2021 Update: The Best Masks to Deal with COVID-19
(Updated March 2, 2021)
By now, you’ve probably been wearing masks for a while (as face coverings are mandated by law in most U.S. states to curb the spread of everyone’s favorite virus). In fact, as of February 1st, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a mask order requiring that anyone traveling within the United States on any sort of public transportation (say, by airplane or bus) must be wearing a mask. Still, there’s plenty of debate and confusion around mask-wearing, so here’s what you need to know.
Why Wear a Face Mask?
Simply put, they save lives. Studies show that when masks aren’t worn, fatality rates go up. In this particular study, researchers discovered that there were twice as many deaths in locations that did not require masks compared to those that did.
But we understand that the messaging around masks was not straightforward from the outset. For example, you might remember conflicting information from various health officials during the beginning of the pandemic, with some agencies even suggesting that you shouldn’t wear a mask at all.
However, there were several reasons for this.
Initially, there was a critical shortage of masks for health personnel. The thought then was that if healthy people were wearing these masks, there wouldn’t be enough to go around for those who need it most — such as healthcare workers.
Secondly, there was a worry that people might equate mask-wearing with being 100% safe from COVID-19. Negating the need for social distancing and hand washing wasn’t a message that the CDC wanted to take a chance on inadvertently spreading at the time.
Thirdly, we hadn’t yet realized that so many people who were spreading COVID-19 were asymptomatic (i.e. spreading COVID-19 because they had no idea they were even sick). The exact numbers are still being determined, but this study suggests that around 40% to 45% of those who contract COVID-19 won’t show any symptoms at all. All of this means that wearing a mask is necessary for everyone to continue to reduce the spread of the virus.
Which Face Masks Should You Wear?
As we previously discussed, the CDC recently made masks mandatory, and they have specific guidelines that you need to follow:
Cloth masks must have two or more layers of tightly-woven fabric that does not let light pass through when held up to a light source
There must be ties, ear loops, or elastic bands to secure the mask to the face
Gaiters can be worn, but they must have two layers of fabric, or be folded
They must be snug around the side of the face
They must not have slits, exhaust valves, or punctures
They can be both manufactured or homemade
They can be reusable or disposable
Masks may have clear plastic panels to make it easier to communicate with the hearing impaired
Both medical masks and N95 respirators are acceptable
So, Which Face Masks Are Best?
Unsurprisingly, the best possible face mask to wear is a fitted N95 mask with no exhalation valve, as shown in this recent study from Duke University, which tested 14 different kinds of masks for effectiveness.
Unfortunately, these masks should be avoided so that there is a ready supply for medical professionals.
So, where does that leave the rest of us? Well, here are the next best options, according to the study:
A regular disposable surgical mask. These are a great substitute for the N95 mask. You can get these at your local CVS or Walgreens pharmacy.
KN95 masks. These are the Chinese equivalent of an N95 mask. And though they were not included in the study and are likely not as effective as an N95 mask, they are almost certainly close.
In third and fourth place comes the layered cotton-polypropylene-cotton mask, and the two-layer polypropylene apron mask. Both are almost as effective as a surgical mask. Cotton masks with various layers are also quite effective, though don’t work quite as well as the ones previously mentioned.
An important takeaway here is that your mask should have multiple layers — the CDC recommends at least two — and that cotton and polypropylene are excellent materials to make a mask out of. If you do use a mask that is reusable, keep in mind that it should be washed at least once a day. If your mask is disposable, throw it out after a single-use.
Which Face Masks Should I Avoid?
Number one: you should NOT use a mask with a valve. This is because the purpose of the mask is to block the exhalation of the virus using the materials of the mask, and a valve doesn’t achieve this, as its purpose is to allow easier exhalation, which by extension bypasses the mask entirely.
Another thing to keep in mind is the material. For example, a neck gaiter made of a polyester/spandex blend actually performed worse in the aforementioned study than just wearing nothing at all. This is because it made the small exhaled particles even smaller, which allowed them to spread further than they would have otherwise. If you do wear a neck gaiter, make sure it’s made of at least two layers of a material like cotton, and be sure to verify that when you hold it up, you cannot see light through it.
A bandana is not a good choice either, as it simply isn’t form-fitting enough to be effective, even if folded to make multiple layers.
Likewise, face shields are not acceptable by themselves — you can use them to supplement a mask, but they are not an acceptable substitute.
And finally, this should go without saying, but pulling your shirt up over your face is a big no-no.
What About Double-Masking?
The CDC recently updated its recommendations to include double-masking. Essentially, just like multiple layers of cotton in a mask make it more effective, multiple masks can have a similar effect, as shown in this study. However, there are some caveats.
Two medical masks should not be combined together, as they are not designed to fit tightly, and wearing two will probably have a negative impact on the fit. Instead, wear a medical mask underneath with a cotton mask over top.
Note as well that If you are wearing a K95 mask, double masking should be avoided entirely.
If you are going to use two masks, make sure that you can still wear them both comfortably — if you find yourself trying to adjust them more often, or that it makes breathing more difficult, either try a different combination or just stick with one. Wearing a single mask correctly is more effective than wearing two ineffectively.
How Do I Properly Wear a Face Mask?
The first thing to be aware of is that your mask must cover both your nose and mouth and extend under the chin. Allowing it to slip below your nose negates the point of wearing a mask in the first place, as the virus can simply escape through your nostrils.
It needs to be as form-fitting as possible in order to minimize the gaps on the sides and near the top of the nose, and so that talking and moving doesn’t result in the mask slipping off.
The mask must also be comfortable. How does this work? Well, once the mask is put on, it should not be adjusted until you are ready to take it off so that you don’t end up contaminating your hands. Make sure to wash your hands before and after touching your mask, and touch only the ties when putting it on. If you do find yourself needing to adjust the mask, be sure to wash your hands afterward.
When Do I Need to Wear a Face Mask?
The state of Texas just lifted the order on all mask-wearing requirements, and now all restaurants and businesses can operate at 100 percent capacity. However, we strongly recommend that you continue wearing a mask “...when inside a commercial entity or other building or space open to the public, or when in an outdoor public space, wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household...”.
Additionally, we recommend:
If you are outside and you can’t stay at least six feet away from everyone else, you should be wearing a mask.
If you are inside a public space of any sort, including a bus, train, or office, you should also be wearing a mask.
When you are exercising you are not required to wear a mask as long as you are able to maintain the minimum social distance — but if this is not possible, wear a mask.
Studies show that wearing a face mask during vigorous activity does not have any negative effects on your breathing, it just might feel a little uncomfortable. If that doesn’t sound fun, make sure to take your run during a time when nobody is likely to be around.
You don’t need to wear a mask when seated at a restaurant, driving alone or with members of your household, swimming, voting, worshiping, or giving a speech.
You are also exempt if you have a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering.
That being said, you should wear one wherever possible. While any child under the age of 10 does not require a mask, the CDC recommends that any child over the age of 2 should still wear one.
As a service, Willowchase Medical offers COVID-19 rapid tests where you can get your results in 15 minutes or less.
Additionally, as we are a medical facility, masks are required at all times for both staff and guests. You can see additional COVID-19 policies that our office follows here.