Taylor Thornhill
THE BIG MASK SHOWDOWN
THREE MASKS GO HEAD TO HEAD IN A SERIES OF CHALLENGES!
WHO WILL BE VICTORIOUS?
VS
MEET THE COMPETITORS
Affordability:
​
Reusability:
Protection:
Comfort:
THE
Surgical
MASK
Affordability:
​
Reusability:
Protection:
Comfort:
THE
Neck
GAITER
Affordability:
​
Reusability:
Protection:
Comfort:
THE
Cloth
MASK
THE CHALLENGES
The Candle Blowing Test: Masks will be tested on their ability to contain the exhalation of viral particles. The wearer will try to blow out a candle from a distance of around 4 inches
The Sneeze Test: Masks will be tested on their ability to contain droplets expelled from a sneeze by the wearer. I will use a spray bottle to mimic a sneeze and record how much water escapes through the mask
THE RESULTS
Now time for the results! Which masks provides the best protection against the spread of viral infections? First, we have the Candle Blowing Test, where I put the masks on and attempted to blow out a candle from a distance of about four inches. The mask should not allow me to blow out the candle.
Our big loser of the Candle Test is the neck gaiter! The material is very breathable and thin and was able to blow out the candle with ease.
Moving on, we have the results of the Sneeze Test! I sprayed the masks from a distance of about half an inch away on the mist setting. I recorded the amount of water that rolled off the mask on a paper towel and also recorded the dampness of the mask after five minutes. The mask should either repel the water or soak it up and dry. No water should come out of the front or sides of the mask. After five minutes, the mask should not be visibly wet.
In conclusion, the surgical mask is definitely the winner of the sneeze test! This mask repelled all water and contained it inside the mask. The cloth mask came in second place as it was able to catch most of the liquid, but some did go through and it did not dry down. Last place is the gaiter mask. Most of the water went through the mask and it was still wet after five minutes.
AND THE WINNER IS...