Key TakeawaysResearchers have studied various face mask modifications to see which offers the best protection.Modifications can greatly improve the efficiency of a face mask.One of the best modifications is tying ear loops and tucking in the pleats of a face mask.

Key Takeaways

Researchers have studied various face mask modifications to see which offers the best protection.Modifications can greatly improve the efficiency of a face mask.One of the best modifications is tying ear loops and tucking in the pleats of a face mask.

Researchers at the UNC School of Medicine have discovered that making certain modifications to face masks can increase protection even more.

Studies have already shown that when two people wear face masks, they have a greatly reduced risk of contractingCOVID-19.But the UNC researchers wanted to see how other modifications might enhance protection. They subjected face masks to a variety of modifications and tests, then analyzed the level of protection the modified masks offered. With the right modifications, some masks were found to be as high as 79% effective at blocking particles that could carry SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes COVID-19.This excludes N95 respirators, which are significantly more effective.

The findings were published in the journalJAMA Internal Medicine.

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The researchers used seven consumer-grade masks and five medical masks on a volunteer. Using a methodological approach based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Fit Test, the researchers determined the fitted filtration efficiency (FFE) of the masks.

Emily Sickbert-Bennett, PhDThe simple tying of the mask’s ear loops and tucking in the side pleats is an easy, effective method that requires no additional supplies.

Emily Sickbert-Bennett, PhD

The simple tying of the mask’s ear loops and tucking in the side pleats is an easy, effective method that requires no additional supplies.

The researchers tested a variety of masks, including:

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The researchers also looked at specific face mask modifications, such as:

The researchers found that surgical masks offered just 38.5% filtration efficacy. However, when the ear loops were tied in a specific way to tighten the fit, the efficacy improved to 60.3%. When a layer of nylon was added, the masks offered 80% effectiveness.

Lead study author Phillip Clapp, PhD, an inhalation toxicologist and assistant professor of pediatrics at the UNC School of Medicine, tells Verywell that his team wanted to study mask efficacy because of the “wide variety of masks available” to the general public.

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“The effectiveness of cloth masks as PPE has not been clearly quantified before our evaluations,” says Clapp. “In addition, simple fixes to readily available masks (e.g., earloop masks) have become popular and widely-shared on websites such as YouTube. These modifications claim to greatly improve fit and overall effectiveness but haven’t been tested to assess whether they actually increase protection for the wearer.”

The Results

N95 masks were the most efficient at blocking particles, but consumer face masks also did a good job with certain modifications. Here’s a breakdown of the findings, and how effective they were at filtrating particles.

Emily Sickbert-Bennett, PhDUltimately, the best mask is one that you will wear.

Ultimately, the best mask is one that you will wear.

Consumer-grade face masks:

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Medical face masks and modifications:

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For most people, making easy modifications to a standard cloth mask is a good start, study co-authorEmily Sickbert-Bennett, PhD, director of infection prevention at the UNC Medical Center, tells Verywell. “The simple tying of the mask’s ear loops and tucking in the side pleats is an easy, effective method that requires no additional supplies."

Sickbert-Bennett says that people should choose a modification that improves the fit and is comfortable, but adds that “Ultimately, the best mask is one that you will wear.”

Clapp says that mask modifications are “simple and can improve fit and overall effectiveness.” While it’s not yet known what overall effectiveness is needed to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, Clapp adds that “improving fit is a simple measure that can offer us more protection in the midst of a surging pandemic.”

What This Means For YouSimple mask modifications can make your face mask more effective. Consider tying the mask’s ear loops and tucking in the pleats for a more secure fit.

What This Means For You

Simple mask modifications can make your face mask more effective. Consider tying the mask’s ear loops and tucking in the pleats for a more secure fit.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Scientific brief: community use of cloth masks to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2.Clapp PW, Sickbert-Bennett EE, Samet JM, Berntsen J, Zeman KL, Anderson DJ, et al.Evaluation of cloth masks and modified procedure masks as personal protective equipment for the public during the covid-19 pandemic.JAMA Intern Med.

2 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Scientific brief: community use of cloth masks to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2.Clapp PW, Sickbert-Bennett EE, Samet JM, Berntsen J, Zeman KL, Anderson DJ, et al.Evaluation of cloth masks and modified procedure masks as personal protective equipment for the public during the covid-19 pandemic.JAMA Intern Med.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Scientific brief: community use of cloth masks to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2.Clapp PW, Sickbert-Bennett EE, Samet JM, Berntsen J, Zeman KL, Anderson DJ, et al.Evaluation of cloth masks and modified procedure masks as personal protective equipment for the public during the covid-19 pandemic.JAMA Intern Med.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Scientific brief: community use of cloth masks to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Clapp PW, Sickbert-Bennett EE, Samet JM, Berntsen J, Zeman KL, Anderson DJ, et al.Evaluation of cloth masks and modified procedure masks as personal protective equipment for the public during the covid-19 pandemic.JAMA Intern Med.

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