Do you wear the best face covers?

Houston – We’ve always spent enough time knowing what type of face cover we want to wear most. Wearing a mask or face cover can prevent the spread of COVID-19, but not all are the same. You may want to consider the type of face mask you are wearing

Which type of face mask is best for you?

Zahara Lockhart in Houston takes no chance. She wears a cloth mask for protection when she goes out.

“That corona, it’s not a joke, it’s not a joke,” Zahara Lockhart told us. “You should wear a mask so you don’t get sick. You don’t want to catch a corona that can kill you.”

I also tried different mask styles before finding my favorites.

“This is very protective,” Lakshanda Lehmann said. “It has two layers, the top is really breathable, and there’s space in it so it won’t come into your mouth.”

“I bought it about 5 minutes ago,” says Michael Dorsey. “I try using cloth instead of the rubber behind my ears. I’m wearing hearing aids, so sometimes it’s uncomfortable for others.”

Experts say that wearing a mask in public is one of the best ways to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, not all masks are created equal and not all are good at getting rid of particles like those that carry coronaviruses.

Research examines mask types

Recent Duke University Research We looked at the 14 most common face coverings. Cloth masks, surgical masks, bandanas, handkerchiefs, and gator masks popular with children and summer.

Researchers Person talking to the box Each mask was worn and a laser and camera were used to track respiratory droplets. (The video of this experiment is really cool You can see here) Findings: Little protection from bandanas, handkerchiefs, and neck gaiters.

Researchers at Duke say the neck gaiter material actually destroyed air particles and spread the bacteria even further.

So what stops the spread? We know the N-95 mask is the best choice, but it is recommended by medical professionals due to lack of supply. Surgical masks made of plastic-based materials are suboptimal. Then a homemade mask with at least 2 layers (preferably 3 layers).

A cloth mask with creases on the front fabric also provided additional protection.

CDC has issued guidance on how to avoid valve masks. The valve allows air to escape through the hole. That is, the droplets can infect others.

Dr. Katlyn JetelinaThe University of Texas School of Public Health, epidemiologists are not convinced that Duke’s research provided enough information that styles of all kinds should be avoided. Reason? The study was too small to include only one person.

“There are different types of speakers,” explains Dr. Jetelina. “Soft, noisy, with a lot of spitting, which will certainly affect the effectiveness of the mask.”

But the masks definitely work, especially layered masks, she says.

“I highly recommend two layers. WHO recommends a three-layer cloth mask,” he said. “It’s really that level of protection. You don’t need that one layer. You can’t control the spread of the infection.”

Another Benefit of Masks-Italian researchers have found that people wearing masks tend to be more than 6 feet away from others.

Complete list of tested masks

The complete list of tested masks is: Each mask is identified by a number at Duke Health and provides a photo of the mask.

1. Installed N95, no valve (14 in the photo)

2. Three-layer surgical mask (1)

3. Cotton-polypropylene-cotton masks (5)

4. Two-layer polypropylene apron mask (4)

5. 2-layer cotton, pleated style mask (13)

6. 2-layer cotton, pleated style mask (7)

7. N95 mask with valve (2)

8. 2-layer cotton, Olson style mask (8)

9. One layer Maxima AT mask (6)

10. One layer cotton, pleated style mask (10)

11. Two-layer cotton, pleated style mask (9)

12. Knit mask (3)

13. Double layer bandana (12)

14. Gaiter style neck fleece (11)