three-layer masks are suitable for most people.

According to the CDC, "multiple layers of dense fabric have shown superior performance over single layer fabrics of lower density, in some cases filtering nearly 50% of fine particles below 1 micron."

This is good news as SARS-CoV-2 particle size has been measured between 1 and 4 microns.

In addition, studies have shown that multi-layer sheet masks can block 50% to 80% of small droplets and particles, as well as "limit the direct spread of those that are not caught."

Improvement

CDC officials say polypropylene, one of the most commonly produced plastics in the world, can "improve filtration efficiency" because it creates a triboelectric charge, or static adhesion.

This electrical static charge traps both your outgoing breath and any droplets flying from others. Because cotton is a more skin-friendly fabric, polypropylene is often used as filters that can be placed inside a two- or three-layer mask.

Washing kills the electrical charge, but don't worry—a quick rub of the mask between your hands should return that charge.

Silk is a highly breathable option, according to the CDC, which "can help repel wet droplets, reduce fabric wetting, and thus maintain breathability and comfort."

A study published in September examined the moisture wicking ability of cotton, polyester and silk when used in masks or as mask inserts.

On the subject: Masks or screens for the face: which protects against coronavirus more effectively

“We found that silk face coverings repel droplets, as do disposable surgical masks,” the authors write, adding that silk masks “may be more breathable than other moisture-trapping fabrics and can be reused after cleaning.” .

To avoid a buildup of germs that could irritate your face or reduce the mask's effectiveness, reusable masks should be washed daily in hot, soapy water. Don't put the mask back on until it's completely dry—it's harder to breathe through wet fabric.

"If you use a filter in your mask, be sure to change it regularly because it can become clogged," Sexton Emory insists.

Mask etiquette

Even the highest protection mask will not work if worn incorrectly. The mask should always cover the nose. It is important. Nasal drops are usually smaller than mouth drops, but this also means they can stay in the air longer. Studies using a high-speed camera show that when sneezing, droplets from the airways can spread up to 7-8 meters.

If you find it difficult to breathe with your nose covered, choose a more suitable mask.

It's important to wear a mask everywhere you go—even in the car, unless you're alone.

“If you're going to ride in an Uber, you should definitely wear a mask, and the driver should also have a mask,” Allen advises.

Always carry hand sanitizer with you

No matter what type of mask you wear, you'll have to put it on and off to eat or adjust it while it's on your face. This makes hand sanitizer a mask's best friend, experts say.

"Masks slip down all the time, especially when you're talking," said Dr. Henry Wu, assistant professor of infectious diseases at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.

“So periodic adjustments may be required,” Wu explains. “This is another reason to carry hand sanitizer with you so you always have clean hands when you adjust your mask.”

Read also on ForumDaily:

A negative test does not guarantee that you do not have COVID-19: how to know for sure

Is it possible to get infected with coronavirus at public events: a study

Russian virologist infected himself with COVID-19 twice: why does he need it

The second wave of panic purchases began in the USA: what to stock up on

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.