COVID-19 and use of non-traditional masks: how do various materials compare in reducing the risk of infection for mask wearers?

Wilson, Amanda M.; Abney, Sarah E.; King, Marco‐Felipe; Weir, Mark H.; López‐García, Martín; Sexton, Jonathan D.; Dancer, S.J.; Proctor, Jessica; Noakes, Catherine; Reynolds, Kelly A.

doi:10.1016/j.jhin.2020.05.036

Cited by 46 publications

(57 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…While not as effective as surgical masks and respirators (MacIntyre, et al, 2015;Wilson, et al, 2020), cloth masks have a long history. Masks improvised from gauze and cotton wool were an important part of controlling the Manchurian plague (Lynteris, 2018).…”

Section: Accepted Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 99%

Properties of materials considered for improvised masks

Rogak

Sipkens

Guan

et al. 2020

Aerosol Science and Technology

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During a pandemic in which aerosol and droplet transmission is possible, such as the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, the demand for face masks that meet medical or workplace standards can prevent most individuals from obtaining suitable protection. Cloth masks are widely believed to impede droplet and aerosol transmission, but most are constructed from materials with unknown filtration efficiency, airflow resistance and water resistance. Here we provide data on a range of common fabrics that might be used to construct masks, complimenting existing studies by largely considering particles in the micron range (a plausible challenge size for human generated aerosols). None of the materials were suitable for N95 masks, but many could provide useful filtration (>90%) of 3 micron particles, with low pressure drop. These were: nonwoven sterile wraps, dried baby wipes and some double-knit cotton materials. Decontamination of N95 masks using isopropyl alcohol produces the expected increase in particle penetration, but for 3 micron A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t 2 • ORIGINAL ARTICLE S. N. ROGAK, ET AL. particles, filtration efficiency is still well above 95%. Tightly woven thin fabrics, despite having the visual appearance of a good particle barrier, had remarkably low filtration efficiency and high pressure drop. The better material structures expose individual fibers to the flow while the poor materials may have small fundamental fibers but these are in tightly bundled yarns. Despite the complexity of the design of a very good mask, it is clear that for the larger aerosol particles, any mask will provide substantial protection to the wearer and those around them.

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Section: Accepted Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 99%

Properties of materials considered for improvised masks

Rogak

Sipkens

Guan

et al. 2020

Aerosol Science and Technology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Frequently cited studies looking at common household textiles from 2013 and 2010 demonstrate the variation present in sometimes similar-appearing fabrics [35,36]. When paired with recent studies looking at differences in droplet penetration and fluid resistance [17,37,38], suggesting more accessible techniques may provide further opportunities for material analysis. During the current pandemic, though, de novo development of filtration efficiency measurement setups has been limited largely to national labs [39,40].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…Though no standards currently exist for DIY masks, the same metrics are appropriate for comparative effectiveness. Other work has made inroads on mask fit and fluid resistance, but there is still substantial need for quantitative FE data to inform DIY mask construction [17][18][19]. The recent resurgence of universal mask usage globally has renewed interest in quantitative measurements and comparisons of materials for their design [20,21].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measurement of filtration efficiencies of healthcare and consumer materials using modified respirator fit tester setup

et al. 2020

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During the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic there is unprecedented demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), especially N95 respirators and surgical masks. The ability of SARS-CoV-2 to be transmitted via respiratory droplets from asymptomatic individuals has necessitated increased usage of both N95 respirators in the healthcare setting and masks (both surgical and homemade) in public spaces. These precautions rely on two fundamental principles of transmission prevention: particle filtration and droplet containment. The former is the focus of NIOSH N95 testing guidelines, and the latter is an FDA guideline for respirators and surgical masks. While studies have investigated droplet containment to provide guidance for homemade mask production, limited work has been done to characterize the filtration efficiency (FE) of materials used in home mask making. In this work, we demonstrate the low-cost (<$300) conversion of standard equipment used to fittest respirators in hospital and industrial settings into a setup that measures quantitative FEs of materials based on NIOSH N95 guidelines, and subsequently measure FEs of materials found in healthcare and consumer spaces. These materials demonstrate significant variability in filtration characteristics, even for visually similar materials. We demonstrate a FE of 96.49% and pressure drop of 25.4 mmH 2 0 for a double-layer of sterilization wrap used in surgical suites and a FE of 90.37% for a combination of consumer-grade materials. The excellent filtration characteristics of the former demonstrate potential utility for emergent situations when N95 respirators are not available, while those of the latter demonstrate that a high FE can be achieved using publicly available materials.

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“…The researchers observe that the respirators, because of the materials with which they are produced, filtered aerosol particles adequately. Yet another research on face protective materials is that of Wilson et al (2020); they suggest the use of alternative materials for the production of SARS-Cov-2 prevention mask. In their findings, the researchers recommend non-traditional materials such as the vacuum cleaner bag, which they consider an effective alternative.…”

Section: Humorous and Creative Extemporizations Face-masks In Ibadanmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sine qua non larva, turmoil and disdain: Responsiveness to ‘Covid-19 face-mask’ at Ogunpa, Ibadan, Nigeria

Akande

Adenle

2020

Simulacra

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This research is a criticism addressing the formal and ergonomic analysis of Covid-19 face-masks at Giwa Adini, Ogunpa market, Ibadan, Nigeria. However, the research doubles as an ‘interrogative’ tool to elicit narratives on the responsiveness of illiterate and semi-literate traders at Giwa Adini on the advent of the coronavirus. Employing the survey technique, 100 randomly selected respondents were interviewed. The result obtained identifies five fabric mask types in the study area, the cup-shaped fabric mask being the most popular because of its adaptability to extant aso ebi culture. Other extemporized masks, reminiscent of traditional egungun masks, were also observed. With regards to the response to Covid-19, 21 respondents consider the coronavirus as falsehood, 23 claim it is God’s affliction, 43 agree to its reality, but query its low epidemiology and only 13 appear informed. The research showcases a variety of perceptions of Nigerians towards Covid-19,confirming the gross ignorance about the disease and their nonchalant attitude towards it.

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COVID-19 and use of non-traditional masks: how do various materials compare in reducing the risk of infection for mask wearers?

Cited by 46 publications

References 6 publications

Properties of materials considered for improvised masks

Properties of materials considered for improvised masks

Measurement of filtration efficiencies of healthcare and consumer materials using modified respirator fit tester setup

Sine qua non larva, turmoil and disdain: Responsiveness to ‘Covid-19 face-mask’ at Ogunpa, Ibadan, Nigeria

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