The face mask stood for a strategy of infection control that focused on keeping all germs away, as opposed to killing them with chemicals. The physician Alexander Fraenkel in Berlin, for example, was sceptical about the “whole surgical costume with a bonnet, mouth mask and veil, devised under the slogan of total wound sterility”. A study of more than 1000 photographs of surgeons in operating rooms in US and European hospitals between 1863 and 1969 indicated that by 1923 over two-thirds of them wore masks and by 1935 most of them were using masks.
We also recommend that infection control guidelines be updated about cloth mask use to protect the occupational health and safety of HCWs. In their study of masks recommended for the public, the researchers emphasize the importance of mask material and fit. Their results indicate that not only are certain cloth masks effective at keeping out viral particles, but in many cases perform as well as or better than non-N95 COVID 19 Test Kits. Fabrics with multiple woven layers and reducing gaps provide substantially more particle filtration.
Long a recommendation in our guide to the best face masks for kids, the Happy Masks Pro is now also an adult pick. A recent design update extended its vertical length, so it’s better at staying put on adult chins. We love how it combines high filtration efficiency (filtering out around 94% of 0.5-micron particles) with plenty of room to breathe, thanks to what the makers call a “parrot beak”–shaped silhouette. The company also sells the more-structured Happy Masks Ultra, which is machine-washable on a gentle cycle, but still requires air-drying.
Masks and respirators (i.e., specialized filtering masks such as “N95s”) can provide different levels of protection depending on the type of mask and how they are used. Unfortunately, most disposable surgical masks do not offer a sufficient level of protection against airborne viruses, as these loose-fitting masks are designed at keeping out particulates and fluids. An N95 is much more effective, as it forms a close seal around your nose and mouth. Participants wore the mask on every shift for four consecutive weeks. They were asked to wash cloth masks with soap and water every day after finishing the shifts. Participants were supplied with written instructions on how to clean their cloth masks.
For instance, during the omicron surge there was a sharp increase in risk of transmission, so experts advised upgrading accordingly to a well-fitting N95, KN95 or KF94, or double masking. The bottom line is that any mask that covers the nose and mouth will be of benefit. “I think there’s enough evidence to say that the best benefit is for people who have COVID-19 to protect them from giving COVID-19 to other people, but you’re still going to get a benefit from wearing a mask if you don’t have COVID-19,” said Chin-Hong.
This means there should be no gaps along the sides of the mask between the mask and the face and that the mask should extend from the bridge of the nose to the chin. It is Disposable masks critical that the mask covers not only the mouth, but also the nose. To ensure adequate coverage of the nose, masks should not be worn below or at the tip of the nose.