What mask should I use? New Study Shows Homemade Masks May Be More Effective

BOCA RATON, FL – Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have turned to homemade means of personal protective equipment, which researchers say may be more effective in preventing drops from coughing or sneezing.

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott issued a mask mandate to help curb the spread of COVID-19 on July 2. The mandate requires “all Texans to wear a face covering the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more COVID positives – 19 cases, with few exceptions,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

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Researchers from Florida Atlantic University published a study saying that cone-style masks and well-fitting home masks with multiple layers of fabric proved to be more effective in reducing the amount of droplets dispersed on mannequins wearing a variety of facials. Coatings.

The group also found that slightly folded face masks and bandana-style covers reduced the distance traveled by the drops by a factor of 1/8 – 1/2, compared to an uncovered cough.

Dummies who did not wear masks during the test sprayed droplets at more than six feet, which is a marker used to denote popular recommendations for social distancing.

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The test was performed simulating cough or sneeze and using a laser to detect drops. The mannequins wore a variety of masks and then simulated coughing or sneezing. From there, the team was able to map the droplet paths and examine the material designs.

In an interview with AIP Publishing, Siddhartha Verma said that while facial coatings are not perfect, they can be shown to be effective when used in combination with other recommendations from health care officials.

“It is also important to understand that facial coatings are not 100% effective in blocking respiratory pathogens,” Verma said in the interview. “That is why it is imperative that we use a combination of social distancing, facial covering, hand washing, and other recommendations from health care officials until an effective vaccine is released.”

Verma said the group seeks to continue studying the complex relationship between droplets, evaporations, ambient air flow, and the properties of respiratory fluid when forced to leave the body and a subject.