One reader asked ST whether it is true that the white side of the surgical mask is the filter, citing information online which said that when people are sick, they should be wearing the mask with ...

There’s a lot of misinformation going around about how and when to use masks to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. The inventor of the technology inside of surgical masks and N95 ...

Practical types espouse the joys of a pale-blue surgical mask as a no-nonsense alternative to flouncy fashion-y ones. Below, we argue both sides of the mask debate: Should you factor style into ...

The second is improving the fit of a single surgical mask by knotting the ear loops and tucking in the sides close to the face to prevent air from leaking out around the edges and to form a closer ...

Surgical masks block the COVID-19 virus through its ... fit ‘snugly’ against the sides of the face (without any gaps) that also has a nose wire to prevent air leaking from the top of the ...

“Throw the mask away if it is wet/or dirty or after a day of use, whichever comes first,” the L.A. County Department of Public Health says. Gaps around the sides of a surgical mask make them ...

Surgical masks come in various thicknesses—some are ... Ear loops, by contrast, create a larger gap at the sides of your face. They can also hurt with long periods of use and cause headaches.

The standards organization ASTM International ranks surgical masks for their levels of protection. "Level three offers the highest protection. It's printed on the side of the box," McLay says.

Wearing a surgical mask beneath a cloth mask makes it more effective. Chin-Hong: The mask should cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of your face without gaps. Wash your hands ...

Don't wear one that has gaps around the sides of your face or nose. You can boost your protection by fitting a cloth mask over a surgical one. You can also knot the ear loops of a surgical mask ...