Science has repeatedly proven that face masks can prevent the spread of coronavirus and therefore save lives.
There are different types of face masks available, but most of them are reserved for health professionals working in close contact with anyone who is sick and infected with the deadly virus. However, the World Health Organization and the CDC still recommend the general public without any underlying conditions to wear a fabric mask.
It is important to note that not all of them work at the same level of protection. Ideally, the face masks must be able to block large respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes and smaller airborne particles known as aerosols, produced when a person is talking.
Scientists have been evaluating different types of masks by their levels of protection. Below are ranked from the best to worst face masks to wear:
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1. N99 and N95 Masks
Health agencies reserve N99 and N95 masks for healthcare workers as they provide the best protection to frontliners. Both face masks are sealed tightly around the nose and mouth, preventing viral particles from seeping in or out. Moreover, these masks contain tangled fibers to filter airborne particles.
A study has found that N99 masks reduced the risk by 94% to 99% after 20 minutes of exposure in a highly contaminated environment. At the same time, N95 masks have 95% efficiency of the same protection and are said to be better than surgical masks.
2. Disposable Surgical Masks
Disposable surgical masks rank second as they are usually the safest option if N99 or N95 masks are not available. These types of masks are made of nonwoven fabric and proven to reduce transmission of multiple coronaviruses through respiratory droplets and smaller aerosols.
A 2013 study found that these masks are three times more effective than homemade face masks and are also recommended for healthcare workers.
3. Hybrid Masks
Hybrid masks are made from combining a layer of 600-thread-count cotton with any material, such as chiffon, silk, and flannel. A recent paper found that the combination of cotton and chiffon works best as the homemade face mask.
4. Three Layers of Cotton and Silk
WHO recommends that homemade face masks must comprise three layers. The first layer should be an inner layer that absorbs, followed by the middle layer that filters, and lastly, an outer layer made of polyester.
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A study from the University of Illinois found that three layers of either silk or 100% cotton offer similar protective properties as a medical-grade mask. Silk can help trap smaller viral particles due to their electrostatic properties.
5. Vacuum Cleaner Bags
According to the study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, vacuum-cleaner bags, or specifically, the vacuum-cleaner filters inserted into a cloth mask, can reduce infection by 83% after 30 seconds of exposure to the virus.
The study suggests that vacuum cleaner bags can filter aerosols just the same with surgical masks.
6. Tea Towels and Antimicrobial Pillowcases
These materials are not ideal to use, but they are better than a single layer of cotton. The researchers said that tea towels must be lightly woven to protect its user adequately.
At the same time, antimicrobial pillowcases, most likely made from bamboo, satin, or silk, are better than the standard pillowcase.
7. Wrapping a Scarf or Cotton T-Shirt Around the Face
Researchers from the United Kingdom said that a single layer of 80-thread-count cotton wrapped around the face is among the least effective way of protecting oneself from getting infected. Still, it is better than no face coverings at all.
8. Single-Layer Cotton Mask vs. Single-Layer Paper Masks
Scientists from the UK found that people wearing cotton masks have a 54% lower chance of infection compared to those who do not wear anything at all. Also, paper masks had a 39% lower chance of infection than those who do not wear any face masks.
Needless to say, paper masks are thinner and therefore provide less protection than a surgical mask with three layers of fabric.
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