Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

December 10, 2020

Evaluation of Cloth Masks and Modified Procedure Masks as Personal Protective Equipment for the Public During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • Fitted filtration efficiency (FFE) of consumer-grade masks and improvised face coverings was similar to FFE of non-N95 respirator medical procedure masks with modifications to enhance fit, suggesting they are comparable in their ability to protect the wearer. FFE of consumer grade masks ranged from 26.5% to 79.5%. The highest performing consumer-grade mask was a 2-layer, woven nylon mask with optional aluminum nose bridge designed to be worn by an adult male without a beard, while FFE for medical procedure masks with modifications ranged from 38.5% (no modifications) up to 80.2%.

Clapp et al. (Dec 10, 2020). Evaluation of Cloth Masks and Modified Procedure Masks as Personal Protective Equipment for the Public During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.8168