Visualization Of COVID-19 Spread (No Mask, N95 Mask, and Surgical Mask)

[mnshewch]

Are there any still photos of the masks on mannequin? Or calculations on cross-sectional open area between facial contour and mask contour? The KN95 visual suggests airflow is escaping around/either-side of the root of the nose. The N95s (I wear these) have metal nose folds that really help seal that area of face. But it is difficult to know/understand that fit in this test. All that said - THANK YOU for this terrific research! I am looking forward to reading more in the Journal of Physics of Fluids!

[dollystraycat]

Very informative. How do we correct this and also take into consideration that people are speaking and moving their lower jaw when they're wearing the mask.

[dalelimoges]

I wonder if exhaling by the nose without mask pushing down less fragmented aerosol is naturally pushing it on the floor or table (or else) keeping the air we breath cleaner then mask that are constraining aerosol to get smaller and go upward therefore staying longer at air ways levels. May be it's no accident our nose push air downward.

[georgetasker]

Hi there, do you have any information on inhaling? Are the masks still a good preventive measure due to protection against inhalation of aerosols?

[oslasten]

Very helpful visualizations - forgive my ignorance, why not use actual humans for this experiment? Why are we using mannequins? It is my contention that a human model would inhale and exhale. Do inhales factor in your experiment? What does this look like after an hour of using? I would imagine that in order to really test this humans must be used. Very encouraged by your finding though that ventilation is close to this or I would argue better overall at mitigating spread.

[ndifazio]

Mythbusters should have done this.
What about while talking or coughing? Perhaps we should have a mask that’s wide open at the bottom to divert the flow downward?

[jedison]

I swear it's like watching an instant reply of your team commenting a foul, and people are like "SeE tHe MaSk DoN"T wORk".

[glibbergloop]

...we're also forgetting that the fatality rate of the virus is comparable to influenza, yet we never went through all this crazy activity for that. (in other words, we're getting a whole lot of worked up over something we maybe should chill a bit about. Please don't come at me with comments about insensitivity - I have friends and relatives who have been through covid and it indeed sucks)

[royschmidt]

Please provide the data on the amount of air being expelled (rate). Did the Mannequin have nose hair to disperse air. If at rest or just walking, should show that data as well. This does not show how air is drawn in. Areas around the mask let air in at points of least resistance. If you don't have the virus, this is meaningless. I would challenge any to wear these or any masks into a bio-hazard area and tell us if they feel safe. Air drawn in is more important than exhale.

[three-letterfriend]

Lmao you can literally see that the aerosols flowing out of the N95 are turbulent and spreading everywhere. How is that better?

[wbrettgray]

It seems obvious from the research that masks especially cloth and surgical are worthless. Likely a net negative on the wearer's health. N95 masks maybe somewhat effective if fitted perfectly but are not meant to be worn for extended periods of time. The professor stated "“There is no question it is beneficial to wear any face covering, both for protection in close proximity and at a distance in a room. However, there is a very serious difference in the effectiveness of different masks when it comes to controlling aerosols.” He knows he will be crucified if he says the obvious which is masks are bullsh!t.