Best and worst masks Covid-19

A number of vapor tests have been done recently, and yes, the N-95 masks (without exhaust port) are the best protection, but are still in too short supply for all of us to have and use. The hospitals, clinics and dentist offices are still insisting that patient-facing staff who wear them make them last at least all day, if not for multiple days at a time. When they were used per-Covid, masks were discarded and replaced between patients in infectious situations (like with MRSA patients or immuno-compromised patients.)

Other masks that tested well (not quite as good as N-95) were surgical masks (the multi-layer disposable type) and cloth masks made of multiple layers of tightly woven cotton or cotton blend fabrics. Masks that did a poor job of keeping droplets from spreading were bandanas and the "gaiter" type or other masks made of fleece or knit fabric.

We wear 3-layer clothe masks for everyday use, we have several different styles, with different type of ties/elastic depending on how they will be used on a particular day. We also have a small supply of N-95 masks which we use when exposed to soil due to lung issues. We are safeguarding those to use in case one of us becomes ill.

It must also be noted that masks are ONLY effective if they cover your face snugly from above the nostrils to the chin so as little vapor escapes as possible. Also, a mask that becomes wet from your breath should be replaced with a clean, dry one as wet masks are not as effective. Discard the soiled mask or bag it for washing & wash or sanitize your hands after handling it. Reusable masks should washed very frequently by hand or machine. Air drying is fine - the soap & water kill the virus. After a day of errands or visiting with my kids/grands, we may have as many as 6 masks to wash.
Sue

I have been working on my mask system for awhile. This is a KN95 with the straps pulled off with a handmade cotton facemask cover. It holds the KN95 on my face and the KN95 helps me to breathe. Plus the KN95 actually protects me from other people. I couldn't stand how the cotton masks got sucked into my nose and mouth and that made breathing difficult. So the structure of the KN95 helps a lot. The KN95s also don't have the best straps and they fall off easily. But I don't need the straps with my cotton facemask cover.

This looks fantastic @ihatediabetes. There are so many different opinions, are you certain that the KN95 protects you too?

Absolutely. KN95s are supposed to be equivalent to N95 masks. You just need to make sure they are real. I heard you can test them by trying to blow out a candle while wearing the mask. Also I am thinking of getting some double-sided tape so I can tack down the KN95 to the cotton cover.

@ihatediabetes- How will I know if they are real?

@ihatediabetes- How will I know if they are real?

I heard you try to blow out a candle. It passes if you can't blow out candle with mask on. Then you pour water into the mask holding the straps. The mask should hold the water where none drips out. If the mask passes then I'm pretty sure it's real and not a fake. There has been a problem with people setting up shop and making masks with inferior materials. That's because masks have gotten so expensive and people are trying to make a quick buck. But I think anything you buy that's in stock in the United States is probably real. They would have to test before they ship to Americans because they would be liable if the masks are fakes. I worry most about people that are buying masks on-line and the masks are being shipped directly to customers from overseas.

@merpreb My dentist's office says to buy them from a US company that tests them, and doesn't just accept the label. According to them, the ad should say something like "US tested." I just started looking for some - if I find what looks like a good source, I'll let you know.
Sue
PS Be wary of anyone selling "3M N-95 Medical Masks" - according to my sister who works there, even employees cannot buy them for personal use - the entire supply is committed to the medical industry - if you can find them you will pay a very high price per mask - in the area of $6-10 each (I used to pay $1.25 in quantity of 20.) You can still get a limited amount of the 3M industrial ones with exhaust port for yard work and similar - we see them at our paint stores, but again for a quite inflated price.

Absolutely. KN95s are supposed to be equivalent to N95 masks. You just need to make sure they are real. I heard you can test them by trying to blow out a candle while wearing the mask. Also I am thinking of getting some double-sided tape so I can tack down the KN95 to the cotton cover.