Knits: NOT a Safe Option!!
Worse than Wearing Nothing:
Aerosolizes & Spreads COVID-19
Demystifying the Wild West of Masking
Retailers, Hospitals, Media, Govt. Agencies Defy Basic Masking Safety
Retailers promote gaiters, knits, valves and unsafe products that aerosolize and spread COVID-19. Hospitals buy them in bulk!
Magazines, newspapers peddle unsafe masks in "articles" to earn commissions. Journalist test masks for comfort, not safety.
What's Safe? Three (3) Smart Options
Certified N95 Mask (NO VALVE)
Two-Layer, All-Cotton, High Thread Count, Tightly Woven Cloth Mask
Certified N95 Mask (NO VALVE)
Filtration: 97% (Wake Forest)
ONE-TIME USE (disposable)
Not all contoured masks are certified, medical-grade N-95 masks, and N95s with valves have been banned in many areas.
(Food & Drug Administration information on N95s and surgical mask)
"KN95s"are certified by the Chinese government (as opposed to the U.S. government).
A dangerous black market in fraudulent N95s and KN95s has developed with substandard, non-certified masks made from materials like fiberglass.
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PROS: Tight seal to face; Gold standard in filtration and protection
CONS: Wearers complain of breathing difficulties and generated heat; High rate of fakes on market; Single-use/Disposable
Three-Layer Surgical Mask
Two-Layer, All-Cotton, High Thread Count, Tightly Woven Cloth Mask
Certified N95 Mask (NO VALVE)
Filtration: 62 - 65% (Wake Forest)
ONE-TIME USE (disposable)
A proper surgical mask is three layers of non-woven, medically approved fabric -- most likely polypropylene.
The personal protection equipment (PPE) shortage has led to the widespread use of single-layer surgical masks, with doctors being told they have a 40 percent filtration rate when issued.
For better protection, double up single-layer surgical masks or couple one with a high-quality cloth mask.
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PROS: Lightweight; Highly breathable; Good for frequent public speakers (because more oxygen allowed in); Good for adults, children and people with special needs highly sensitive to items/cloth on face; Good for people with severe breathing or asthma problems
CONS: Collects moisture towards mouth; Lack of fabric flexibility can create air gaps & stop tight seal around face; High rate of fakes on market; Single-use/Disposable
Two-Layer, All-Cotton, High Thread Count, Tightly Woven Cloth Mask
Two-Layer, All-Cotton, High Thread Count, Tightly Woven Cloth Mask
Two-Layer, All-Cotton, High Thread Count, Tightly Woven Cloth Mask
Filtration: 79% (Wake Forest)
REUSABLE
Research has shown cloth masks or face covering vary widely. Only two-layer, high thread count, 100% cotton, tightly woven masks hail a 79% filtration rate.
AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH: Local quilters will provide higher-filtration masks than Old Navy, Banana Republic, Nordstrom and retailers selling masks provided from t-shirt and fashion industry manufacturers. Even doctors offices, hospitals and health insurers are regularly distributing unsafe masks -- many of them made from knits and unsafe fabrics.
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PROS: Flexibility of fabric has tighter seal around face than surgical mask to prevent air "leakage" (if properly sized); Higher filtration than surgical masks; More breathable than N95s; Reusable/Washable
CONS: Lower filtration than N95s (but can be close if extra layers added); Need to search for high quality cloth masks (to balance high filtration with breathability); Less breathable for people with severe asthma and people with breathing problems
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Any lower grade of fabric, weave or layers has shown much, much lower filtration rates -- some dropping to just 1 percent, according to Wake Forest research!
Face coverings such as bandanas, scarves, balaclavas or gaiters are NOT cloth face masks and have shown to spread COVID-19 by aerosolizing saliva droplets (Duke University research)
Basic NO-NOs of Masking
NO Knits
NO Gaiters, Balaclavas & Scarves
NO to Neoprene
Knits don't provide proper filtration.
UPDATES - Duke research shows knits, gaiters and single-layer face coverings aerosolize and spread viral particulates
Wake Forest researcher: "you don't want to use a knit fabric [for masks], because the holes between the knit stitches are bigger."
NO to Neoprene
NO Gaiters, Balaclavas & Scarves
NO to Neoprene
Until research shows that neoprene is a safe option, steer clear of these masks. Neoprene is a thick, synthetic knit used for wet suits.
Retailers boasting about the "breathability" of these masks is irrelevant. Lace is breathable -- and will provide absolutely no protection when breathing in or exhaling COVID-19-infected air.
NO Gaiters, Balaclavas & Scarves
NO Gaiters, Balaclavas & Scarves
NO Gaiters, Balaclavas & Scarves
They're knit, often single layer and made out of polyester or other bad fiber choices for viral protection.
UPDATES - Duke research shows knits, gaiters and single-layer face coverings aerosolize and spread viral particulates
Wake Forest researcher: "you don't want to use a knit fabric [for masks], because the holes between the knit stitches are bigger."
NO Gaps or Poor Fit
NO Gaps or Poor Fit
NO Gaiters, Balaclavas & Scarves
Masks need to filter the air coming into your nose and mouth -- not just move around to the sides, above the cheeks and below the chin.
Tighten and tuck so no air enters or escapes from gaps in your mask.
NO Valves
NO Gaps or Poor Fit
NO to Bandanas
In March 2020, I issued a warned against random, uncertified valves.
UPDATE - In August, the CDC finally issued warnings against ALL valve masks after cities, counties, airlines, hospitals and others banned valve masks.
NO to Bandanas
NO Gaps or Poor Fit
NO to Bandanas
Bandanas have an exceptionally open weave and are the equivalent of not masking.
- Congressman Blames Bandana for COVID Diagnosis
-Ignored Warnings from own ABC Affiliate: "Bandanas Least Effective"
NO to Cotton/Synthetic Blends & Most Synthetics
NO to Cotton/Synthetic Blends & Most Synthetics
NO to Cotton/Synthetic Blends & Most Synthetics
Polypropylene is one of the few exceptions, which is the basis for surgical masks. Sadly, its medical protection degrades upon washing -- even when hand washing.
FYI: The shortened term "poly" means polyester, which should NOT be used for face masks. (i.e., "poly/cotton" means "polyester and cotton")
NO to Seams in Breathing Zone
NO to Cotton/Synthetic Blends & Most Synthetics
NO to Cotton/Synthetic Blends & Most Synthetics
Give customers a reason to do business with you.That cute little form-fitting mask has needle holes through your entire breathing zone, which makes you vulnerable to viral particulate penetration. UPDATE - Wake Forest research backed up this vulnerability.
NO, Filters Pockets Don't Help
NO to Cotton/Synthetic Blends & Most Synthetics
NO to Embellishments & Paint (...but YES to dye & Sharpies!)
To be effective and prevent "leakage" around the sides of filters, filter fabric must be sewn entirely into the full structure of the mask. (Hey, it seemed like a great idea at the time ...)
UPDATE - Wake Forest research determines removable filters obstruct breathing and do not aid filtration.
NO to Embellishments & Paint (...but YES to dye & Sharpies!)
NO to Embellishments & Paint (...but YES to dye & Sharpies!)
NO to Embellishments & Paint (...but YES to dye & Sharpies!)
COVID-19 can survive on hard surfaces for days. Don't add anything to a mask that:
- extends the life of the virus (glue, plastic, glitter, acrylic paint, metal)
- obstructs breathing (plastic, metal, glue, acrylic paint)
- breaks through mask (stitching, holes, grommets)
ALTERNATIVES: STAINS, DYES & PERMANENT INK! Permanent markers are a great alternative!
NO to Repurposed T-Shirts
NO to Embellishments & Paint (...but YES to dye & Sharpies!)
NO to Random Contoured Masks
Unless it's 2006 and you're in a battling avian flu in a remote part of the world -- and need to safely cart off the dearly departed -- you shouldn't be wrapping your head in this eight-layer, CDC-suggested monstrosity ... or ANY type of t-shirt fabric. (See "NO to Knits")
Turn your old t-shirts into cleaning rags, instead.
NO to Random Contoured Masks
NO to Embellishments & Paint (...but YES to dye & Sharpies!)
NO to Random Contoured Masks
Does it filter out saw dust? Or viral particulates? Don't assume that any contoured mask is medical grade. N95s and other medical-grade masks are clearly labeled and certified. [News & Observer article: Spotting Fake N95s]
Smart Masking @ Home
Set Standards Early
Set Standards Early
Set Standards Early
When and how do you wear a masks? How do you take it off? Do you touch the inside? Where do you put it when it's off? When do you wash your hands? What if a friend approaches you without a mask?
Agree to a set of family norms so everyone understands what's expected.so family members can gently remind each other as all get used to the "new normal."
Go through videos together as a family. Ask the kids to point out good and bad masking habits from the videos or on the news.
Make It Fun
Set Standards Early
Set Standards Early
Being responsible doesn't mean you can't smile while doing it!
Choose fabrics or colors your family members love ... or that put smiles on your faces!
Make It Easy
Set Standards Early
Make it Routine
CLEAN MASKS: Put them near the front door or where family members can quickly reach them when needed.
DIRTY MASKS: Create a laundry bag or location so routines are set on where to take off and put dirty masks upon re-entering the house.
SPARE MASKS: Sash spares where most needed: backpack, purse, briefcase, car ...
Make it Routine
Treat it Like Underwear: Change It -- Daily!! (Sometimes Twice!)
Make it Routine
Leaving the house? Grab your backpack, keys and put on your mask!
Think in Multiples -- Especially As Schools, Offices Reopen
Treat it Like Underwear: Change It -- Daily!! (Sometimes Twice!)
Treat it Like Underwear: Change It -- Daily!! (Sometimes Twice!)
Make sure you have a three- to five-day supply of masks for each person in the household PLUS spare masks to bring to school/work. (More, if you hate to do laundry often!) While used masks are waiting to be washed, a clean one is being worn with a spare or two on hand!
Treat it Like Underwear: Change It -- Daily!! (Sometimes Twice!)
Treat it Like Underwear: Change It -- Daily!! (Sometimes Twice!)
Treat it Like Underwear: Change It -- Daily!! (Sometimes Twice!)
Masks should be changed daily and washed! More often for high-risk workers and young children. (Children often have wet masks by mid-day when wearing for prolonged periods.Breathing through wet masks can aerosolize saliva, possibly spreading infections.)
If visiting a high-risk environment, change and wash immediately!
Keep Spares on Hand
Throw a "Mad Masking" Party
Keep Spares on Hand
Just take it as a given: We'll all need fresh masks for a variety of reasons!
Have each person stash a spare in a purse, backpack, briefcase or car.
Make Duplicates
Throw a "Mad Masking" Party
Keep Spares on Hand
Having trouble getting very young or special-needs children to "mask up"? Buy them the same mask as a parent, adult, older sibling or family member.
Throw a "Mad Masking" Party
Throw a "Mad Masking" Party
Throw a "Mad Masking" Party
Pull out the Sharpie markers, socially distance and draw on your cloth masks!
(Don't do this on N95s or surgical masks; Don't do anything that will "add" materials to your mask or puncture the mask. See "No Embellishments or Paint" in "Basic NO-NOs of Masking" for safely personalizing masks.)
Smart Masking @ School or Work
OUTSIDE BREATHING BREAKS: Build them in
SPARE CONTAINER: Holding Case to "Pack it Away"
OUTSIDE BREATHING BREAKS: Build them in
WASH UP: Before & After Masking
SPARE CONTAINER: Holding Case to "Pack it Away"
OUTSIDE BREATHING BREAKS: Build them in
SPARE CONTAINER: Holding Case to "Pack it Away"
SPARE CONTAINER: Holding Case to "Pack it Away"
SPARE CONTAINER: Holding Case to "Pack it Away"
"PACK IT AWAY": Don't Hang on Body, Neck or Ear
"PACK IT AWAY": Don't Hang on Body, Neck or Ear
SPARE CONTAINER: Holding Case to "Pack it Away"
EATING: Outside if Possible & "Pack it Away"
"PACK IT AWAY": Don't Hang on Body, Neck or Ear
RECESS & PHYS. ED.: Loosen it or "Pack it Away"
Joie de vivre! Think like the French! No matter what the occasion, eat outside and make it fun!
And use those cool bandanas you bought as table cloths or napkins and enjoy your meal.
RECESS & PHYS. ED.: Loosen it or "Pack it Away"
"PACK IT AWAY": Don't Hang on Body, Neck or Ear
RECESS & PHYS. ED.: Loosen it or "Pack it Away"
LABEL MASKS
MASK STASH: Always Have Extras
MASK STASH: Always Have Extras
MASK STASH: Always Have Extras
MASK STASH: Always Have Extras
MASK STASH: Always Have Extras
Just take it as a given: We'll all need fresh masks for a variety of reasons!
Have each person stash a spare in a purse, backpack, briefcase or car.
CHANGE: If Wet or Dirty
MASK STASH: Always Have Extras
TRASH IT: Plant Cans Strategically Inside & Outside
TRASH IT: Plant Cans Strategically Inside & Outside
TRASH IT: Plant Cans Strategically Inside & Outside
TRASH IT: Plant Cans Strategically Inside & Outside
SUPPLIES LIST
TRASH IT: Plant Cans Strategically Inside & Outside
SUPPLIES LIST
- Cloth masks for the week (or surgical masks)
- "Mask stash" bag to bring spares to work, school, office
- Washable, sealable container in lunch box (to store mask while eating; also for dirty cloth masks)
- Disposable surgical masks (as spares for accidents, visitors)
- Sharpie permanent markers (label cloth masks)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion