Tights are suitable for protection against corona infection. Researchers from a renowned British university found this out. But that’s not all.
Cambridge – Researchers at Cambridge University have dealt with women’s tights and corona viruses*. And the tights are doing particularly well. That sounds a bit bizarre. But the research team led by study leader Eugenia O’Kelly examined seven methods to increase the effectiveness of an FFP2 mask or surgical mask. In addition to tights, adhesive tape and rubber bands were used. The study on the so-called “face mask fit hacks” – was published in Plos One and has already been reviewed by other independent scientists.
The problem with FFP2 masks and surgical masks
FFP2 masks and surgical masks often do not fit well. An optimal fit is crucial to protect against infection. After all, no or as few corona virus particles as possible should escape or penetrate through the mask when speaking or breathing. Even at the beginning of the corona pandemic, the topic of wearing masks was discussed controversially. FFP2 masks or KN95 masks are now considered an effective way to prevent infection with Corona*. This is the result of a current study by the Max Planck Institute. If masks do not fit properly, the probability of infection increases to four percent.
Tricks to improve the fit of masks
Suggestions and techniques to improve the fit of masks are also spreading on social media. So far, however, there have been no scientific studies on this. The British research team has now examined and evaluated seven of these “fit hacks”. The scientists focused on fit and particle concentration.
“We’ve seen a lot of anecdotal evidence of people improving their masks to better fit their face shape. But we wanted to verify if any of these hacks actually work because very little research has been done in this area,” Eugenia O’Kelly said in a press release on the study.
- A team of researchers led by study author Eugenia O’Kelly from the University of Cambridge examined the effectiveness of seven “fit hacks” for OP and KN95 masks.
- Face mask fit hacks: Improving the fit of KN95 masks and surgical masks with fit alteration techniques was published in Plos one (February 2, 2022).
- The study looked at data from four volunteers who tried seven different methods using surgical masks and KN95 masks.
Women’s tights are particularly effective against corona viruses
Wearing women’s tights over a mask on the face was particularly effective and can significantly reduce the risk of infection with corona, the researchers concluded. Because the tights closed gaps around the mouth and nose. In addition, the nylon layer over a KN-95 mask offers another filter. However, the researchers expressly point out that the brand of tights has a significant influence. However, many subjects found wearing pantyhose over the mask uncomfortable.
Sealing a mask with adhesive tape is effective but uncomfortable. The fabric band is comfortable to wear, but causes discomfort when removed. Rubber bands, for example, put painful pressure on the ears and face and can even prevent blood circulation. The other fit hacks provided only small to moderate improvements.
Volunteers carried out activities with masks
The four volunteers tested the different optimized masks for seven minutes in various activities as close to life as possible, such as normal breathing, heavy breathing, talking, turning the head to the side, nodding, smiling, grimacing and also bending forward.
British research team tests 7 ‘fit hacks’
- Adhesive tape : The edges of the mask were sealed with what is known as fabric adhesive tape.
- Filled Gaps : Visible gaps between skin and mask were filled with first aid gauze.
- Mummy : A roll of first-aid gauze was used to tie the mask tightly to the face. The edges of the mask were pressed against the skin of the face.
- Pantyhose : Two different types of pantyhose were pulled over the head and mask.
- Ear loops knotted : Elastic has been attached to the ear loop to fit a large mask to a smaller face.
- Rubber bands : A surgical mask is fixed again over the mouth and on the ears with three rubber bands.
FFP2 mask: How to check the fit
The fit of a mask is strongly influenced by the shape of the wearer’s face, the researchers emphasize. According to the study, certain hacks can improve the fit and thus the function of a mask. But comfort plays an important role.
“We hope that these results can be used in the design of future masks to ensure they fit as snugly against the face as possible for as many wearers as possible without becoming uncomfortable,” O’Kelly said.
If you wear an FFP2 mask, you should pay attention to the fit and try different ones. A tip from study author O’Kelly: “When you breathe in, you want to see how the material moves a little, which indicates a pretty good fit.” (ml)*Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
