New science has been released since our previous post about the Valley Fever Survivor Face Mask. This study in Science Advances analyzed the number and size of respiratory droplets released from a speaker wearing different types of masks to determine which might be effective in COVID-19 prevention. Naturally, since Valley Fever is not spread by these means, only the best should be considered protection against coccidioidomycosis, meaning an N95 or better.
While there are mask rules against the coronavirus pandemic, not everyone has access to an N95. In this case, important new information was discovered:
Also notice the danger of viral transmission was higher in some masks like the neck fleece/gaiter and bandanas. The study showed these masks divided large respiratory droplets into smaller, more infectious droplets, and created a greater public health risk.
This should be an important consideration for COVID-19 mask rules going forward.
Fortunately that is not a problem with the Valley Fever Survivor Face Mask. This mask is produced with a combination of cotton and polyester layers that puts it only behind fitted N95 masks and surgical masks in effectiveness for reduced droplet count. Although it is not designed for protection against Valley Fever this research indicates it should be effective at slowing the spread of COVID-19. It can also a great conversation starter about Valley Fever during the COVID-19 pandemic. We do not earn any money from the sale of this mask. Learn more about it here or get it directly at https://www.cafepress.com/vfsurvivor.545684617
Data Source: Low-cost measurement of facemask efficacy for filtering expelled droplets during speech | Science Advances