REWORKED MASK IS COMFY ENOUGH TO WEAR ALL DAY
Patterns for the revamped face mask are cut from various kinds of fabric based upon the need for filtering or flexiblity. (Credit: Christopher Moore/Georgia Technology).
Past managing air leak, designing a better mask involves a tradeoff in between filtering effectiveness and how well users can take a breath. If a mask makes taking a breath too challenging, users will simply not use it, decreasing conformity with concealing requirements.
Many current mask designs have additional layers in an effort to increase filtering effectiveness, but that may not be as helpful as it might appear, Park says.
"We evaluated 16 layers of scarf material, and as we enhanced the layers, we measured enhanced taking a breath resistance," she says. "While the taking a breath resistance increased, the filtering didn't improve as long as we would certainly have expected."
"Great filtering effectiveness isn't enough on its own," says Jayaraman. "The mix of in shape, filtering effectiveness, and remaining in the right place produce a great mask."
MASKS HAVE BECOME ‘AN ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY'
The stretchable component of the mask is made from weaved fabric—a Spandex/Lyocell blend—to permit for extending about the
going
and under the chin. The scientists used a woven flexible band stitched with pleats to cover the top of the nose.
The scientists made their mask models from artificial products rather than cotton. However cotton is an all-natural material, it takes in moisture and holds it on the face, decreasing breathability, and possibly producing a "petri meal" for the development of microorganisms.
"Masks have become an important device in our closet and include a social measurement to how we feel about wearing them," Park says. So, the products chosen for the mask come in a variety of design and colors. "Incorporating form and function is key to having actually a mask that safeguards people while production them appearance great and feel much less self-conscious," Jayaraman says.
The work of Jayaraman and Park didn't start with the COVID-19 pandemic. They received financing ten years back from the Centers for Illness Control and Avoidance to study face masks throughout the bird influenza outbreak. Ever since Jayaraman has belonged to several Nationwide Academy of Medication efforts to develop recommendations for improved respiratory protection.
COVID-19 significantly enhanced the importance of using face masks because of the role of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic direct exposure from individuals that have no idea they are contaminated, Jayaraman says. While the percentage of aerosol payments to transmission is still under study, they most likely increase the importance of form-fitting masks that do not leakage.
The group will make the specs and patterns for their mask available to people and manufacturers. The necessary products can be obtained from retail fabric stores, and the instructions explain how to measure for personalizing the masks.
"There's a lot misinformation about what face masks can do and cannot do," Jayaraman says. "Being researchers and designers, we want to produced
