Even though some sort of face covering is better than nothing to help stop the spread of COVID-19, new research in Physics of Fluids found that the bandana is the least effective of them all.
In a cough test, droplets from a folded handkerchief traveled 1 foot, 3 inches, and through a cone-style mask, they traveled around eight inches. However, droplets traveled 3 feet through a bandana-covered cough.
Meanwhile, the stitched-quilting fabric masks came out on top because droplets only traveled about 2.5 inches.
Check out the list of most effective face masks below:
- Stitched double-layered cotton mask:The emulated respiratory jet traveled 2.5 inches on average.
- Store-bought cone-style mask: 8 inches
- Folded cotton handkerchief (aka ano-sew mask): 1 foot, 3 inches
- Bandana: 3 feet, 7 inches
- No covering: 8 feet
Which face masks do you prefer to wear? Why?
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