N-95 masks are the most effective at filtering germs but are hard to find, while cloth masks with 2-3 layers work best for the general public. Cloth masks should fit snugly against the face with as little air escaping as possible. Proper wearing of masks, such as over both the nose and mouth, can improve their effectiveness. Even as vaccines roll out, face masks will likely continue to be important for protecting against COVID-19 transmission.

1. Frank Michelin
The Most
Effective
Coronavirus
Masks to Wear

2. INtro In the earliest days of the pandemic,
people were asked to preserve face masks
for essential healthcare workers who
couldn’t avoid coming into contact with
the virus. Once the supply system
stabilized, the health departments began
to ask the general public to practice
mask-wearing. Today, people have
multiple options for preventing the spread
of the coronavirus, and understanding
which faces masks are the most effective
makes it easier to spend time out in public.

3. Are All Face
Coverings
Effective?
Naturally, hospital-grade N-95 masks are the most effective
at filtering out germ particles that could include the
coronavirus. However, these are still hard to find, and the
average person doesn’t need this level of protection to visit
the grocery store. Ideally, a face covering should include
several layers of fabric to serve as a filter. It should also fit
snugly against the face and allow for as little air as possible
to escape from the sides.

4. Which Face
Masks Work
Best?
There have been multiple tests run to identify which masks
work best, and people can use the results as guidance.
Outside of hospital-grade masks, cloth face coverings made
from two to three layers of fabric are the best for reducing
the spread of germs. Neck gaiters have had mixed results in
testing. While they help filter particles, they can also spread
more germs due to them being looser around the face. A
triangle bandana tied around the face is the least effective
since it allows air to escape from the fabric’s bottom.

5. How Should You
Wear a Face Mask?
One of the biggest questions people have about face masks is how they
should wear them to prevent as much germ transfer as possible. Face masks
should always be worn over both the nose and the mouth. A mask with a
bendable nose piece at the top can also help prevent air from escaping,
which improves the experience of mask-wearing for people who wear
glasses. Currently, there are some further questions about whether double-
masking is effective. While you can wear two masks to help stay safer, it isn’t
always necessary, provided that you wear your mask correctly and follow the
other best practices for social distancing.

6. Outro
Even with vaccines, it still appears that
wearing face masks will continue to be a
mainline of defense against COVID-19 well
into the future. Choosing the best ones
helps people do their part to protect
themselves and others when out in public.
People who like their masks are also more
likely to wear them regularly and correctly,
making the practice even more effective.

7. Thank You!
FRANK MICHELIN
FrankMichelin.com