The Issue with Fabric Masks

If you’re a designer or fashion brand and you are considering producing masks for hospitals, I hope you’ll take a minute to read this article.

Fabric masks don’t prevent inhalation of a virus. Fabric fibers are thick and porous relative to the size of virus particles so virus droplets can pass through the material to your nose or mouth.

A study showed that 97% of particles pass through cloth masks, compared to only 44% through medical masks.

These cloth masks will not protect you against Covid-19, some may think the cloth mask offers them protection and they may engage in risky behavior.

If you're distributing cloth masks you have to communicate clearly the benefits and risks and explain the required laundering procedures.

But yes, cloth masks may decrease the amount of droplets a person unconsciously spread and may help prevent people from touching their face.

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  • Sam Baker

    Wear a medical mask. End of the story !

  • Aaron Guzman

    Fabric masks are comfortable but they are not effective.

  • Sam Edwards

    Companies that are selling fabric masks should be more transparent.

  • Debra Jefferson

    I am gonna throw my mask and buy new ones !

  • Daniel Hirst

    Wear a mask and wash your hands whenever you can.