Arlington: A new study has provided guidance for increasing the effectiveness of face masks to reduce the spread of respiratory infectious pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2.
This research is published in the ‘American Journal of Infection Control’.
Face masks are used to reduce the spread of infectious viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 that are transmitted by respiratory aerosols and droplets produced during activities such as talking, breathing, and coughing. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a mask that is multi-layered, covers the nose and mouth and forms a tight seal against the face.
“The performance of face masks as devices that control the spread of infection depends on the ability of the mask material to filter aerosols and how well the mask wearer,” Francois M. Blachere, MSc. research biologistNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (niosh), and lead author of the paper.
Blachere and his colleagues used both human subjects and simulator manikins to evaluate the performance of several mask types, combinations and modifications. The researchers conducted a variety of experiments that simulated coughing and exhalation and then measured the mask’s efficiency at blocking respiratory aerosols.
The results showed that applying a three-ply cloth mask over a medical mask (double masking) or securing the medical mask with an elastic brace provided the best protection against respiratory aerosols. Unmodified medical masks blocked >56 percent of cough aerosols and >42 percent of exhaled aerosols; By comparison, placing a cloth mask over a medical mask blocked >= 85 percent of cough aerosol and >= 91 percent of exhaled aerosol, and adding a brace over a medical mask blocked >= 95 percent of cough aerosol and >= 99. Percentage of extracted aerosols.
Using an ear loop toggle or ear loop strap, or tying and tucking the mask, provides increased performance compared to a medical mask without any modifications. The two other mask-fit modifications, crossing out ear loops or placing a bracket under the mask, didn’t increase performance.
“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been considerable confusion about the most effective use of face masks, especially among the general public, to reduce the spread of infection,” said Ann Marie Pettis, BSN, RN. CIC, FAPIC, and Chairman of APIC 2021.
Pettis concluded, “The NIOSH study findings are important and timely as they identify specific, practical combinations of face masks and mask modifications that can improve mask seal and thus reduce the expulsion of infectious aerosols into the environment.” can do.”
This research is published in the ‘American Journal of Infection Control’.
Face masks are used to reduce the spread of infectious viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 that are transmitted by respiratory aerosols and droplets produced during activities such as talking, breathing, and coughing. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a mask that is multi-layered, covers the nose and mouth and forms a tight seal against the face.
“The performance of face masks as devices that control the spread of infection depends on the ability of the mask material to filter aerosols and how well the mask wearer,” Francois M. Blachere, MSc. research biologistNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (niosh), and lead author of the paper.
Blachere and his colleagues used both human subjects and simulator manikins to evaluate the performance of several mask types, combinations and modifications. The researchers conducted a variety of experiments that simulated coughing and exhalation and then measured the mask’s efficiency at blocking respiratory aerosols.
The results showed that applying a three-ply cloth mask over a medical mask (double masking) or securing the medical mask with an elastic brace provided the best protection against respiratory aerosols. Unmodified medical masks blocked >56 percent of cough aerosols and >42 percent of exhaled aerosols; By comparison, placing a cloth mask over a medical mask blocked >= 85 percent of cough aerosol and >= 91 percent of exhaled aerosol, and adding a brace over a medical mask blocked >= 95 percent of cough aerosol and >= 99. Percentage of extracted aerosols.
Using an ear loop toggle or ear loop strap, or tying and tucking the mask, provides increased performance compared to a medical mask without any modifications. The two other mask-fit modifications, crossing out ear loops or placing a bracket under the mask, didn’t increase performance.
“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been considerable confusion about the most effective use of face masks, especially among the general public, to reduce the spread of infection,” said Ann Marie Pettis, BSN, RN. CIC, FAPIC, and Chairman of APIC 2021.
Pettis concluded, “The NIOSH study findings are important and timely as they identify specific, practical combinations of face masks and mask modifications that can improve mask seal and thus reduce the expulsion of infectious aerosols into the environment.” can do.”
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