Masks and respirators for prevention of respiratory infections: a state of the science review. Conclusion - respirators (N95/FFP2) work best

[AussieNeil]

Note the relative greater protection of respirators (filtering face pieces), over medical masks and community masks per the attached image. Importantly, the vertical scale is logarithmic. Respirators provide several times better protection than medical masks, which are slightly superior to community masks.

The paper does note that there are some negative aspects of respirator/mask wearing, in particular with respect to communication, especially for those who are deaf.

From the Summary and Conclusions

We began by reviewing basic science evidence on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens and showed that there is strong and consistent evidence that they spread predominantly by the airborne route. We also showed that masks are effective, and well-fitting respirators are highly effective, in reducing transmission of respiratory pathogens, and that these devices demonstrate a dose-response effect (the level of protection increases as adherence to masking increases).

From the summary;

This narrative review and meta-analysis summarizes a broad evidence base on the benefits—and also the practicalities, disbenefits, harms and personal, sociocultural and environmental impacts—of masks and masking. Our synthesis of evidence from over 100 published reviews and selected primary studies, including re-analyzing contested meta-analyses of key clinical trials, produced seven key findings. First, there is strong and consistent evidence for airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory pathogens. Second, masks are, if correctly and consistently worn, effective in reducing transmission of respiratory diseases and show a dose-response effect. Third, respirators are significantly more effective than medical or cloth masks. Fourth, mask mandates are, overall, effective in reducing community transmission of respiratory pathogens. Fifth, masks are important sociocultural symbols; non-adherence to masking is sometimes linked to political and ideological beliefs and to widely circulated mis- or disinformation. Sixth, while there is much evidence that masks are not generally harmful to the general population, masking may be relatively contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions, who may require exemption. Furthermore, certain groups (notably D/deaf people) are disadvantaged when others are masked. Finally, the there are risks to the environment from single-use masks and respirators. We propose an agenda for future research, including improved characterization of the situations in which masking should be recommended or mandated; attention to comfort and acceptability; generalized and disability-focused communication support in settings where masks are worn; and development and testing of novel materials and designs for improved filtration, breathability, and environmental impact.

journals.asm.org/doi/10.112...

Neil

[ChristyAnne_UK]

😄😷🤩 ◀️ happy face!

[Hilomom]

I never stopped wearing them.

[Dragonfly2007]

Thanks for sharing Neil. I wear a mask in enclosed spaces, also just found a anti virus nose spray, not sure how effective it is, but definitely worth trying as we go into winter.

[LeoPa]

I'm living proof of the effectiveness of respirators. I did not catch covid so far. And I keep wearing them in public places.

[Indolent]

I've been diligently wearing a mask in public and crowded settings since the start of the Covid pandemic (yikes! That's almost five years.) During this period I've had ZERO respiratory infections. While not a determinative example of the effectiveness of masking, it certainly seems to be working for me.

On a related point, I have found the 3M Aura 9205+ masks to be quite comfortable. It is important to get this mask with the blue rubberized straps for the most comfortable fit. This mask seals well, but does not feel too tight.

[lexie in reply to Indolent]

That is the same N95 I wear. No colds, flu, since 2019 and never got covid. I agree about how comfortable they are. I forget it is on. These masks gave me my freedom back to shop later than 9am, ha ha. I still distance and wash hands and keep public exposure as brief as possible. I attend meetings of 30 people, count 5 coughing every time, but this particular mask and my behavior have protected me. And all the vaccines,too.

[JustAGuy in reply to Indolent]

I also like thos mask, in the beginning of being set free from pandemic lockdown, I used that one. But the over-the-head fitment is difficult and I've started using kn95 ear loop styles. I know the over-the-head type do seal better against the face, my activities require me to take my mask on and off a lot. So I make sure my kn95 has a good seal on my face with no leakage. So far haven't had covid or any other respiratory infections.