A few words about masks
Istarted wearing a bandana early enough in the pandemic that it won me a few openmouthed stares and several raised eyebrows as I cruised the aisles of Smith’s last March.
I didn’t have access to masks, so a bandana seemed like a lowtech solution that might buy me and others some protection from the virus. Searching the internet, I was unable to come up with any information regarding the efficacy of bandanas as protective masks; there hadn’t been any scientific studies done.
A few months later I searched again and this time hit jackpot. Two mid-August studies, one by the University of Illinois and the other by Duke University, both examined a variety of masks and materials in relation to their effectiveness in blocking viral transmission.
Not surprisingly, the N95 mask shone the brightest, establishing the gold standard of masks. Masks with exhalation valves did not do well in the tests. Although they protect the wearer, they do little to stop exhaled particles; therefore they do not protect others.
I was surprised and concerned to learn that a bandana, two layers of cotton, affords very little protection. According to one study – “a little better than no mask at all.” But I was encouraged to learn that if you supplement those two layers of cotton with one layer of silk, your silklined bandana then jumps to near the top of the class, providing protection similar to that given by a surgical mask.
Apparently silk has electrostatic properties that attract and hold moisture particles, making a cotton/silk/cotton mask/bandana a very good mask indeed.
The other interesting but disturbing thing discovered by the researchers is that “neck gaiters” not only do not provide protection, but are actually counterproductive. The textile in neck gaiters, usually some form of polyester, tends to break up exhaled moisture particles so that they become very fine moisture particles. Very small particles hang in the air for much longer than ordinary particles, making a neck gaiter a perfect device for the more efficient spreading of the coronavirus.
So the message is this: leave your buffs and gaiters in the closet – they do much more harm than good. If you’re making your own masks, two layers of cotton and one of silk will give you and the people you love the most protection.
Please stay safe.