Theres anew studyclaiming thatneck gaiters like Buffsare worse than not wearing a mask at all.
That mask was not tested in the study were talking about here.)
Since those masks arent always available, cloth masks are what most of us have ended up wearing.
Cloth masksprovide protectionin a similar way to disposable procedure masks, although they may not be as effective.
That said, not all masks are equal.
As we all scrambled to find cloth masks, companies started advertising different types.
Of course, that doesnt mean these are the best choices.
Medical masks go through certain quality-control checks, but fashion masks have no such protocol.
Nor do the ones you sew or improvise at home.
No coronavirus was involved in this test.
So, to test the rig, researchers spoke into the box while wearing a variety of masks.
It isnota definitive test of the masks themselves.
What should we know about different types of masks?
First, that if something isnt really a mask, we shouldnt expect it to perform like one.
None of this is new.
See all those weasel words?
Thats the best way I can accurately describe the results.
Its very possible buffs could turn out to be worse than nothing, but the question needs more study.
Nobody has studied whether buffs actually increase the chances that someone might get sick.
I think its worth reconsidering your buff, if you wear one.
