BATON ROUGE – A medical facility in Louisiana says that certain types of masks in their facilities no longer allow for new science that some masks are better than others.
Since the inception of the virus, Americans have been encouraged to wear masks because they protect people from spreading the virus to others. A Duke University study looked at 14 different types of masks people wore during the pandemic. The study found that the N95 mask is king, but other cotton fabric masks are about as effective as a standard surgical mask. Other popular masks, including neckwear and bandanas made of thin material, can be worse than not wearing a mask at all.
That’s why Ochsner Medical Center no longer allows patients in its buildings wearing bandanas, neck braces and ventilated masks. Ochsner medical director of hospital quality and infectious disease specialist Dr Sandra Kemmerly says science has shown that the neck pain can be less than not wearing a mask.
“The theory is that the larger particles change in the bandana than the neck gaiter and create smaller particles that stay in the air longer,” Kemmerly said.
Ochsner Health says that as it continues to learn more about COVID-19, it will be able to change and improve its practices. With the new information published by Duke University, Ochsner has adapted its mask guidelines to exclude neck braces, bandanas, and masks with valves. All staff, patients and visitors are required to wear an approved mask at all times. Those who come to the facility without an approved mask will be delivered one before entering.
“We do not think they are safe for the patients in our building,” Kemmerly said. “We will ask you to wear one that is perhaps more protective of others.”
Duke University’s study can be found here.
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