How Face Masks Help Protect Against COVID-19
It’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and although people are starting to get vaccinated, the virus continues to spread. Because of this, it’s still important for people to wear masks to protect themselves and others against the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a mask as one way to help slow the transmission of COVID-19.
Types of Face Masks 
Surgical, N95 and cloth masks are the most common types of face masks.
Surgical Masks
Also referred to as medical masks, surgical masks are loose-fitting disposable masks that protect the wearer’s nose and mouth from contact with droplets, splashes and sprays that may contain germs. Medical masks also filter out large particles in the air.
Medical masks also protect others by reducing exposure to the saliva and respiratory secretions of the mask wearer. These masks may provide some protection when N95 masks are not available.
Disposable medical masks can also be made of polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene or polyester.
N95 Masks
N95 masks are a type of respirator and typically offer more protection than surgical masks because they can filter out large and small particles.
They are designed to block around 95 percent of very small particles and are made from a flexible non-woven polypropylene fiber.
Cloth Masks
Cloth masks can trap droplets released when the wearer talks, coughs or sneezes. These masks can help reduce the spread of COVID-19—especially when widely used by people in public settings. Placing a paper product like a paper towel or coffee filter between the fabric layers of your mask can add additional filtration (the paper product should be discarded after each use). Additionally, the CDC suggests that people consider doubling up and wearing a disposable mask under a cloth mask for additional protection.
MIT Medical recommends that at a minimum, the weave of a face mask’s material should be tight enough to prevent individual fibers from being seen when the mask is held up to a light.
A Few FAQs about Face Masks
Are face shields as effective as masks?
CDC does not recommend using face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for masks because there is a lack of evidence about their effectiveness to control the spread of the virus.
Do face masks have side effects?
Vanderbilt University Medical Center explains that prolonged use of face masks has not been shown to cause carbon dioxide toxicity or lack of adequate oxygen in healthy people. For some who have severe chronic lung disease, wearing a mask may make breathing more difficult, but not because of CO2 retention.
How do you keep your glasses from fogging up while wearing a mask?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your eye glasses from fogging up while wearing a face mask. Make sure your mask fits securely over your nose. A mask with a nose bridge can help to keep warm air from exiting the mask and onto your glasses. Wash your glasses with soapy water and shake off the excess liquid. The soap leaves a thin film that can act as a fog barrier.
Mask Innovations
Scientist are currently working on developing a new type of mask that can help trap and destroy viruses. The innovation may be a reusable layer coated with a salt formula that will recrystallize as droplets on the mask dry, or a sticker-like product that can be added to face masks to interact with droplets and disrupt the virus’s structure.
What Else Can You Do to Help Stop the Spread?
Additional precautions you can take to protect yourself and help stop the spread of COVID-19 include:
- Ensuring your mask fits properly and covers your nose, mouth and chin;
- Knowing what to look for when you buy a face mask;
- Practicing hand hygiene by washing your hands regularly to remove germs;
- Social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from those who don’t live in your home; and
- Spending less time in public places, especially indoors.
More Information about Face Masks
For more information about the science, history and the benefits of using face masks, visit these resources:
The science behind wearing a face mask and why it’s important (video)
Use Masks to Slow the Spread of COVID-19