03-30-2020, 01:21 AM
My 2 cent - It has been widely asserted that masks are more effective when worn by the sick person to contain the coughs and sneezes. It would be nice to know how a homemade mask compares to a N-95 in that regard.
This has a pretty good overview about homemade masks including a link to the 2013 study that I tend to see often cited (cloth masks better than nothing, but surgical masks 3x more efficient at containing transmissions from an infected person). Also has patterns and DIY instructions.
https://www.livescience.com/cloth-masks-...virus.html
N95s are intended to prevent catching the virus not so much for containment. When properly fitted, breathing through an N95+ respirator is laborious and even healthcare workers often have to take breaks to catch their breath. No doubt they are far better than surgical masks in containing the virus as they are ~25x better at preventing catching it and versions are used during surgery to maintain sterile conditions (although some have exhalation valves which would negate this containment - see CDC link). However, if you're sick with a respiratory illness (coughing / difficulty breathing) using an N95 is the last choice you'd want to make. Probably best to stick with a surgical mask or a cloth mask if that's what's available.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...e-faq.html
This has a pretty good overview about homemade masks including a link to the 2013 study that I tend to see often cited (cloth masks better than nothing, but surgical masks 3x more efficient at containing transmissions from an infected person). Also has patterns and DIY instructions.
https://www.livescience.com/cloth-masks-...virus.html
N95s are intended to prevent catching the virus not so much for containment. When properly fitted, breathing through an N95+ respirator is laborious and even healthcare workers often have to take breaks to catch their breath. No doubt they are far better than surgical masks in containing the virus as they are ~25x better at preventing catching it and versions are used during surgery to maintain sterile conditions (although some have exhalation valves which would negate this containment - see CDC link). However, if you're sick with a respiratory illness (coughing / difficulty breathing) using an N95 is the last choice you'd want to make. Probably best to stick with a surgical mask or a cloth mask if that's what's available.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nco...e-faq.html