At this time of the global pandemic COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) has recommended the use of masks as one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of the coronavirus. With thousands contracting the disease, scientists and health officials are searching for ways to keep COVID from spreading. The use of masks is heavily recommended by these health officials to provide a barrier and prevent respiratory droplets from traveling when speaking, coughing, and other verbal activities.
Since COVID began its spread around the world, the CDC advised everyone over the age of 2 to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth to prevent the spread. However, it can be difficult to decide and research which type of mask is the best for the safety of yourself and others. Clearly, N95 Respirator masks are extremely effective, however, these masks are intended for healthcare workers and are not recommended by the CDC due to short supply.
“NISD Health Services stepped up in March and donated all our N95 masks from the school clinics to our hospital community. All of our PPE has been replenished,” school nurse, Jessie Hernandez said.
To prevent shortages, disposable surgical masks are 3x more effective than homemade ones. However, healthcare workers should still have first access.
“I will have to say a cotton homemade mask [is the most effective after those recommended for health care workers],” Hernandez said.
Homemade masks can be very efficient if made correctly through a sewing machine. CDC officials noted that knitted masks with large pores may allow more particles to enter. The washing and drying of the mask could also further decrease its efficiency. Therefore, knitted masks are not a high recommendation as one can easily find other types of masks that will work just as well and ensure the safety of yourself and others.
“Any mask that is not made with proper material [are not recommended]. For example, I have seen some sheer, lace, and crocheted masks. They may look cute, however, there is absolutely no protection from that person’s secretions staying in their mask,” Hernandez said.
One must be sure homemade or store-bought masks, however, have two layers or more as single-layer cloth masks are not nearly as effective as those that are double layered. According to an article done by HealthGrades, these two-layered masks can decrease droplet spray from 8 feet to 2.5 inches.
“I think that the standard mask is pretty effective, but the cloth ones I feel are more protective,” varsity football player James Martinez said.
Neck gaiters have been popularized over these past months as a replacement for a tight-fitting mask, however, these masks are not recommended whatsoever by health officials. Seeing as many are made from synthetic fleece, gaiters do more harm as they “aerosolized the wearer’s respiratory droplets.” (Healthgrades) On several rankings of the best type of mask, neck gaiters were ranked as worse than no mask at all. Athletic teams have used gaiters for practice for breathability, but social distancing during such practices is the best protective measure against the virus.
“When social distancing I feel that it does help by also wearing masks, because I think it provides extra protection against the virus,” Martinez said.
With a wide variety of choices for an effective mask, CDC wants to ensure the following three things when picking out your mask:
- Have two or more layers of breathable fabric
- The mask completely covers your mouth and nose
- The mask should fit snugly without any gaps.
All students will be required to wear masks while present for on-campus learning. These guidelines can help when finding a mask that is both effective and comfortable.