New Types of Masks Available or being worked on

[Monykalyn]

I believe that many healthcare workers use the cloth masks over their their N-95 or N-mask. That would reduce the work done by the mask (coarse particles would be caught by the cloth), would protect the N-95 mask from physical damage, and would help keep the N-95 mask in place.

Yeah I know at some nurses aids using the disposable paper masks over the N-95 too. Definitely helps keep it clean! Most of my kitchen staff are straight cloth masks though-they aren't face to face with residents though usually. And my daughter has the cloth mask when she works (restaurant). For those instances they are probably just fine.

 

[Nolathyme]

I've heard a mask only protects others from getting COVID-19 if you have the disease and wear a mask. But if someone has COVID-19 and you have a mask on, it won't prevent you from getting it.

So if I have COVID and wear a mask, the droplets can't get past my mask, but if I don't have it and someone near me does, the droplets can get past my mask.

How does my mask know if a droplet is coming in or going out?

I'm definitely missing something.

 

[Cornell]

The mask doesn’t know but the droplet does

 

[paxsarah]

It's not an all or nothing on either side of the equation. The issue is that if you're wearing a mask and someone else is not, if they cough or sneeze, those droplets can more easily land not only on your mask, but your face, hands, eyes, surfaces you'll touch, etc, etc. Your mask may prevent you from immediately inhaling their droplets as they fly through the air, but they don't protect you from their spread all around and all over you. If that person were wearing a mask, the mask dampens the velocity with which those droplets leave their body, and catches most of them before they go out into the world. Most will probably never get to you (if you're also social distancing), and very likely not in the numbers needed to actually infect you.

 

[PigsDad]

I think it's also important to note that you don't get infected by the virus landing on your arms, hands, clothes, etc. You must transfer that virus to your mouth, nose or eyes. So even if some infected droplets land on your person, if you practice good hygiene, washing your hands and not touching your face, you have a very good chance of being just fine.

Kurt

 

[TravelTime]

This article has some good types on the recent science on masks and ways to make mask wearing more effective. A few key points:

"New research says your blue surgical mask will reduce the amount of respiratory droplets that escape your mouth — coronavirus-infected or not — and shield you from those coming from others, according to a study published Tuesday in the journal Physics of Fluids."

"But the mask’s ability to do so diminishes as you and surrounding people cough repeatedly, the researchers from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus — an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean — said in their study."

"After 10 coughing sessions, a mask’s ability to block incoming and outgoing germs dropped by about 8%, the study said, which is a 'conservative' prediction because severe cough attacks, and the longer one wears a mask, could make it less able to protect you and others."

Read more here: https://www.sacbee.com/news/coronavirus/article243576932.html?#storylink=cpy

Some important tips:
- Always wear a mask because the best science available says it might help protect you and others.
- Replace your blue surgical mask with every usage and wash cloth masks after every use because using the same mask becomes less effective after time.
- Make sure the mask fits securely to reduce leakage.
- Continue social distancing, avoid large gatherings and don't think of a mask as a false security.

I finally got an order of blue surgical masks a few weeks ago so now my mask fits much better and does not fall off. Both my DH and I are wearing blue surgical masks when we go out (which still isn't too often) and maintaining social distancing. We were homebodies before Covid so sheltering in place does not bother us too much. But I am hoping the re-opening will move forward in a positive way and we will not see a second wave. If everyone follows safety precautions, I hope the re-opening will be successful.

 

[Conan]

Image deleted. When you feel you have to apologize in advance, don't post it.

[Sorry....]

 

[jme]

Latest on masks:
First, masks are not 100% effective, of course. No one has ever said they were.
But what we're talking about, and always have been, is reduction of risk.
Masks GREATLY reduce the incidence of transmission, and that has been explained ad nauseum,
but people still fail to grasp it, or even to acknowledge it based on non-science-based "personal beliefs".
If you go into a store and wear a mask and someone else is not, the one not wearing a mask is much more likely to spread something
or get something (whether they think they are Covid-positive or not, they could have it and be asymptomatic, or not have it and remain vulnerable),
and the one wearing a mask is far less likely, but still able.

6 states report record-high jumps in coronavirus cases as reopening plans weighed

The United States may be at a crucial point in the coronavirus pandemic.

www.cbsnews.com

Texas coronavirus hospitalizations surge 11% in a single day

The number of people sickened with Covid-19 across Texas' hospitals hit a new high Wednesday, surging about 11% in a single day.

www.cnbc.com

Beijing outbreak raises coronavirus fears for rest of the world

Fauci: why the public wasn’t told to wear masks when the coronavirus pandemic began

The infectious disease expert also discussed why they are necessary.

thehill.com

GRAPHIC-COVID-19 cases surging in Alabama, South Carolina and Oklahoma

HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS/USA-TRENDS (GRAPHIC, PIX):GRAPHIC-COVID-19 cases surging in Alabama, South Carolina and Oklahoma

news.trust.org

Florida sees a record 2,783 daily coronavirus cases as state total hits 80,000

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott scolds 20-somethings for not wearing masks, taking coronavirus too lightly

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott says 20-something Texans are catching coronavirus in greater numbers. And he’s rebuking them for not taking safety precautions, such...

www.dallasnews.com

“I feel like it’s a calm before a second storm,” said Hooley, an emergency room physician who lost a relative to the virus.

'Still scared': Health workers feel the toll of virus fight

NEW YORK (AP) — Outside a back door to a hospital where the coronavirus hit like a hurricane, a half-dozen staffers gathered recently to look back, and look inward.

apnews.com

16 Friends Test Positive For Coronavirus After Night Out At Florida Bar

A group of 16 friends all tested positive for coronavirus after a night out at a recently reopened Florida bar.

miami.cbslocal.com

Wearing a surgical mask can reduce coronavirus transmission by up to 75 percent, study says

Researchers on Sunday found that wearing surgical masks can significantly reduce the rate of airborne COVID-19 transmission, amid a debate over the effectiveness of wearing them during the coronavirus pandemic.

www.foxnews.com

"Studies have shown that masks are paramount to stopping the spread and can greatly reduce airborne transmission. Experts have said that masks could actually help the economy open up sooner and allow for more freedoms -- as the public will worry less about infecting those more vulnerable to the virus.
“Our analyses support the immediate and universal adoption of face masks by the public,” said Dr. Richard Stutt the lead author of one study, conducted by the U.K.'s University of Cambridge and University of Greenwich.
“If widespread face mask use by the public is combined with physical distancing and some lockdown, it may offer an acceptable way of managing the pandemic and reopening economic activity long before there is a working vaccine," Dr. Stutt added.
A separate study, conducted by a team of scientists in Hong Kong, found the rate of non-contact transmission through respiratory droplets or airborne particles dropped by as much as 75 percent when masks were used.
“The findings implied to the world and the public is that the effectiveness of mask-wearing against the coronavirus pandemic is huge,” said Dr. Yuen Kwok-yung, a leading microbiologist from Hong Kong University who helped discover the SARS virus back in 2003."
.............................................................

Now, tell me again about personal decisions not to wear masks......

 

[CalGalTraveler]

What we know about Face Shields and Coronavirus
(Note: I hope this is not behind a Wall St. Journal paywall. If so my apologies!)

What We Know About Face Shields and Coronavirus

Here’s how shields offer protection from Covid-19 and how that differs from what face masks offer.

www.wsj.com

 

[SusanRN]

I am increasingly using a face shield because it not only protects others but the plastic protects me and my eyes. Very comfortable, light and little fogging. Also reduces touching your face. I posted this on another thread but will include here:

Are Face Shields Better Than Face Masks for Coronavirus? - MedicineNet Health News

Hundreds of millions of Americans heeded recent government advice and rushed to wear cloth face masks, hoping they might prevent transmission of the new coronavirus.

www.medicinenet.com

I saw the face shield recommendation elsewhere, as well. I am suggesting this to the local school system for when they reopen eventually. It would certainly make the school experience much easier and more effective for both teachers and students.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

I saw the face shield recommendation elsewhere, as well. I am suggesting this to the local school system for when they reopen eventually. It would certainly make the school experience much easier and more effective for both teachers and students.

I am glad you made this recommendation. IMHO...I am no expert on child development but I am a mother. I would want my kids to see their teachers expressions to connect and learn.

 

[VacationForever]

I am starting this thread for those who wear masks and might want other options then what they are wearing and to see what is being worked on. I hope this thread does not become a debate on mask wearing.

I personally hate my r95 but use that most of the time and then heat it after use at 170 Degrees in the oven for 30 minutes. I hate the process. I feel the bandanas and blue masks give minimal coverage, better then nothing. I also have a material sewn mask that the sewing club in my community made, which they also made for the local hospitals, which is harder to breathe in then the 95.

Buy a UV sanitzer to solve the problem of heating up in the oven. We got a larger size one and drop our masks and keys into the box when we get home. It is done in 15 minutes.

We now use a 5-layer filter in a sports masks. You might have seen those. We feel that we are more protected in those. They are supposed to block 99 percent of stuff in the air. Here's one. We got ours way back and paid $20 each. https://www.amazon.com/WISREMT-Dust...=1&keywords=sports+mask&qid=1592434974&sr=8-7

We also bought face shields. I used once at a doctor office and it worked fine, I also wore a 3-ply mask then. My husband is more uncomfortable/embarrased to use them.

 

[WinniWoman]

I have been wearing the same surgical mask for months because I find it lighter and a bit easier to breathe than the cloth one my friend made. I wipe it down after each use with a wet paper towel with soap and water on it and then I throw it on my dashboard in the sun. I generally only wear it when going into a store or if a restaurant requires it.

My husband wears the cloth one- sometimes he wears my surgical one. LOL!

 

[WinniWoman]

Organizations make clear masks for deaf, hard of hearing around the world

Regular masks muffle words, obscure facial expressions, and make it impossible for the deaf and hard of hearing to read lips.

www.jpost.com

These would be much better for everyone to wear.

 

[Panina]

These would be much better for everyone to wear.

It would be. My favorite mask right now is the Sonovia made in Israel that I posted about in the beginning of this thread. I had to buy the sticky bendable metal things to apply near the nose to get a tighter fit but it is the most comfortable and washable, worth every dollar I spent.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Thanks for the tip @Panina I have not found a comfortable mask that I can wear for hours. Sonovia sounds like a good option. Do you know a site where I can buy one to try? They are not cheap and their site shows packages of 3. I don't think I can return if they don't fit my face.

 

[PigsDad]

I have been wearing the same surgical mask for months because I find it lighter and a bit easier to breathe than the cloth one my friend made. I wipe it down after each use with a wet paper towel with soap and water on it and then I throw it on my dashboard in the sun. I generally only wear it when going into a store or if a restaurant requires it.

If you are attempting to sanitize it w/ UV rays from the sun, you might consider placing it outside instead of on your dashboard. Car glass blocks most of the UV rays (to protect your interior from fading), so you aren't getting much sanitation. Just a thought.

Kurt

 

[Panina]

Thanks for the tip @Panina I have not found a comfortable mask that I can wear for hours. Sonovia sounds like a good option. Do you know a site where I can buy one to try? They are not cheap and their site shows packages of 3. I don't think I can return if they don't fit my face.

I bought the pack of three. I do not think they are sold elsewhere. There are discount codes out there for I believe either 10 or 15 percent off. I found it a little big by the nose area, that is why I got metal nose strips, that fixed the problem

 

[WinniWoman]

If you are attempting to sanitize it w/ UV rays from the sun, you might consider placing it outside instead of on your dashboard. Car glass blocks most of the UV rays (to protect your interior from fading), so you aren't getting much sanitation. Just a thought.

Kurt

I was just thinking the heat itself. I don’t really care one way or another honestly, but good point.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

I bought the pack of three. I do not think they are sold elsewhere. There are discount codes out there for I believe either 10 or 15 percent off. I found it a little big by the nose area, that is why I got metal nose strips, that fixed the problem

Thanks for the tip. Do you know where you found good nose wires? So far mine have been hit and miss. Do they easily apply to the mask?

 

[Panina]

Thanks for the tip. Do you know where you found good nose wires? So far mine have been hit and miss. Do they easily apply to the mask?

These are the ones I got on Amazon. I put them on the outside of the mask and pinch to fit. I remove when I wash the mask. I am able to use a few times after I wash the mask until the sticky part is gone.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Thanks @Panina I didn't know they made ones that stick. I could also use them with some of my existing masks that have weak nose wires.

 

[TravelTime]

I know this thread is not to debate whether to wear a mask or not. But it seems appropriate to mention that California made mask wearing mandatory today. I actually am relieved to hear this. I think we need clear guidelines and no choice in the matter. Now the debate is what is the most effective and comfortable mask to wear, which is the purpose of this thread.

I was watching CNN today and one of the guests said we need a national mandate like wearing a seatbelt. I thought that was a great analogy. I automatically put on my seat belt without thinking or questioning it. I always wear a seat belt when in a car.

I assume mask wearing could go back to optional when Covid is conquered, unlike wearing a seatbelt. That is a lifetime mandate. But mask wearing will become part of our long term culture, unless science shifts and finds it ineffective. Even when there is a vaccine for Covid, masks will still be part of our habits since a vaccine is not 100% effective. Plus there are other infectious diseases that could emerge not to forget the annual flu. I suspect we will become more like Asia where masks become part of the culture.

I also predict more mask protests if more states make mask wearing a mandate. Sadly the mask has now become political.

I have tried to avoid politics in this post. Hope I achieved that and the last comment is not political. But if it is, then feel free to delete that part.

 

[jme]

'It may save your life': Facing virus surge, more U.S. states mandate masks

HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS/USA (PIX, TV):'It may save your life': Facing virus surge, more U.S. states mandate masks

news.trust.org

In shift, Florida Keys now requiring face masks until June 2021

Visitors to the Florida Keys will need to bring along face masks or face a $500 civil fine. In a Wednesday vote, the Monroe County Commission shifted from an earlier stance on face coverings, and n…

www.orlandosentinel.com