As the 2021 pandemic continues, we must remain vigilant against the more contagious virus variants that have reached Colorado. Even with the launch of the vaccine this spring, we are still competing with this virus and must continue to do our best 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 face 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. 

 Learn more in protecting our herd

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 the 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 if 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 wire or a metal nose band so that it 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 quickly 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, can seal the cheeks and nose by pressing the mask flat on your face if the mask itself is not designed properly. 

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 this 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. 

CU Boulder Today was created by the Department of Strategic Relations and Communications.

The campus imagery reflects the public health requirements taken at the time the photo was taken or before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Faculty and Staff Email Archives Student Email Archives Graduate Email Archives New Enthusiasts Email Archives Senior Students Email Archives Community Email Archives COVID-19 Summary Archives

University of Colorado Boulder © University of Colorado Regents Privacy • Laws and Trademarks • Campus Map