[exDemMom]

If you are wearing your mask around your chin and mouth, of course it won’t work.

Properly worn face masks help to reduce the number of virus particles that a sick person emits into the air around them and the distance they travel. In addition, it helps to reduce the number of viruses you inhale if you happen to encounter a sick person. Since developing an infection depends a lot on how many virus particles you inhale, the mask can very well prevent illness, even if it does not prevent every virus particle from reaching your respiratory system.

There are many studies demonstrating the efficacy of masks. In addition, there was at least one study examining the efficacy of different fabrics in filtering out virus. The best mask would be made of 600 count cotton (like sheets) and a stretch chiffon made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex. I don’t use 600 count cotton (sheets are expensive), but I do use the stretch chiffon when I make masks, with a layer of 120 count cotton.

[lakecumberlandvet]

I don’t wear a mask. Around my chin, mouth or otherwise. I’m relying on my strong immune system to take care of me. So far it hasn’t let me down. You seem like a nice person and I wish you well.

[glennaro]

As one multi-degreed doctor at a recent conference in Florida noted, wearing a mask "to protect others" is not medicine (as the way most people apply, wear and maintain them renders the mask not just ineffective but completely ineffective), it's socialism.