Author: University of Colorado Boulder November 20, 2021

As the 2021 pandemic continues, we must remain vigilant against the more contagious virus variants that have reached Colorado. Even when the vaccine is launched in the spring, we are still working hard to defeat this virus and must continue to do our utmost to prevent its spread. 

CU Boulder's research by experts and scientists around the world has clearly shown that aerosols are the main route of transmission of SARS-COV-2 because it continues to erupt in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. These invisible air particles are so small that they float in the air like smoke, but they are still large enough to allow the virus to free ride. This allows the virus to spread more than 6 feet and remain infectious in the air for up to two hours.

Aerosols are different from larger droplets, which fall to the ground quickly after you speak, cough, or sneeze, although they are sometimes referred to as "respiratory particles." 

How do you know if your mask is really trying to catch aerosols and these larger droplets? If not, how can you modify it? We have provided you with protection. 

Point your mask to the light. Can you see through? Comparing the cloth mask with the neck guard, you will find it easier to see through the guard. The easier it is for you to see through the mask, the more likely it is that infectious aerosols will pass. The exception to this test is a surgical mask, which may look thin, but with static electricity to enhance filtering capacity-but you need to adjust the surgical mask to better fit your face (see below). 

Try to blow out the candles. Put on the mask you want to test and light the candle. Try to blow it out! If your mask has good enough filtering capacity, you should not be able to do it. Likewise, if it is too thin and you can blow out the candles, this mask may allow aerosols to pass through. 

Try to put your fingers across the sides. Use your fingers to check for gaps around the nose and on the cheeks. Even if the gap between your skin and your mask is small, as much as half of the air you exhale can escape unfiltered and take away the virus. Surgical masks are a common example of inappropriate masks around the cheeks, and many cloth masks leave gaps around the nose. 

Inhale while wearing. The easiest way to test whether your mask is completely sealed from the surrounding air is to put it on and inhale it quickly. When you breathe in, you should notice or feel the fabric being sucked into your nostrils or mouth. 

Exhale while wearing it. The easiest way to test whether your mask catches all aerosols leaving your nose and mouth is to exhale forcefully. Are your glasses foggy? The area around the nose is not sealed. Do your ears hear the sound of "oooo"? The mask is not flat enough on the cheeks. If you don't seal your cheeks, your aerosol will shoot directly at the people behind you. 

Put the mask on your nose. To seal these aerosols, wear a mask sewn with metal wires or metal nose bands so that they can be molded around the nose. In a pinch, you can use band-aids to seal the mask on the nose and prevent the glasses from fogging. If your masks cannot seal the area around your nose, wear them outdoors where the aerosol rapidly dilutes and dissipates. 

Get an "ear protector". The ear protector is a plastic piece worn on the back of the head, which can hook the earrings of the mask to reduce the pressure on the ears. They improve the fit of the mask by better fitting the mask to your face (mainly around the cheeks). They are cheap, come in various shapes and sizes, and interesting colors. 

Twist and put away your mask. If you are wearing a surgical mask, you can improve its fit through some quick adjustments. Watch here how to do this in less than 2 minutes. 

Purchase a face adapter. Facial adapters, such as Fix The Mask, by pressing the mask flat on your face, if the mask itself is not designed properly, it can seal the cheeks and nose. 

Wear multi-layer cloth masks or double-layer masks. Spreading a layer of cloth mask on the surgical mask can improve the fit and filterability of the mask. You can also insert filters in some cloth masks to increase their ability to capture aerosols, or wear a headscarf or leggings on the cloth masks in a critical juncture. Remember: Do not overlap the mask with N95 or KN95. If you use a double-sided mask, make sure to do so only to cover the gap. Stacking two masks directly on top of each other may cause more air to leak from both sides of the cheeks, which is not what you want. 

As we all know, the best immune system is an immune system that is completely immune to challenges and completely isolated from any external influence. In addition, the fresh air is overrated. Tests have shown time and time again that the weakest creatures in the environment are usually those that survive the longest when challenged by advanced predators, because the scientific possibility of stupid luck is high.

Good luck in Colorado. Get off the couch and do some exercise and healthy eating.

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