Once COVID-19 first appeared this spring, masks have become a widely bought item to prevent the virus from spreading even further. Since there have been many different types of masks being produced it’s difficult to know which masks are most effective.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),World Health Organization (WHO), and health workers have been figuring out which masks are the most helpful against COVID-19 for those that are not health workers as supplies are scarce.

According to Medical News Today, studies have shown that masks should be well fitted around the face with no gaps and should have multiple layers of fabric. Having multiple layers of fabric can reduce the amount of respiratory droplets.   

Bandannas and gaiters don’t have the same level of protection compared to those that have multiple fabrics but health workers have stated that it’s better than wearing no mask at all. Little is still known about the level of protection face shields holds although it should not be a replacement for masks. 

Studies have also revealed that glasses users are recommended to wear masks that fit closely over the nose or wear one that has a nose wire to restrict fogging.

Masks should not be worn if the fabric is too hard to breathe in or have a vent. Wearing masks with vents allow air to flow through the mask, which causes respiratory droplets to be delivered. 

There are still ongoing studies being carried out on different types of masks that are being produced.