Are all masks created equal?

At present, the topic of returning to the classroom is certainly on the forefront of everyone’s mind with school aged children. This is not a decision that is being made lightly or without meticulous deliberations and careful considerations of the myriad of issues involved. One of the multiple topics that has been discussed is facial coverings. Masks come in different levels of protection and their effectiveness is being cautiously studied. The CDC has broken down the types of masks into categories and differentiated their specific roles. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html

1) N95-hospital grade used to care for patients who are suspected to have COVID-19 or diagnosed with COVID-19.

2) Surgical masks-reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

3) Cloth masks-for non-healthcare settings. They come with different levels of protection. Studies have been done to test the effectiveness of different types of cloth masks, which is shown in more detail in this attached article. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7185834/

To summarize cloth mask data;

· Fabrics with tight weaves and low porosity are preferable for example the higher the thread count the more effective. Fabrics that are porous such as mesh should be avoided.

· Materials including natural silk, a chiffon weave, and flannel can likely provide good electrostatic filtering of particles.

· Silk in layers (as maybe the case for a wrapped scarf) provide good protection.

· Combining layers to form hybrid masks, for example adding the PM2.5 filter to a pocket inside the mask can add additional protection. (PM2.5~particulate matter that have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers)

· https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6698280/

· The better the fit the more beneficial. Masks must be worn over both the nose and mouth snugly to be successful.

· Washing masks between uses is advised.

•Using a mask with a valve is not advised.

(Some masks and respirators have a little plastic piece embedded in the fabric. It’s a one-way valve. That means it closes when you breathe in, so pathogens can’t get in through it. But when you breathe out, this valve opens, creating a doorway for your exhalation & germs to leave the mask)

WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN!!

It means, ANY mask is better than none and wearing them appropriately is vital.

~Hope this helps

Disclaimer: This research was done by one board member, not a collective statement from the Medfield Board of Health or from The Brigham and Women’s hospital. The information is subject to change as new data about COVID-19 emerges.