Masks with valves defeat the purpose for this pandemic
 

Masks with valves defeat the purpose of wearing a mask to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The valves allow exhaled air which may contain the virus from an asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic person into the air, thus defeating the purpose of wearing a mask. Anytime I see a person with a valved mask, I consider them as if they are not wearing a mask at all. I'm surprised to see valved masks being worn by TV commentators and newscasters. I guess they are not aware that their mask does nothing to slow the spread.

The CDC and our experts should be warning people to not wear valved masks and the reason why these type of masks are useless during a pandemic. I have yet to see any warnings to this effect anywhere.

Here is an article explaining why valved masks are not for the purpose of slowing the spread of the virus........

Masks with Valves - Article - Community Care Physicians P.C.

Here is another of the many articles which discuss masks with valves and how they are not for use to slow the spread of disease........

Still Confused About Masks? Here’s the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus | UC San Francisco

I have a mask with a valve (N100) that I was lucky enough to have laying around in the garage that I never used. I agree that the mask doesn't protect anyone from my exhaled breath. I tried putting another triple layered fabric mask over top of it and I could not breath enough to keep from passing out. I have been in my home since day one like everyone else and don't feel I can risk using just a fabric mask instead of the N100 mask that's actually protecting me from getting the virus. I use the mask to go to Walmart and Publix and in most cases I see a lot of shoppers without a mask. I think most stores are moving towards a required mask policy soon.

The fabric masks only help to diffuse a cough or sneeze but don't stop the virus from exiting or entering a person's mouth or nose. A mask with a valve would do a simular job of muffling a cough or sneeze since the air is forced past the valve.

I would gladly wear an N95 mask without a valve if I could find them for sale. Until then I'll keep wearing my N100 with a valve. If I get the virus I'll switch to a fabric mask.

Just announced.......Delta Airlines has banned use of masks with valves on their airplanes.

Everyone is a mask engineer now.

You are missing the point. Asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic people do not know they are carrying the virus. This is why masks with valves are not to be used during a pandemic.

All masks allow your exhaled air to escape from under the mask either through a one-way valve or out the sides of the mask. If they didn't, you wouldn't be able to exhale. The back pressure would prevent it. Full face masks that are used to administer anesthesia do not allow exhaled air to escape. They are connected to a vacuum source that takes the patient's exhaled breath out of the building and releases it into the outside air. Without the vacuum, one of two things would happen: either the patient would be unable to exhale, or the operating room staff would be exposed to the anesthetic gases.

I didn't miss the point. Until a few days ago I was unable to locate an N95 mask without the valve. I had to choose between a cloth mask and an N100 mask with a valve. I tried putting a cloth mask over the N100 and couldn't breath so I just used the mask that actually protects me from the virus. I don't believe a home made cloth mask protects me as much as the N100 with a valve. I know that if I was infected with the virus the valve would allow it to escape through the valve. I still chose the valve mask over the cloth one. It was my choice to expose the world to my germs but when I see so many at Walmart without a mask or a mask worn below the nose I do what's best for me. I now have mask without a valve but I still stand behind my decision when I didn't have one. It doesn't matter to me how that looks to other people.

I have some N95s without valves and use them at times but mostly I use the green lightweight disposable masks. I realize exhalation and some inhalation passes outside their perimeters but I believe the masks offer some protection from the Wuhan coronavirus to others by capturing most of the minuscule droplets I exhale through it.

Given that masks with valves allow potential infectants to escape into the air, Delta Airlines has banned their use on all flights.