Why These 2 Types of Face Masks Are Bad News

What started out as just a couple is now a box full of face masks. At first I was making my own but now, between the paper surgical style ones and the numerous styles and varieties I have purchased, I have quite the collection.

And today I found out two types of the ones I have are not necessarily smiled upon by the experts.

And these two I purchased. According to the powers that be, even ones I have made outrank at least one of these.

Let's start with this one.

This style is called a neck gaiter (news to me). I found out from an article on this website that it is no bueno. And according to an article from NPR, it's worse than NO MASK AT ALL.

a study from Duke appeared to conclude that wearing a gaiter is worse than no mask at all when it came to protection. (The researcher hypothesized that the gaiter's porous texture would likely split large COVID-19 particles into many smaller ones, which then can linger in the air for longer.) (NPR)

Great. Strike one.

Who's next?

How about this guy?

Look, I'm Sub-zero/Scorpion from Mortal Kombat.

These types of masks have exhalation valves or vents.

And these valves or vents are good for the wearer, but bad for the folks around them. Let us explain.

(From the CDC)...masks with one-way valves or vents allow air to be exhaled through a hole in the material, which can result in expelled respiratory droplets that can reach others. This type of mask does not prevent the person wearing the mask from transmitting COVID-19 to others. (Washington Post)

You can breathe in good air, but if you have Covid-19 and breathe out it won't prevent it from getting to others.

And in bonus bad news for these types of masks...

Masks with valves have been banned by the major U.S. airlines, with American Airlines on Wednesday becoming the latest to announce a policy change, citing the CDC guidance. (Washington Post)

Find out more about what face coverings are best for you from the CDC here.