The Effectiveness of Masks Against COVID
Written by Leslie K. Hughes
Medically reviewed by Dr. Monique White-Dominguez
Within a matter of just a few months after COVID hit the world stage, the newest accessory no one could leave home without was a mask.
As masks have become a part of our everyday life, we are guessing that you’ve wondered, “How effective are masks at protecting people against COVID?” This question becomes even more relevant as more time has passed since the start of COVID-19 and more research has been done into the effectiveness of masks.
So, let’s get into some of that research to answer the question regarding the effectiveness of masks against COVID.
Masks and COVID-19
In short, yes. Face masks can help slow the spread of COVID. However, there is much more to it.
With the recent explosion of the Omicron variant, we are seeing a return to more mask mandates. That’s largely due to the fact that this strain of COVID is more contagious and replicates more quickly and easily in the upper respiratory system than previous strains. Thus, by covering your nose and mouth with a mask, you increase your chances of keeping viral particles out.
How to wear your cloth mask
For masks to be as effective as possible, it is important that the mask is, as stated by the Mayo Clinic, “snug over the nose, mouth, and chin, with no gaps. You should feel warm air coming through the front of the mask when you breathe out. You shouldn’t feel air coming out under the edges of the mask.”
Here are some of Mayo Clinic’s steps for putting on and taking off a face mask:
Wash your hands before putting on your mask
Put your mask over your mouth, nose, and chin
Make sure it fits snugly
Don't touch your mask while wearing it
If you accidentally touch your mask, wash your hands
If your mask becomes wet or dirty, switch to a clean one and put the used mask in a sealable bag until you can get rid of it or wash it
Remove the mask by lifting off the ear loops without touching the front of the mask or your face
Wash your hands immediately after taking off your mask
Regularly wash cloth masks in the washing machine or by hand
When masks are the most effective
Because COVID is an airborne disease, wearing a mask is effective in reducing the spread of the disease. In an ideal world, everyone would wear masks and thus, everyone would have better protection. However, we understand that’s not the reality we live in, so it is important to know that even if you are the only person wearing a mask, you are still offering protection.
By wearing a mask when you are sick, you reduce the chances that you spread the virus to other people.
Different types of face masks
There are a few different kinds of face masks to choose from, and each offers a different level of protection.
The lowest level of protection: cloth masks
The majority of people wear cloth masks as they are easy to get, inexpensive, and easy to replace. They do provide some protection, but it is certainly not the best we can do. “A cloth mask is intended to trap respiratory droplets that are released when the wearer talks, coughs, or sneezes. It also acts as a barrier to protect the wearer from inhaling droplets released by others.”
Cloth masks come in all different shapes, sizes, and materials, thus making them not as effective. If you opt to wear cloth masks, consider doubling up and layering one on top of the other to provide even more protection.
The middle level of protection: surgical masks
Surgical masks are a step up from cloth masks and help to prevent the spread of COVID. “A medical mask also filters out large particles in the air when the wearer breathes in.”
The main reason that this type of mask is better than a standard cloth mask is because some surgical masks are tested for their performance, their quality, their fit, and thus, their effectiveness.
The highest level of protection: N95 masks
N95 masks mean business and they provide the best protection against COVID. They were originally used in hospitals, but have now become more mainstream with COVID. N95 masks offer “more protection than a medical mask because [they filter] out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales.”
However, these masks do not need to be worn by your average person for everyday use (and should not be). N95 respirator masks should go first to healthcare professionals and those who are immunocompromised. The two above mask options work great for everyday use.
Overview
“When used in conjunction with widespread testing, contact tracing, quarantining of anyone that may be infected, hand washing, and physical distancing, face masks are valuable tools to reduce community transmission.” By ensuring that your mask fits well over your nose, mouth, and chin with no gaps, you are providing yourself and others with protection. While cloth masks can provide some level of safety, they are not as effective as surgical and N95 masks. Whatever type of mask you opt to wear, always use them properly, store them properly, and clean them properly so that you get the highest level of protection.
