The Latest Recommendations

In November 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its Scientific Brief: Community Use of Cloth Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2. Stating that infections mostly spread through respiratory droplets from coughing, singing, talking or breathing, the CDC recommends the use of non-vented, multi-layered cloth masks to keep individuals who have no symptoms from passing the virus on to others. Masks also reduce the amount of droplets inhaled by the wearer.

Health Canada also recomends the use of cloths face mask with a layer of polypropylene non-woven fabric. A mask or face covering should be :

• be made of at least 3 layers
  • 2 layers should be tightly woven material fabric, such as cotton or linen
  • the third (middle) layer should be a filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene fabric
• be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping
• allow for easy breathing
• fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops
• be comfortable and not require frequent adjustments
• be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty
• maintain its shape after washing and drying

Multi-Layered Face Masks

Multi-layered cloth masks block most large droplets and keep small droplets and exhaled particles, or aerosols, from being exhaled into the air. In some studies, cloth masks blocked up to 80% of airborne particles, making them as effective as surgical masks. The more people who wear masks and wear them correctly, the more successful the effort will be in the community.

Scientists now recommend a third layer of non woven polypropylene to increase protection. Non woven polypropylene fabric aren’t the only ones that work, but they are the best. The spun material has a cloth feel, is washable, and allows the wearer to breathe easily. Polypropylene comes in many forms, including materials used for medical supplies, interfacing used to stiffen collars or sleeves of clothing, and the fabric on the bottoms of chairs and sofas.

Polypropylene Filters

Research shows non woven polypropylene fabric face mask filters increase protection for wearers and the people around them. Some cloth masks come with a pocket for filters, or you can convert an existing mask by adding a pocket to the inside.

Face mask filters are available for purchase, but you can also make them from simple materials like reusable polypropylene shopping bags or shop towels. One layer is good, but two layers are even more effective.

Polypropylene filters have another benefit. They hold an electrostatic charge that causes particles to cling, and they still work when they get damp from humidity. Filters lose their charge when they’re washed, but rubbing with a plastic glove will restore the static cling.

The Takeaway

Nothing beats a cloth mask with a polypropylene filter. A cloth mask with only two or three layers of fabric makes a big difference, and any face covering is better than none.

Don’t let the need for the perfect mask keep you from staying safe. Cover your face during the holidays, and protect yourself and the people you love.

The post Are Polypropylene Filters the Best Way to Protect From COVID-19? appeared first on Hygieneous.

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.

The post How to Choose a Cloth Face Mask appeared first on Hygieneous.