As the highly transmissible Omicron variant spreads across Canada, some experts are urging Canadians to ditch the cloth masks and wear surgical or N95 masks instead.
According to Cynthia Carr, epidemiologist and founder of EPI Research, studies have determined that the best protection has to do with filtration and mask fit.
She said that when it comes to comparing cloth masks to surgical masks and N95s, there is a huge difference in both the amount of knowledge we have about masks and the level of protection they provide.
Carr noted that there is less information on fabric masks, because they come in a wide variety of fabrics, densities and layers.
“It’s just not possible for them to be tested. There is actually no guidance from Health Canada on cloth masks, ”he said in an interview Wednesday.
“We know very little about them except that they don’t tend to offer the most protection just because there is so much inconsistency.”
When it comes to typical surgical masks, Carr said they have “excellent” filtration with respect to particulate matter, adding that these masks are primarily intended to block droplets.
He noted that the problem with these masks comes down to fit, as they cover the nose, mouth, and chin, but often leave gaps on the sides of the face.
“A tip for you: the way you will know what the best fit is is when you inhale and exhale if that mask moves with you, that tells you that you have the best seal and it is forcing your breath, you are inhaling and exhaling to go through that filtered area, ”Carr said.
As for KN95 goggles, Carr said they are tougher, fit better and provide the highest level of protection.
“When I inhale and exhale … my mask definitely moves in and out, so that tells me that it is forcing my airway through this filtered space to have the best protection in this mask,” he said.
– With files from Renee Rodgers of CTV.
Reference-winnipeg.ctvnews.ca