It’s time to refresh your mask offering

Updated 8-11-21

We are now a year and a half away from the COVID-19 pandemic. While some things have improved, the pandemic is not over. The number of cases is on the rise again in King County, and Public Health — Seattle & King County currently recommends that everyone, regardless of their immunization status, wear a mask in indoor public spaces and in any environment where the risk is higher.

The highly contagious Delta variant requires renewed vigilance – and better “mask hygiene”. We are likely to face the COVID-19 pandemic for longer than we hoped. We must continue to protect our community that cannot be vaccinated, including children under 12 and immunocompromised community members.

So now is a good time to assess the quality and supply of your mask – to have the best filtering, best fitting mask or respirator possible. To withstand the Delta variant, you will need both a good fit and a high quality mask.

Is your mask loose around the cheeks or nose? (Tip: If your glasses fog up, your mask is leaking.) Maybe you bought a lot of masks at the start and worn them out? Maybe your kids are getting older and the mask no longer fits their face well? Broken earrings? Missing nose threads? All good reasons to upgrade.

Here are some tips for masks – and keep in mind that the best COVID-19 protection for you and your household is to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Quality mask reminders

Especially in high risk situations, use the bestquality and better-connection mask you can get. The highest quality masks are designed and tested to ensure they meet a standard. This means they are operating at a constant level to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The highest qualities, in order, are:

• N95 and KN95 (as well as KF94) are the most effective, provided they are genuine and have been tested to meet a standard. Fortunately, the supply of high quality N95 and KN95 masks has improved. These filter the virus better and are now more widely available to the public. Beware of counterfeits (more details below). These are disposable, so you will need to replace them (depending on how much you wear it). These are not available in children’s sizes and are more expensive.
• Surgical masks tested to meet a national standard (ASTM 2/3). These are also disposable.
• Sheet masks that have a double layer (more details below). These can be washed and reused.

Focus on a cozy fit – and get the most out of a fabric mask

Here are the most important considerations for the general public when choosing a quality cloth mask.

Fit and filtration are the keys. Your mask should be:

• 2-3 layers of fabric
• Made of tightly woven fabrics such as cotton and cotton blends
• Breathable
• Tight fit, with no gaps around the face

Wearing a mask with at least two layers is important. You can also wear a disposable mask under a cloth mask. (Note: N95 / KN95 masks should not be layered on top of other masks.)

A tight fit is essential for the mask to function well. You can choose masks with a nasal thread. Or use a mask adjuster to ensure a perfect fit with a cloth mask. Masks that are loose, with spaces around the face or nose, are not as helpful in protecting yourself or others. For visuals of these tips, see the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tips for Better Mask Use.

Find additional mask resources:

When to consider wearing a mask that meets a standard like an N95 or KN95

For the best protection against the Delta variant, there are times when we should consider better quality masks. In some situations, this is particularly important. The masks that filter out the virus the best – especially if you can get a snug fit all around your cheeks and nose – are N95 and KN95, as well as KF94. However, if you don’t have one, wear a high-quality, well-fitting alternative mask.

Scenarios in which you might need better protection against COVID-19 may include:

But before you run out to find an N95 mask (technically considered a respirator), here are the pros and cons of a mask like an N95.

Benefits

Because they are the best at filtering out the virus, the CDC continues to encourage that N95 masks be a priority for healthcare workers. However, they allow the use of N95 in non-healthcare facilities as availability increases. In early August, the supply improved and many health experts recommend better quality masks.

N95 masks are very effective when used correctly. They are well-fitting respirators that (when properly fitted) filter at least 95% of particles in the air, including large and small particles.

These masks meet a standard, which means they are designed and tested to ensure they perform at a constant level to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some N95 (NIOSH approved in the US), KN95 (Chinese standard compliant), and KF94 (South Korean standard compliant) are examples of masks that have been tested.

Disadvantages

Most people outside of healthcare settings do not have access to fit testing, to ensure proper use with minimal air leakage. If an N95 doesn’t fit properly, you won’t get the full benefit of it.

Some people find the N95s uncomfortable or easy to wear. Use your best judgment on the value they add in a particular scenario. If you have to wear a mask for several hours at a time, for example, you may prefer comfort. Wearing an uncomfortable mask is more likely to encourage multiple adjustments or even removing it, which would reduce its value. Try out different designs to find the right one for your face.

N95 masks are not intended or designed for children.

Counterfeits are a challenge, so find a reputable dealer and make sure the product is legitimate. KN95 masks are commonly made and used in China. Some KN95 masks sold in the United States meet requirements similar to those set by NIOSH, unlike other KN95 masks. It is also important to know that about 60% of KN95 masks in the United States arecounterfeit (fake) and DO NOT meet NIOSHrequirements. Some N95 masks are also fakes, described in this CDC article.

The N95 project aims to help people find a credible source to buy N95 and KN95. Make sure your N95 or KN95 is the type without an exhalation valve.

Why is wearing a face covering always important?

Masks protect the wearer and others from COVID-19. When a person speaks, coughs, sneezes, or even breathes, they expose those around them to respiratory droplets and even smaller particles called aerosols. The masks help prevent the spread of particles containing the virus. Masks can be useful in situations where a person has been infected but is not showing symptoms of COVID-19, and they can unintentionally spread the virus. Masks also offer some protection to the wearer by filtering droplets and particles from the air.

The Delta variant spreads twice as easily from person to person, compared to previous strains. The latest data shows that while it is rare for people vaccinated to be infected with COVID-19, it can happen, and Delta is making it more likely than before. Delta also increases the risk that some vaccinated people who are infected will pass the infection on to others, especially those who are not vaccinated.

Until everyone can be vaccinated, the increasing presence of the Delta variant requires us to double the wearing of the mask.

Originally posted Aug 10, 2021