MAsks- how they compare

There are countless types of masks on the market. Which is best for your protection?

In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a global pandemic going on right now. In many public places, masks are mandatory. But while many places require masks, they don't tend to be too specific about what kind- and the wide selection of different varieties can get confusing. Overall, here's what you need to know about the different kinds of masks and their ability to keep you safe.

Cloth masks with 2-3 layers (cotton) are almost as effective as surgical masks. While you can buy masks that protect you even more, it’s best to save those for medical professionals on the front lines. These professionals are saving lives each day, and some can’t risk being infected.

While there are a lot of different kinds of cloth masks, the best kind seems to be a “hybrid” mask. This “hybrid” is a 2 layer combination: one part 600 thread count cotton and one part a chiffon-like material. According to a study conducted by the British Royal Society, a hybrid 600 thread count mask with chiffon blocked 80% of droplets smaller than 300 nanometers and 90% of droplets larger than 300 nanometers. Oddly enough, the researchers said these masks could be better at filtering than an N95 mask; however they aren’t as effective at filtering out larger particles.

A study conducted by the University of Illinois found that 3 layers of cotton were highly protective. While no exact numbers have been provided, this 3-layer cotton mask is said to be highly effective in filtering out virus particles. The school conducted a second study, currently waiting for peer review, which found that 3 layers of silk or a 100% cotton t-shirt was just as effective at filtering out particles as a medical-grade mask.

There are also other interesting methods to make homemade masks- some swear by making a simple fabric mask with a hole in it so a vacuum bag can be inserted into the mask. These were found to be just as effective as a surgical mask, helping reduce infection risk by 83% after being exposed for 30 seconds, claims a study conducted by the Journal of Hospital Infection.

Face shields are likely the most controversial type of mask, and they've been rising in popularity in recent months. These masks wrap around the top of the head, securing a shield without a potentially painful loop around the ears or a smothering attachment to the face. However, according to a study recently released by Physics of Fluids, a scientific journal which examines fluid dynamics, face shields may not be effective at protecting the wearer and those around them from potentially infected respiratory droplets. Droplets, the study claimed, can easily move around the visor and spread out over a large area. All in all, however, a face shield will still protect its wearer more effectively than no mask, and for those with respiratory issues these shields can sometimes be the only option.

While there are a lot of different mask varieties under the N95 umbrella, many of them are practically similar and filter the same size of particles in the air. These masks are indisputably the most effective mask to filter the coronavirus. Each N95/95 mask is supposed to filter out 95% of particles in the air, and will filter anything larger than 0.3 microns. For some scale, 1 micron is a millionth of a meter, and .3 microns would be approximately three-millionths of a meter. The novel Coronavirus has been identified as 5 microns, meaning N95 masks can and will completely filter out particles.

Surgical masks, on the other hand, aren't as effective. N95 masks, unlike surgical masks, have dedicated air filters, offering a layer of extra protection. While surgical masks may not be as good as masks with these special filters, they were found to be 3 times more protective than homemade masks were, according to a study done by pubmed.gov. These surgical masks, like the N95s, should be given to medical professionals first.

In order to keep everyone safe and healthy, mask-wearing is a necessity. Even if a certain mask is proven slightly less effective than another, it is still 100% more effective than no mask at all. All masks help the wearer and those near them to remain safe, and if any mask-wearing measures are taken, the rapid spread of COVID-19 could be halted.

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Jason Kraus (9)

This is Jason’s third year here at Edgewood, beginning in 7th grade. It is his first year on the Magazine staff. He enjoys spending his time hanging out with friends and family.

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