When COVID-19 began to spread, the demand for N95 masks shot up. That's because they can filter out 95% of 0.3-micron particles, which means that they are incredibly effective for protection against the virus.
Unfortunately, N95s are still short in supply. As a result, government authorities recommend that their use be reserved for healthcare workers who are at greater risk of acquiring the deadly virus.
If wearing an N95 is not the option that's available for you, then what can you do to safeguard yourself against the virus?
Just wearing a mask is no longer enough.
How do we know this?
In January 2021, the CDC published new research findings which were investigating how to improve mask performance. The study found that double masking is one of two ways to increase our masks' efficacy dramatically.
These findings gained more public acclaim when Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, recently appeared on NBC's Today show in mid-February and recommended double-masking. He explained that using a surgical mask with a cloth mask is a better strategy for increased safety against the virus.
This has sparked a lot of interest in double-masking techniques that ensure comfort, breathability, and protection.
The problem with regular surgical masks widely used by the American population is that they don't offer a tight fit for our faces. Most surgical masks are thin and flimsy. They don't fit our faces and have openings on the side that allow wearers to breathe in unfiltered air.
Therefore, an ill-fitting mask does not offer the best protection against tiny aerosolized particles which can penetrate through the gaps. Double masking allows you to overcome this problem.
BUT. You can also accomplish the same outcome that double masking offers by using a mask filter insert.
Instead, some experts and businesses present newly-researched findings which show that using mask filters is more effective for improving 'mask protectiveness.' The market is booming with new companies launching marketing campaigns about offering the best filter for face masks. This means that there are numerous mask filters available in the market.
The real question is: How can you determine which one will offer you the best face protection?
Below is some important information we have gathered to understand what kind of mask filter inserts will be your best bet against COVID-19 and other infectious viruses.
If you are curious what a mask filter insert looks like, then here you go.
Premium quality MERV 16 Face Mask Filter by DragonWise
Mask filter inserts are pads that can be inserted behind masks – surgical masks and cloth masks.
Earlier research that came out last year indicated that the COVID-19 virus has a size of 0.1 microns. This means that any mask or mask filter that is PM 2.5 filter will not be quite effective against it. This is why the best filter for a face mask will be manufactured to catch 0.1-micron particles.
Furthermore, the product that you should look for should block harmful particles and ensure that you do not compromise on breathability. If the mask's material is not made with high-quality material, it will affect your body's oxygen levels. Remember, a mask should not offer you protection at the cost of making you feel uncomfortable or suffocated.
Additionally, it will not offer you a one-time usage only but will be washable or reusable. Right now, the American people are struggling with the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. It will be in your best interest to use a mask filter that's environmentally friendly and affordable.
If you are looking to stock up on a great quality mask filter insert, then you should look into the new and highly effective Dragonscale MERV 16 Face Mask Filter.
DragonWise, the small company manufacturing these masks, has launched a filter that is ultra-thin, breathable, and 99.9% efficient when worn with a face mask.
This product is easily the best filter for a face mask on the market right now. It has all the best features you need in a face mask filter. It offers:
You can learn more about its features here.
The mask is created with polypropylene, polyurethane nanofiber, and spun-bound polyester fabric. What level of protection the combined usage of these fabrics offers? These synthetic materials are engineered to be highly resistant to airborne particles and liquids. Additionally, they work in tandem to make the filter very easy-to-clean and comfortable to use.
What Dr. Fauci has recommended about double-masking has sparked quite the pervasive debate amongst Americans. Everyone is questioning the merits of using the best filter for face masks available on the market.
It is common knowledge that frontline healthcare workers often use double-masks – covering their N95s with a cheaper surgical mask. It is a standard practice only because it works. While the general population does not face the same risk frontline workers do, experts recommend double-masking or using filters to offer increased protection.
We will need to layer up in light of the new and easily transmissible strains for the COVID-19 virus.
Look into buying a face mask filter TODAY.
DragonWise is offering several discounted deals and bundles. Visit the online shop to find out more about the best filter for face masks.
]]>While these studies have looked at performance on filtration and breathability, there is no comprehensive analysis published that combines key conclusions from these studies with other practical factors such as trustworthiness of the material quality or manufacturer, the potential for harmful chemicals or fiberglass, the price, and the accessibility to the consumer.
A recent study, “Filtration Performances of Non-Medical Materials as Candidates for Manufacturing Facemasks and Respirators”, published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, tested a wide variety of materials and scenarios to get data on the filtration ability and breathability. Two of the authors, Dr. Yang Wang, assistant professor of environmental engineering at Missouri S&T, and his Ph.D. student, Weixing Hao evaluated filtration based on blocking of 0.3 micron particles, the size generally used as a benchmark for COVID-19 protection.
Wang & Hao found that some of the most protective materials also offering the best breathability were household (furnace & HVAC) air filters, which are specifically designed for filtering environmental air. Many people have been using these, but the problem is some of these filters can have fiberglass or other dangerous components in them that can be breathed in and cause as much harm to the wearer as the contaminants they are trying to avoid.
One argument suggests that these types of filters are safe to use as long as they are sandwiched between a high thread count cotton fabric. However, this is not proven and small particles may potentially pass through the fabric into the lungs. Due to the potential risk, we do not recommend relying on these materials even when wrapped in cloth. It is best to pick filters without dangerous components, and ones using longer woven fibers may shed less than ones with smaller fibers.
Since early in the COVID-19 outbreak, shop towels have been touted as an effective alternative material for homemade masks and filters. Surprisingly, in this study they only filtered 32% of particles unless stacked in 4 layers which only improved filtration to 70% and suffered a noticeable loss in breathability.
Other fabric tested included cotton and muslin. Both were consistently mediocre, yielding around 10% protection unless stacked in 3-4 layers, which improved filtration to 15-25%. Even 4 layers of 600 thread count cotton only blocked 58% of particles.
Another study published in The Journal of Hospital Infection, “COVID-19 and Non-Traditional Mask Use: How Do Various Materials Compare in Reducing the Infection Risk for Mask Wearers?” led by author Amanda Wilson, a doctoral candidate in environmental health sciences, aimed to predict the risk of infection when exposed to the virus for different durations using varied materials. In her study using a probabilistic model based on known data from several studies, vacuum cleaner bags came out on top just under surgical masks, and things like cotton or linen or a scarf scored the lowest. These results compliment the results found by Wang & Hao and showed an expected correlation between material efficiency and a reduction in risk of infection when exposed over time to airborne particles.
After reviewing the data from these studies, we conducted our own analysis evaluating the best and worst materials for DIY face mask filters. First we combined relevant data and added additional parameters important to overall performance and feasibility. Next we researched the additional information required. Finally, we assigned quantitative values to each parameter weighted by importance. For example – protection and safety of the materials carried more weight than price point.
Using this method, we calculated an overall numerical value for each material to allow for easy and clear sorting based on this final score.
Reported numbers may vary in practical applications. Please use this chart as a guide for comparing materials relative to each other and not as a reference for exact percentages of filtration or reduced risk of infection. Values may change slightly based on testing equipment, inconsistencies in the materials, or the practical use of the materials in a face mask since filtration efficiency relies on variables such as face mask fit and coverage.
We hope our analysis will assist DIYers in making their own face mask filters to boost the performance of their fabric face masks! If you have any designs or thoughts you’d like to share we’d love to hear from you in the comments.
We are happy to answer any inquiries for more information about why we rated things the way we did in our analysis. Periodically data may be updated; if you have any valid scientific or other information that conflicts with this article please send it to us for review at: service@thedragonwise.com.
Hao, Weixing, et al. “Filtration Performances of Non-Medical Materials as Candidates for Manufacturing Facemasks and Respirators.” International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, vol. 229, 1 Aug. 2020, p. 113582, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1438463920305289?via%3Dihub, 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113582.
Wilson, Amanda M., et al. “COVID-19 and Non-Traditional Mask Use: How Do Various Materials Compare in Reducing the Infection Risk for Mask Wearers?” The Journal of Hospital Infection, 2 June 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7264937/, 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.05.036.
Konda, Abhiteja, et al. “Aerosol Filtration Efficiency of Common Fabrics Used in Respiratory Cloth Masks.” ACS Nano, 24 Apr. 2020, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.0c03252.
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Many people have asked “is a filter needed with a face mask?” The answer is “yes”—that is, if you want to improve the mask’s efficacy. Depending on the material that the face mask is made out of, a face mask filter insert can be a very helpful addition to any face mask by significantly increasing the protection the mask itself offers. Face mask filters boost the performance of a face mask and can allow wearing masks which otherwise wouldn’t have adequate protection. This is great because as new masks are designed, there are fun or fashionable masks that look great but may not have the best protection.
Face masks come in all shapes and sizes and are made of many different materials. As recommended by the CDC and found by the latest scientific studies being done, the best-performing materials are generally tightly woven natural fibers such as a high thread count cotton. For example, cotton flannel which has a fuzzy pile and tight weave, acts as a great filter. Other fabrics that are found to be effective are blended fabrics or fabrics with a lot of fibrous material that acts as a mechanical filter to catch particles. Blended fabrics do well because they have a variety of fibers that form a more intricate network to catch particles. Finally other fabrics that have been found to be effective are high electrostatic (think static cling!) fabrics such as a 90% polyester 10% spandex chiffon which creates static to help attract particles to it in the air.
This all said there are still certain limitations with fabrics and other materials that generally don't allow fabric face masks the same level of protection as an N95 mask. A good way around this is wearing a filter in the mask. Many masks are now made with a filter pocket so that you can add your own filter. A filter adds another layer of protection to trap particles and liquid that might not be caught by the face mask alone. Therefore, consider the following about any filter how well it:
There are many kinds of face mask filters available for purchase. One of the most common types of filters seen is the PM 2.5 filter. These filters offer some additional protection but are not always effective at preventing against COVID-19 spread because they haven’t shown effectiveness when it comes to particles smaller than 1 micron and the coronavirus comes in at 0.1 microns. Also these filters tend to be small and not offer full coverage without air leakage. Therefore the PM 2.5 filter is not the best option.
Other newer technology filters have appeared in the market since the pandemics beginning. Some advertise different levels of protection based on the HEPA or MERV scales, two different ways of describing the level of particles that a material catches. These ratings are commonly used in household filter systems as well as face masks. The most important thing about any filter to keep in mind is to get a high level of particle filtration and make sure that the filtration covers particles of 0.3 microns or smaller. 95% and higher are the best efficiencies and are in line with an N95 face mask. This consideration will necessitate a HEPA rating of 11 or higher and a MERV rating of 16 or higher.
Another great function for a face mask filter to have is to block moisture. COVID-19 is spread through wet particles that come from people's sneezing and coughing and other bodily fluids that may be expelled into the air. Scientists have found that blocking moisture droplets is just as important as blocking particles. If a droplet contacts your body there's going to be more virus exposed to your system.
Just as important as a high level of filtration is a high level of breathability. If a material is not breathable then the airflow will be harder with more resistance through the material and will cause the airflow to go around the sides as opposed to through the material, thus defeating the purpose of the mask. Also, if a mask has a good seal but the material is not breathable, it can cause serious medical issues for the wearer.
As we know, oxygen is an important part of breathing and maintaining healthy lung function so a restricted intake of oxygen can cause lung pain or issues especially in patients who might have respiratory or other health issues that reduce their lung function or oxygen levels.
Think of it this way—if you go to high altitudes but you are used to being at sea level there's less oxygen in the air. When there's less oxygen in the air it's harder to breathe. People living at higher altitude have already adapted to pulling more oxygen from the air and using it more efficiently. Wearing a mask that does not allow enough oxygen to your body is similar to going up to high altitudes if you are not acclimated to it. Your lungs and body have to work harder to get the essential oxygen into your system.
Finally, the ideal face mask filter will be able to be washed or sanitized so that it can be reused. Many people have more restrictions on their finances right now in this difficult time with layoffs, furloughs and economical struggles. Everyone, even those without financial strain should appreciate a face mask filter that is reusable which saves a lot of money, especially with the high price tag of protective and cleaning supplies during the pandemic. Aside from being affordable and economical, reusable filters are environmentally friendly and help cut down on precious resources used in manufacturing and landfill garbage.
Taking all of this into account, there are a couple of face mask filters that shine out as the best available in the market. One of these filters is made by a company called DragonWise, a small USA-based woman, veteran-owned company who embraces the ideals of small business and helping others. The Dragonscale MERV 16 Face Mask Filters, use a brand new technology that rival the efficacy of N95 masks. They are sold online on DragonWise’s website as well as on Etsy alongside other protective products including handmade and custom fabric face masks.
The Dragonscale Face Mask Filters have an extremely high MERV and HEPA ratings, and block 95% of 0.3 micron particles. Worn in a face mask, they will boost the mask’s filtration efficiency to over 99%. They also have the moisture repelling layer that will block cough & sneeze droplets before they hit the face. Finally, they are the gold standard for reusable face mask filters. With their unique DragonWise Filter Care Method, the filters can be washed or sanitized up to 8 times, bringing the cost of use down to under $0.39 per day. Other comparable filters will cost three to five times that per day because they are not reusable.
Therefore, DragonWise’s Dragonscale Face Mask Filter is rated as our number one face mask filter insert. For those who are interested in making their own filters, see our analysis of the best and worst DIY face mask filter materials.
In conclusion, although a face mask filter isn't required, the right filter can potentially boost well-fitting fabric face masks to the same level of protection or even higher than an N95 mask. Since many people do not find themselves in places where they might need the protection of masks such as the N95, KN95, or surgical masks, using a filter in an ordinary 1- or 2-ply cloth mask allows the home user security and a very high level of protection. Therefore, medical face masks required for medical personnel and first responders will remain in abundant supply when the need arises.
Aydin, Onur, et al. Performance of Fabrics for Home-Made Masks Against the Spread of Respiratory Infections Through Droplets: A Quantitative Mechanistic Study. 20 July 2020, https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.19.20071779v2.
CDC. “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 Feb. 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Laboratory Performance Evaluation of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators, 1996.” MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, vol. 47, no. 48, 11 Dec. 1998, pp. 1045–1049, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9869077/.
Konda, Abhiteja, et al. “Aerosol Filtration Efficiency of Common Fabrics Used in Respiratory Cloth Masks.” ACS Nano, 24 Apr. 2020, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.0c03252.
US EPA, OAR. “What Is a HEPA Filter?” US EPA, 19 Feb. 2019, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-hepa-filter-1.
US EPA, OAR. “What Is a MERV Rating?” US EPA, 19 Feb. 2019, https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-merv-rating-1.
Cherrie, John W, et al. “Effectiveness of Face Masks Used to Protect Beijing Residents against Particulate Air Pollution.” Occupational and Environmental Medicine, vol. 75, no. 6, 2018, pp. 446–452, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5969371/.
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