How to Choose a Cloth Face Mask If you’re confused about face masks, you’re not alone. The World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Health Canada now recommend them to slow the spread of the corona virus, but mixed messages and misinformation have hampered their efforts to spread the word. Now that we know a face covering can save lives, we’re left with the dilemma of which type to buy.
There’s a shortage of medical masks, and health care providers need them to do their jobs. One of the best alternatives is a cloth face mask, but there are so many styles it’s hard to know which one to choose. They prevent wearers from releasing droplets into the air, and they may keep them from inhaling the virus. Here’s what you need to look for:
Five Things to Ask Yourself When Looking for a Cloth Face Mask
Not all face masks are equally effective. Ask yourself these questions before you buy:
- Does it fit comfortably and snugly?
- Can you wash it without changing the shape or fit?
- Can you breathe with the mask on?
- Does it have two or more layers of fabric?
- Does it have ear loops or ties?
Always wear a cloth face mask that covers your nose and mouth and fits comfortably against your face. For a good fit, choose one with an adjustable metal strip that lets you adjust it over your nose. Either ties or ear loops hold the mask on securely. Loops are easier to get on and off in a hurry, but ties may give a better fit.
In a study at Wake Forest School of Medicine, researchers found different fabrics, depending on the cloth and number of layers, varied from 5% to 80% in filtration rates. They recommend a face mask with a heavy cotton layer and a light cotton or silk layer. They also say a tightly woven cotton with a 600-thread count is very effective. Least effective were masks with only one layer of fabric and those with a double layer of loosely woven, lightweight cotton.
Masks with filter pockets for disposable filters increase protection. You can buy disposable filters or make them from materials like coffee filters, nylon panty hose, paper towels and HEPA filters. Always make sure you can breathe through the filter, and never use HEPE filters with fiberglass.
You should be able to wash a face mask without changing the shape or fit. If you choose a face covering with a filter pocket, you can also swap out the filter when it gets dirty.
Cloth face masks are popping up in a wide variety of styles and fabrics. You can make a fashion statement, do a good deed, and protect yourself at the same time.