Which mask offers the best protection?
We all wear masks now because of the pandemic, but which ones offer the best protection?
ORLANDO, Fla. – A study from Florida Atlantic University showed the effectiveness of using different types of masks to fight coronavirus infection.
One thing the study made very clear was the importance of using a mask to stop the spread of COVID-19, but it went a step further by showing which masks were more effective than others.
The setup looked like a smoke generator that sent a gas that mimicked human breath through a doll’s mouth, simulating a cough.
An unmasked cough eventually sent potentially disease-carrying particles up to 12 feet into the study.
“The bigger the drops are, the greater the risk that if a person is sick, they carry the virus,” said Professor Manhar Dhanak, a professor at Florida Atlantic University who led the study.
Dhanak and his team put different types of masks on the mannequin.
A handkerchief allowed drops almost 4 feet from the face.
A folded homemade mask was better, sending cough specks just over a foot away.
The researchers then donned the stitched cotton mask that has become increasingly popular, and it worked well, with drops of just a couple of inches.
“People may be looking to buy a mask that is a quality mask,” said Dhanak. “Quality matters in what we find, in terms of how well the mask works.”
Dhanak said how he fit in was also important.
“With all these masks, one of the things that happens is that the side of the mask, where it fits the face, how well it is worn, affects the amount of leakage that occurs from the side,” he said.
Dr. Candice Jones, an Orlando physician, said the study demonstrated the importance of masks in stopping COVID-19.
“We need to get back to what works. We need social distance, to wear our masks, and if you don’t want to do that, or you can’t do it, you will still stay at home, ”he said.
As for disposable medical masks, they did a good job, but not as good as stitched cotton ones.
The medical mask allowed the drops to travel about 8 inches from the face.
