Which Face Masks Does The CDC Recommend? See The New Guidelines

2021-12-23 07:35:37 By : Ms. Iris Chan

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Not all PPE is created equal.

With new COVID-19 recommendations being released what feels like almost every day, making decisions about how and when to mask up can be confusing. Inside, or outside? Even if you're vaccinated? What if you got a booster shot, too?

Now, as the Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19 continue to spread, it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest advice from the CDC. New guidelines from the agency are here to clear up all of your questions about face masks.

It might be time to reevaluate the masks you use, whether they're disposable or reusable. Here's everything you need to know, straight from the CDC:

The CDC now recommends that everyone over the age of two should wear a mask in indoor public spaces, including public transportation. And, anyone with a weakened immune system should wear a mask and take all other precautions recommended for unvaccinated people.

Outdoors, you only need to mask up in certain situations. If you're in a crowded setting in an area with a high number of COVID-19 cases, then it's a good idea to wear a mask. You might also want to wear one during activities that bring you in close contact with people who aren't fully vaccinated.

Wondering how many COVID-19 cases are in your area right now? The CDC has an interactive map that can show you current statistics by county.

The CDC says that your face mask should meet the American Society for Testing and Materials' (ASTM) F3502-21 specifications.

Masks should be able to filter out droplets from your own nose and mouth, preventing them from escaping into the air, according to the ASTM. They should also be able to filter the air you breathe in, reducing the number of particles you inhale.

Here's what to look for:

The CDC also supports new guidelines from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In addition to meeting all of the ASTM requirements listed above, masks that fit the NIOSH guidelines, called Workplace Performance, will also:

According to the CDC, "the leakage ratio is the number of particles outside the mask compared to the number inside the mask." A higher leakage ratio number means that fewer particles will escape from the mask's edges.

The CDC has a list of NIOSH-approved masks here, so you can be confident you're purchasing a mask that meets all of the organization's breathability and leakage ratio standards.

The NIOSH has also released Workplace Performance Plus recommendations, which are the best standards that a face mask can meet. These criteria help face mask manufacturers produce masks that are designed to cut down on the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, according to the CDC.

They include, in addition to the ASTM guidelines:

While finding a face covering that actually meets this long list of standards may seem daunting, the CDC already has a list of which masks make the cut.

Two, in particular, have achieved Workplace Performance Plus ratings.

Both 3M's AFFM-5 Advanced Filtering Face Mask filters at least 95% of airborne particles and has four layers of material. And they're available to shop online, so you can stock up anywhere, anytime.

Armbrust's Better Mask High Filtration System comes with one brace and 30 reusable filters. The nose clip ensures a snug fit.

Stay tuned for more updates from the CDC.