Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 1742335)

The point is to keep YOUR germs off MY face, after you sneeze. If I'm behind you, I'm the one who ends up with the spray from your sneeze on my face.

If you aren't able to sneeze into your shoulder or elbow or a tissue, then wear a mask, and keep your germs away from everyone else.

Originally Posted by TedfromGA (Post 1742626)

Are face masks effective?

Unless it is N95 and properly sealed around the mouth and nose, it will not stop virus infection. Also note the virus can enter your body via your eyes so to truly protect you need sealed goggles or a full face shield.

Some facts via google research - you draw your own conclusion:

N95 masks filter 95% of particles greater than 0.3 microns.

Perioperative Considerations for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

Average diameter of covid 19 virus is 0.12 microns.

Coronavirus - Wikipedia

Covid 19 virus is mainly spread during close contact and by small droplets produced when those infected cough, sneeze or talk. Small droplets typically have a diameter of 5.0 microns or larger.

Coronavirus disease 2019 - Wikipedia

Surgical masks: “Does NOT provide the wearer with a reliable level of protection from inhaling smaller airborne particles and is not considered respiratory protection”.

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs...raphic-508.pdf


From CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy):

COMMENTARY: Masks-for-all for COVID-19 not based on sound data | CIDRAP

Worth while reading the full report which is about 3 pages which contains references. The short version about mask performance (efficiency) is quoted below: (um is shorthand for micron)

“...Mask, N95 respirator filtering performance

Following a recommendation that cloth masks be explored for use in healthcare settings during the next influenza pandemic. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study of the filter performance on clothing materials and articles, including commercial cloth masks marketed for air pollution and allergens, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and scarfs.

Filter efficiency was measured across a wide range of small particle sizes (0.02 to 1 µm) at 33 and 99 L/min. N95 respirators had efficiencies greater than 95% (as expected). For the entire range of particles tested, t-shirts had 10% efficiency, scarves 10% to 20%, cloth masks 10% to 30%, sweatshirts 20% to 40%, and towels 40%. All of the cloth masks and materials had near zero efficiency at 0.3 µm, a particle size that easily penetrates into the lungs.

Another study evaluated 44 masks, respirators, and other materials with similar methods and small aerosols (0.08 and 0.22 µm). N95 FFR filter efficiency was greater than 95%. Medical masks exhibited 55% efficiency, general masks 38% and handkerchiefs 2% (one layer) to 13% (four layers).

These studies demonstrate that cloth or homemade masks will have very low filter efficiency (2% to 38%).

Medical masks are made from a wide range of materials, and studies have found a wide range of filter efficiency (2% to 98%), with most exhibiting 30% to 50% efficiency…”


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Originally Posted by coffeebean (Post 1742938)

I don't plan on being on the front lines in close contact with Covid-19 patients.

Did the studies assess double and triple thickness of all materials? How about adding a filter such as a paper towel or a coffee filter or a hepa filter vacuum filter bag? I would imagine that would add a bit more efficiency to the home made masks.

Something is better than nothing.

Originally Posted by rmd2 (Post 1742704)

What keeps the ends from slipping out? Could you explain how the ends fold over the rubber bands to keep them secure??

Originally Posted by bpascani (Post 1742955)

My understanding is that, the homemade mask are certainly helpful for protecting EVERYONE, as are the commercial "non" N95 masks. Apparently adding a piece of paper towel on the inside is additionally helpful. SO, I guess if you are in a golf cart, and come across a biker, make sure you cover yourself well!! Particularly if they don't have on a mask!! STAY SAFE, STAY HOME, BE SMART! God bless us everyone..

Originally Posted by Two Bills (Post 1742364)

In all honesty, has anyone been in a queue, and had a person cough or sneeze near them?
On our rare ventures to shop for food, we have never heard or seen anyone do either.

Originally Posted by Linnberg (Post 1742987)

N95 masks protects the user as well as others. It has special material and filter. They are for HEALTH CARE WORKERs ONLY as not enough in the whole world for everyone and they need multiple as they only last once or twice. It is the only protection between them and their positive patients (along with protective gear, eye covering and gloves)
The rest of us only need masks to ensure if we are asymptomatic but could be positive, we will keep it from reaching others. Those masks (Not N95) will probably not protect you and you have to hope the rest of the people you meet in crowd situations ie; grocery stores care enough to protect you by also wearing a (NON N95) mask.

Originally Posted by njbchbum (Post 1742342)

kcrazorbackfan - Where are masks available to purchase? My friend has been to Sam's club pharmacy - was told they never sold them; CVS on Avenida Central - nope; grocery stores - nope; Home Depot - was told they were donated locally; Lowes - nope; Rural King - nope; Tractor Supply - nope. She doesn't sew and has no bandanas, hankerchiefs or scarves.

Where can she or her husband go to buy masks? Thanks