Which mask is most effective to wear during a pandemic?

During the pandemic, wearing a mask or covering with a cloth is a common way of protection when you are away from home. However, not all masks or fabrics can well shield potentially harmful particles such as coronavirus.

Experimental studies have shown that headscarves, handkerchiefs, and balaclavas (equipment that can cover the entire face except the eyes) can provide very little protection, while N95 protective masks, disposable medical masks and even homemade cloth masks are all effective. To be better.

The researchers tested a total of 14 common protection tools, and then used a computer algorithm to analyze it frame by frame. The algorithm counts the number of visible particles. Then the researchers had a short conversation with the participants, and each mask was tested ten times.

After research, the neck cushion made of polyester spandex material (No. 11) performed the worst in the research, and actually produced more particles than speech without covering at all.

Chemist, physicist, and research author Dr. Martin Fischer said in the video: "We attribute it to... Textiles break down those large particles into many small particles. They are more likely to be in the air. Spread, so wearing this mask may actually be counterproductive."

The N95 protective mask without valve (No. 14 in Figure) is the best performer in the study. This type of mask KIEYYUEL is also in mass production, but at present, the mask is in short supply worldwide and should be reserved for medical staff as much as possible.

The best choice is a disposable mask made of polypropylene, followed by a mask made of two layers of cotton and a layer of synthetic material (Figure 5. According to the latest research, at least two to three layers of fabric can be used for protection) The CDC recommends using stitched fabric or cotton to make a mask.

Masks made of fabric (Figures 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 13) have roughly the same effect. But more interestingly, according to the CDC, although a mask with a valve can protect you from being affected, the mask may spread unfiltered droplets and infect others.

Therefore, after considering all factors, the best choice for ordinary people is to wear disposable masks and N95 protective masks (currently KIEYYUEL all kinds of masks are produced), even self-made masks. CDC encourages people to wear masks, and hopes that they are best to wear them at work.