With Covid-19 cases rising rapidly across the country, including here in Pima County, it is a good time to reconsider your mask choice.\u00a0 N95\u2019s and surgical masks offer the best protection.\u00a0 N95\u2019s block 95-99% of particles.\u00a0 However, not everyone has access to them.\u00a0 Lindsey Marr, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Virginia Tech recently tested 11 different mask materials.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0While a simple cloth mask is better than nothing at all, improvements to your mask or a change to another material can reduce your chances of getting or spreading the virus.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the Virginia Tech study, 100% cotton masks provided about 50% filtration.\u00a0 They tested other materials including vacuum cleaner bags, coffee filters, bandanas, face shields, and surgical masks.\u00a0 Based on their study analyzing inward and outward protection, the researchers recommend a three-layer mask consisting of two outer layers consisting of flexible, tightly woven fabric and an inner layer designed to filter out smaller particles.\u00a0 For the inner layer, they recommend a MERV 14 filter, vacuum bag, or good surgical mask.\u00a0 Test the materials for yourself because comfort and breathability are critically important.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In their research, they offer several other conclusions.\u00a0 Regarding acrylic face shields, they do not recommend using them as a single defense against Covid-19.\u00a0 They offer almost no protection against airborne particles.\u00a0 A face shield should only be used in conjunction with a mask.<\/p>\n
Tie strings generally work better than ear loops for most people.\u00a0 This is because tie strings will generally make the mask fit tighter against your face than ear loops.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mask fit is an essential factor in reducing the spread of the virus.\u00a0 A mask material that blocks 80% of particles blocks far less than that in reality if there are gaps between the mask and your face.\u00a0 Make sure that there are no holes or space between the mask and your face.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Virginia Tech research included an analysis of inward and outward protection of all mask materials. \u00a0It is widely believed that a mask essentially protects others from you (i.e. outward protection).\u00a0 \u00a0They found that while the amount of protection is less, a mask also protects the wearer from those around him or her.\u00a0 For example, the outward protection filtration efficiency might be 75% while the inward filtration efficiency is 50%.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At SYNERGY HomeCare of Tucson, we are extremely focused on the safety of our caregivers and our home care clients.\u00a0 We offer surgical masks and KN95\u2019s to all caregivers, as well as surgical gloves and hand sanitizer.\u00a0 \u00a0We also make PPE available to our clients.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Some simple changes to your cloth mask can increase your safety as well as those around you.\u00a0 This and other helpful advice on masks in the fight against Covid-19.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":222,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-268","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-safety"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n