{"id":3299,"date":"2022-09-30T15:41:49","date_gmt":"2022-09-30T14:41:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/covid19-national-project\/?p=3299"},"modified":"2026-03-02T11:52:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T11:52:15","slug":"does-it-matter-what-type-of-face-covering-i-wear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/covid19-national-project\/2022\/09\/30\/does-it-matter-what-type-of-face-covering-i-wear\/","title":{"rendered":"Does it matter what type of face covering I wear?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The protection provided by face coverings varies greatly: 10-90% more protective than wearing nothing, depending on the size of the particles <\/strong>the person is exposed to and the fit of the covering<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Studies have shown that surgical face masks are effective at reducing the emission of virus particles when talking, sneezing, and shouting. (Full article: Exhaled respiratory particles during singing and talking<\/span><\/a>)<\/p>\n

Face shields, however, only seem to reduce large droplet emissions at the range 0.1-0.5m and have a minimal effect on reducing the number of smaller particles emitted.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Studies also suggest that face coverings designed for respiratory protection (FFP2\/N95) would likely be more protective than surgical masks and cloth face coverings, provided they fit the face snugly, forming a seal around the nose and mouth. (Modeling the filtration efficiency of a woven fabric: The role of multiple lengthscales: Physics of Fluids: Vol 34, No 3 (scitation.org<\/span><\/a>)<\/p>\n

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Related<\/h1>\n

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Email:\u00a0PROTECT@hse.gov.uk<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Health & Safety Executive \u2013 Science Division
Harpur Hill
Buxton
SK17 9JN<\/p>\n

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