Scientists have also been able to study the different types of masks that are available to gain a solid understanding of the best types to use to keep the public—and even the person wearing the face covering—safest!
Researchers at Virginia Tech University tested 11 different types of face masks, including nine cloth masks made from materials such as coffee filters, a cotton T-shirt, and other fabrics as well as a face shield and surgical mask, Yahoo."We recommend now based on this study that people use a three-layer mask," Linsey Marr, PhD, a leading aerosol scientist at Virginia Tech and co-author of the study, said during a press conference on Nov.Specifically, Marr recommends a mask in which "the outer two layers are a tightly woven but flexible material that allows the mask to conform to your face," with a layer made of vacuum bag or filtration material in the middle.
For that report, researchers tested 14 different masks' ability to block respiratory droplets, and they found that other than N95s, a three-layer surgical mask allowed the fewest number of droplets to get by its barrier.
To determine the results, scientists used a mannequin face attached to a nebulizer to simulate exhalation and talking set across from another face that was inhaling to test different masks, including ones made from bandanas, vacuum bags, coffee filters, and HVAC filters.The researchers found that while three-layer materials were clearly superior, Marr added that a fabric with a "good, tight weave" could also make some two-layer masks feasible.But given that it's impractical to have everyone in the general public walking around wearing an N95, I think homemade masks are definitely helpful." And for more on what works best, check out The Materials You Need to Make the Perfect Face Mask.
"No one study by itself is going to tell you the whole story," Marr said.
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