How different masks protect against Covid-19, and its delta and lambda variants

[MisterNiceKitty]

https://qz.com/2042410/how-effective-masks-are-against-the-delta-variant/
By Clarisa Diaz
Published August 5, 2021 Last updated on August 19, 2021

"Masks help prevent the spread of infection, both with the original Covid-19 virus, and the delta variant that is taking hold of the US, and other variants like the lambda variant and those that will inevitably arise.

While mask mandates were lifted in some locations of the country months ago, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reversed its masking recommendations even for the vaccinated. Its mask guidelines now recommend that people in areas with high transmission wear masks indoors while in public. That’s because face masks reduce the transmission of the delta, lambda, and other Covid-19 variants as well as they do for the original Covid-19 virus. Mask wearing by vaccinated people reduces the risk of breakthrough infections."

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N95 masks offer the best protection against the Covid-19 virus and its delta variant. N95 masks filter 95% of particles in the air as small as 0.3 microns. The CDC says healthcare workers and other workers who work in hazardous conditions should have prioritized access to N95 masks. Only buy and use N95 masks if there’s an abundant supply in your area.

The next best option against Covid-19 is a KN95 mask, also filtering up to 95% of particles in the air as small as 0.3 microns in size. The difference between N95 and KN95 masks is how they are certified. N95 masks follow a US standard whereas KN95 masks follow a Chinese one. The standards are very similar, but the differences mean that N95 masks usually have headband straps, while KN95 masks have ear loops.

When purchasing KN95 masks, look to see if they meet requirements similar to those set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

According to the CDC, these masks are suitable for situations that require prolonged close contact with people who do not live in the same household, or for people who are at increased risk for severe illness.

The downsides to KN95 masks are that they can be uncomfortable, require more effort to breathe, and may not be readily available."

Other mask types are reviewed at link

[Throck]

1. Mask seem to be like condoms.

Not as effective as people think.

[Mortos]

23. Like masks, when condoms are used properly

they are very effective. Where did you get your information and why are you spreading falsehoods about the efficacy of masks?


"When used correctly every time you have sex, male condoms are 98% effective. This means 2 out of 100 people will become pregnant in 1 year when male condoms are used as contraception."

[Throck]

30. 98% is 98%

Same as for mask. Mask not perfect.

My observation is 70% of the population uses improvized fashion masks. So the N95 KN95 argument is moot. Most people who wear mask don't wear proper ones. The inventory is out there now so there's no excuse to not get an approved mask.

[MisterNiceKitty]

31. now it's misinformation about two issues that both have been proven to work

[Arkansas Granny]

2. I've been using the KN95 masks for some time now.

Thay fit closely at the sides and chin and I can adjust the nose wire so they don't fog my glasses. Another plus for me is that they have enough stiffness to them that when I inhale, they don't suck up to my nose and mouth.

[MisterNiceKitty]

9. I find I do have trouble breathing in those sometimes

especially when I have to run to catch a train. Also the strap around the ears can be painful at times. But I will try again to find the N95 masks.

[Arkansas Granny]

13. I have seen mask extenders that hook to the ear loops and go around the back of your head.

A Google search gives many results.

[MisterNiceKitty]

16. thanks - I did find the N95 on Amazon

will order a pack -

[wnylib]

20. Where on Amazon? In the spring,

before delta became widespread, they were easily available at low prices on Amazon. But when I look now, I can barely find any, and not the model I am looking for.

[MisterNiceKitty]

32. I would caution they are expensive in some cases

But I just did general search on N95

See if this link will work: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=N95&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

Options with the NIOSH certification also came up & some without.

I'm just nitpicking here but I hoped they would have more color options than white

[Klaralven]

43. N95s appear to be back in stock at Home Depot

I had a few bought a decade ago for dust protection.

They should be worn for a number of common household tasks; working in unfinished basements or crawl space, spray painting, sanding, heavy vacuuming, mold removal, etc.

[wnylib]

39. Thanks. I found a substitute for

the previous brand and model that I had.

[aggiesal]

15. That's another difference ...

The article is behind a join wall, so I didn't read the whole story except for what is posted here.

KN95 has a fit requirement that apparently the N95 doesn't.
That may have been mentioned in.the full article.

But I'm no expert.

[mucifer]

40. The N95 requires fit testing to know you have the right size. Also, with N95 you

shouldn't have a beard.

[northoftheborder]

3. I ordered a box of N95 masks.

They fit so tightly on my head (and my head and face are small) that I cut the elastic to go over ears instead of head. Also extremely stiff and the nose part fits so high on my nose that my glasses are in the way. Very disappointed. I like the overall stiffness - easier to breathe, but very uncomfortable around the edges. I couldn't wear more than a few minutes.

[HUAJIAO]

14. Many companies are making N95 masks now, Try a different brand.

I have many 3M, plus many from another American company which I am not allowed to mention because they contribute to right-wing politicians, plus Chinese KN95s with head bands that are on the CDCs approval list...

[KS Toronado]

19. Got my N95 at Home Depot

they're the HDX brand and have a metal strip to fold around the nose, very comfortable for me.
Elastic goes around head. They do offer a small size.

[MisterNiceKitty]

33. thanks!

[Ocelot II]

4. N95s are easy to get now - Amazon has them.

I got a package, use them indoors where there are a lot of people (grocery stores, etc.). They are less comfortable than the blue medical ones or the cloth masks but I'll put up with them.

[MisterNiceKitty]

10. +1

[HUAJIAO]

17. The 'blue medical masks" offer very little protection for the wearer, but WILL help protect

others around the wearer...

[Chainfire]

5. For them to operate properly, there is a simple fitting and testing routine that you need to follow.

The N-95 is classified as a respirator as opposed to a "nuisance" or "dust mask." The fitting procedure only takes a minute, however it is worth knowing how to wear a N-95 properly. Since I do not presume to be a health expert, I will let you get the instructions directly from OSHA or NIOSH.


https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2020/03/16/n95-preparedness/

[mucifer]

41. Takes more like 10 or 15 minutes if you start with the right size.

[calimary]

6. Good info. Thanks, MisterNiceKitty!

[iluvtennis]

8. Ditto! n/t

[MisterNiceKitty]

11. you're welcome calimarry and iluvtennis

[LuckyCharms]

7. I wear NIOSH approved N95 masks (however, they are not FDA approved for medical use).

You will be able to find N95's approved for medical use if you look hard enough, but I do not buy them since those are needed by medical workers.

NIOSH approved N95's are abundant, and you can find them with the head straps instead of the ear loops.

I like these types of masks because you can get an incredible seal around your face.

It is sometimes difficult to get a complete seal around the upper part of the mask, but usually I can get it almost completely sealed all the way around.

I remove my glasses when wearing one, because I can still see fairly well without them, and that is one less thing I have to wear on my head. Also, in case there is a small leak at the top of the nose, there are no glasses to fog up. Depending on the situation, I may put a surgical mask over the N95. If I REALLY feel at risk, I'll also either wear wrap around sunglasses (which don't seem to fog as much as my regular specs), and/or a plastic face shield.

I also wear gloves, and a lanyard around my neck which holds a small bottle of hand sanitizer.

I hardly go anywhere, but when I do go out, it is usually to a fairly risky place such as a semi-crowded waiting room, or a more heavily crowded hospital lab.

When I exit the risky environment, I sanitize my gloves and forearms. Then, I remove all of the gear. Then I remove the gloves and sanitize my hands, wrists, and forearms again.

EDIT: If you are having trouble getting a good seal around your nose, put some surgical tape on your mask and skin in the leaky areas. A doctor taught me this.

[MisterNiceKitty]

12. thank you

[LuckyCharms]

22. My pleasure! Stay safe, we'll get through. n/t

[MisterNiceKitty]

34. Thanks & yes indeed

[SergeStorms]

18. I use two sided tape....

around the top of the mask to prevent fogging of my glasses. The metal reinforcements around the top of the nose never seem to provide an airtight seal. The two sided tape takes care of that problem.

I also have 3M N95 masks, but they're of the "duck bill" variety. I find these easier to breath through that the regular "cup" type, even the masks with the valve in them.

[LuckyCharms]

24. Great idea with the tape...

Thank you.

[OneCrazyDiamond]

25. I've been using cotton cloth.

Not as good I know, but I am fully vaxxed, and I see all those disposable masks with their plastic as a problem for the future. No one recycles them.

[cadoman]

28. I two-ply when I need to go cotton

Love my cotton mask wearing comrades! The most critical things are that you followed the science and showed you cared.

[Lonestarblue]

26. I have cloth masks with pockets in which I insert the common 3-ply surgical masks.

It adds another layer, though I find the cloth masks pretty hot. Of course, when it’s 98 degrees outside, as it has been here, everything is hot!

[Hekate]

27. Just picked up a box of N95 masks at Costco yesterday....

As far as “abundant supply in our area” goes, that’s my standard: if Costco’s got it on an open shelf, you know there’s plenty.

I’m not looking forward to wearing them — they are not comfortable.

[MoonlitKnight]

29. If you want a comfortable mask that won't fog your glasses

It may look extreme but it’s very comfortable. Replaceable filters. Kind of expensive but if you feel you need the level of protection and have to go in to an office or be around unvaccinated idiots for extended periods this is a good choice.

https://envomask.com/

I got one pre-vaccines and it was great. Thankfully I don’t have to be around others for extended periods anymore.

[LuckyCharms]

35. Thank you for this.

[MisterNiceKitty]

36. that's interesting...

[moondust]

37. Link to CDC's list of NIOSH-approved N95's.

Updated August 17, 2021

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/n95list1-b.html

[MisterNiceKitty]

38. +1

[retread]

42. I am fully vaccinated. I never stopped wearing a K95 when entering any store. With the rise

of the Delta variant I wear a N95 and a KN95 over it. Glasses provide some protection for my eyes.

Perfect 100% protection? No!

Before vaccination I did curbside pickup and as immunity provided by Moderna wanes I am considering using it again. Its either that or a level A Hazmat suit.