The guidelines around COVID-19 are constantly evolving as experts learn more about the new coronavirus, but one recommendation from doctors and the CDC has remained intact: wearing a face mask can slow the spread of the virus. Until recently, almost every face covering was considered useful, provided it covered your nose and mouth. However, new research from Duke University suggests that neck gaiters – the pieces of fabric that act as a sleeve for your face and neck – are much less efficient than a traditional face mask.
In the study, researchers tracked how many particles were released from a person’s mouth through and around the mask in the air. The results suggested that the neck brace may actually be less so than not wearing a mask. After the research was widely shared, though, the research team at Duke agreed The New York Times that the data were misunderstood. “Our intention was not to say that this mask does not work, or never use neck gaiters,” said Martin Fischer, PhD, an associate research professor at Duke and a co-author of the study. In fact, the aim of the study was to test an inexpensive technology that allows mask manufacturers to evaluate their own products.
What’s more, The New York Times reported that Linsey Marr, PhD, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, had conducted her own research on end-layer and double-layer neck, which found that both particles blocked the escape of the mask, although the double-layer was gaiter. effective. “I have recommended neck recommendations, and my children wear neck braces,” said Dr. Marr, a leading aerosol expert, The New York Times. “There’s nothing inherent to a neckerchief that has to make it worse than a cloth mask. It comes down to the fabric and how well it fits.”
To gain a better understanding of what works – and does not – in the fight against COVID-19, we spoke to two experts to take a look at these latest developments.
Related: Face masks are most effective when everyone has one, so suffice it with the excuses
What makes neck holes less effective than other masks?
David Cutler, MD, a family physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told POPSUGAR that more research is needed to better understand the effectiveness of different types of face masks. That being said, it is widely understood that N95 masks – which should be left to medical professionals – are the most effective at blocking the virus. Surgical masks and dust sight masks are acceptable for daily use among the general population, explained Dr. Cutler. Where do these neck gaiters go? “Cloth fishers are likely to be less effective than a canvas mask that has a paper filter inside to block virus transmission,” he said.
As de NEW piece notice, which is partly because multilayer masks – with or without filter – seem to offer more protection. Many people wear neck grids when exercising because of how easy they are to put on and take off and because they are simply made with a single layer of porous material that makes it easier to breathe through. However, this is part of what makes neck grids problematic: if the fabric is easier for you to breathe through, it is also more likely that your germs may escape. According to Dr. Cutler, the porous material can “allow germs to flow through,” and it can also retain more moisture (as in, your spit), “which can maintain viral activity.”
When you take the wardrobe on and off while exercising, you also reach for it with potentially unclean hands, something the CDC recommends that people avoid doing.
Related: A doctor explains how to properly clean face masks on cloth to keep germs at bay
Is it ever OK to wear a Neck Gaiter?
The most important thing is that you wear something over your mouth and nose. “One thing we know with honest certainty is that if everyone wore a mask, there would be a lot less COVID-19,” said Drs. Cutler. In light of this recent study on neck gaiters, specifically, Drs. Cutler that the average dust face mask as neck gauze is not perfect, but it is still handy. “The most important takeaway about masks is that everyone has to wear one,” he explained. “We must all accept that perfection is the enemy of the good.”
That being said, multiple layers of fabric will always be better than one, no matter what type of mask you choose. “The CDC recommends using a mask that detects respiratory drops and prevents them from being released,” said Mike Bell, MD, deputy director of the CDC’s Department of Health Quality Promotion, POPSUGAR. “Use a fabric that you can coat (two to three coats) that is washable.” Be sure to wash the mask after each use.
In the same way, Drs. Bell on that one of the most important factors of a face mask is that it fits snugly around your face, which not all neck gaiters do. “The main function of the mask is to keep the respiratory droplets you produce as you speak, kneel, cough and raise your voice to sing or scream from the spread in the environment around you, possibly. land in the mouths or noses of people who are close or are inhaled into the lungs of others, “said Dr. Bell.
Make sure your mask is always securely against your face, and keep a safe distance of six feet between yourself and others.
