Why the CDC says you shouldn't use masks with exhalation valves

Here is what you need to know.

[take]

So the CDC is trying to tell me, wearing a proper mask that protects me and not the people around me, who refuse to wear a mask and gets sick it's my fault?

[franciscobongon]

Not all masks with breathing valves allow UNFILTERED air out?! Many re-usable masks with valves have two physical layers before the breathing valve: 1. PM 2.5 insert and a 2. a soft inner cotton lining. This is a sweeping comment that "all valves" are ineffective.

[djhmo]

This is total horse hockey. I have 10 years experience with a State Health Dept and 15 years as Corporate Health and Safety Supervisor, both of which included respirator test fits. When you exhale in a regular N95 mask, your breath does not go backwards through the mask, instead your breath pushes your mask away from your face and exits around the edges of the mask, particularly around the nose where the fit is poorest. That's why your glasses fog up when you use a standard N95 mask, your escaping breath causes the fog. A N95 with an exhalation valve does not have to break the seal against your face at every breath, but directs your breath usually downward through the valve. So where do you want your exhaled breath to go, downward with an exhalation valve, or backward around your face. Bottom line, exhalation valve masks are more protective for you because it does not break the seal against your face, for others around you doesn't matter, because your breath ends up outside the mask anyway.

[adassa]

I'm asthmatic, my mask has the valve and 6 layer filter protection, that protects me and others. I cannot wear the other masks I've tried, they are suffocating to the point that I could pass out and collapse. I wear my mask all the time, I see some out there who don't, I know who I'd feel safer to be around with.

[tinaberry]

So in so many words they are saying protect other people and not yourself wow

[themexicanstaringfrogofsou]

People should wear a mask that protects themselves. Which are the ones with valves. The cloth ones don't protect you

[pd]

I own several valved masks. The so-called "Sports Masks" have two valves and have nothing covering the valves. In that case, I can see where unfiltered air could get out. The cotton masks, however, have the valve on the outside and, between my mouth and the valve is a layer of cotton fabric (right next to my mouth), a 3 layer carbon filter followed by another layer of cotton fabric. Then there is the exhalation valve. 5 layers between my mouth and the exhalation valve. That is more filtering than many folks with their homemade single layer masks have. No lack of filtering for the exhaled air but I do find that my masks gets less hot and less damp from my exhaled breath.

[donnybwisor]

So if I wear it, it keeps me safe? Ok....perfect. You do whatever works for you and I'll do what I need to do for me.

[Shakester]

What they don’t mention is many with these valves have filters that you have to slide in. You’re really breathing through a piece of cloth, a carbon filter and then another piece of cloth. Yes, the breather valve lets air in and out, but it’s more effective that a regular surgical mask that many wear. Especially ones with their noses hanging out.

[samuelmatheson]

So basically....
If you're not stick....
It's fine.
But you don't know your sick....
So it's not fine.


Ah yes, the perfect litmus test

[mattdaniels]

I use an n99 with an exhaust vent and use a triple layer homeade mask over that. Best of both worlds.

[Tsukasa_Kudamaki]

meanwhile those basic disposable mask have holes that can fit your finger on the side

[simon]

The best thing I can do to not spread the virus is to not get infected in the first place. This is the most protective mask that I can stand wearing all day long.

[totaleisure]

Your report does not include masks with exhalation valves that have filters between the mask and the exhalation valve. The filter usually has 5 layers - 2 of them made of melt-blown material - very similar to N95 masks. N95 masks are made of 5 layers and 2 of them are melt-blown. The advantage of cloth facemasks with a pocket to insert the 5-layer filter is that the user can wash it and reuse several times and change the filter as needed; N95 masks are intended for a single-use. Therefore, the exhalation is filtered and offers much more protection for the person wearing it and the ones around as well. The 3-ply blue facemasks (surgical) have only 3 layers - one melt-blown layer - and offer less protection and don't fit well on the face; with these, you can feel how your exhalation flows around your face, those who wear glasses notice this when their glasses get cloudy with breathing.

[drunkunc]

I cut the rubber gasket out and now I love it. It's like breathing fresh air again and nobody is the wiser and I smile from ear to ear.

[hayleykitty]

I’m still gonna wear the one with my valve because it’s not my responsibility to keep other people safe. It’s other people’s responsibility to protect themselves

[jaredwhite]

If the other is wearing one like mandated. Then they are protected 🤷‍♂️

[dinahmhelme]

Whats your view on wearing a surgical mask under the mask with valve?

[zengreen]

LIES!!

The mask does allow exhalation, but if those around you are wearing A MASK, they are still protected. This mask

[hitenasher]

So in a mask without valve.... Were does the exhaled air go out from?
Exhaled air has to go out... If not through valve but thorough sides.. Of mask...
Sides are not hermitically sealed.