Face masks Phase II

KN95 Notes

CDC testing results (scroll down, expand + sign to see list).

CDC updated results

Here are some articles on fakes (1,2,3). They are on Medium, so I can't be 100% certain of the author's bona fides.

I have been using Purism for 5 weeks. They were originally on the approved list, as of 09/22/20 on the "no longer authorized" list. But they did very well in the original testing, so I think the no longer authorized means that they didn't quite meet the highest standards, but they are still much better than any random paper or cloth mask. They go in and out of stock. When available, I have seen them 20 for $40. They passed the "blow out a flame" test and the "holds water" test. They are durable, and have held up very well to repeated wearings. The ear loops are definitely on the tight side (I have a really big head), but that is more a feature than a bug, b/c they have to be tight to be effective.

Do not be put off by the price. $2 per may be very inflated compared to pre-Covid prices, but well worth it. Honestly, given how quickly paper masks deteriorate, these may be cheaper in the long run. I have one that I keep in my car. I have probably donned and doffed it 50 times, and it is still in great shape. 

I also bought some Holodeal, when Purism were out (just to have more--I have been handing them out to family). They seem equally good, but I have less wearing experience, and couldn't find the brand rated. Price about the same.

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In the USA, we have more or less gotten to the point where most evidence-oriented individuals understand that face masks help stop the spread of Covid 19.

But not all face masks are equal in effectiveness. It certainly *does* seem the case that even make-do face masks have significantly over-performed. But we are past the extreme shortages of PPE, and KN95 masks--arguably as good as N95, so long as they are genuine--are available.

I have been using KN95s for over a month. They seem very good. I subjected my batch to a few of the tests to detect counterfeits, they passed. They are maybe 20% harder to breathe through. The an offsetting benefit, at least for me, is that they form a peak in front of the nose. Whereas the flat masks seal against my nose when I inhale.

A well-fitted N95/KN95 is theoretically a total Coronavirus barrier, whereas make-do masks inhibit viral load, but don't reduce it to zero, so they buy time, but cannot absolutely prevent transmission.

My point is--let's not rest on laurels. Let's up mask-wearing to the super-effective masks.

(A bonus--although they are more expensive, they are much higher quality, so last through many, many wearings. Unlike the cheap ones, which tend to break a strap the first time I fiddle with them!)