MakerMask collaborated with the Energy and Aerosols Laboratory at the University of British Columbia (UBC) to explore filtration and breathability of nonwoven and woven fabrics for reusable masks before and after washing. This post summarizes the key findings. See the paper for details: https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.220044 Motivation Although mask mandates have been rescinded, washable masks remain widely […]
The Spectrum of Masks: Exploring Mask Options
Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, a wide variety of mask options are available. How do they compare? Figure 1 shows masks arranged into a spectrum, roughly in order of their filtration efficiency. Different masks serve different tasks. A mask can function as source control (my mask protects you) and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) (my […]
Mask Acoustics
The advent of widespread community masking during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has spurred new research exploring the effects of face coverings on acoustics and speech comprehension. This post will begin with an overview of the studies by Corey et al and Atcherson et al which evaluate the acoustics of face coverings and face shields by looking […]
An Interview on the Large-Scale Randomized Bangladesh Mask Study
Is community mask-wearing effective in reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2? Numerous observational, epidemiology, laboratory, and modeling studies have suggested that masks work. The results of these studies are now supported by the first massive randomized controlled trial, the gold standard in medical research, conducted in the real world. In this post, one of the principal […]
A Mask Fabric Combination Better Than Cotton
In this guest blog post Ania Mitros, Ph.D. discusses the laboratory testing data and science behind her preferred fabric combination for masks: two layers of ~65 gsm (gram/m²) spunbond nonwoven polypropylene (NWPP) plus one layer of ~130 gsm woven cotton. Her recommendation comes after reading dozens of scientific publications on the subject and investing thousands […]
Masking Children for School
The highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 is on the rise just as the school year begins. Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools to protect students and broader school communities. However, there is currently no authorized COVID-19 vaccine for children under 12. We must rely on other mitigation measures to protect them. In July 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both updated their guidance to recommend universal indoor masking for everyone in school, regardless of vaccination status, along with other mitigation measures. What masks should parents select to protect their children as they return to school?
Making Sense of FDA Mask Designations
Shopping for a high-performing mask is a daunting task and claims of FDA approval would certainly make life easier but, spoiler alert, there’s no such thing as “FDA-approved” masks! There are however a number of FDA hoops that manufacturers can jump through to indicate some degree of quality and performance. The goal of this post […]
Flying with Kids: Mask Selection and Risk Mitigation
With vaccinations on the rise, so are vacations and air travel. Many families are contemplating plans that involve flying with kids. This post presents mask information and risk management ideas related to flying with children. First we discuss how to select children’s face masks. Then we focus our attention on transmission risks specific to air […]
Fabric Mask Filtration Overview
This post aims to provide a basic understanding of fabric mask filtration through a broad overview of particle physics, disease transmission, and biology of particles. Introduction: How well do fabric masks filter? The question of how well any specific mask fabric combination blocks SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, turns out to be rather complex. […]
Double-Masking and the Science of Fabric Layering
In the spring of 2021 the CDC published advice on double-masking which was based on the results of a study published in February of this year. Although some people that have been fully vaccinated are wearing masks less frequently (per the CDC guidance published in May), there are many instances where mask use is still […]
