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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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ANNA DE SOUZA: Masks
are going to be part

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of our new normal for a while.

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But is the one you have now
the best possible fit for you?

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Check out our
comprehensive guide

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to all the most popular styles
of masks on the market now.

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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We'll only touch briefly on N95
masks, because, as you know,

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they continue to be reserved
for first responders,

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according to the CDC.

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These masks are designed
to offer a tight seal

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around the nose and the mouth.

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And it offers 95% protection
from the particles in the air.

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If you've visited
a doctor's office,

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you've seen a surgical mask.

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This type of mask fits loosely
over the nose and the mouth.

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And while it can protect
you from larger droplets

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from coughing and sneezing,
it's not flush to the face.

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So it might not protect you
from all airborne particles.

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Wetness from your
exhalation renders

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it disposable after
about eight hours.

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While these masks do feel and
look paper thin, some of them

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do have an electrostatic charge
that helps to trap particles

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in.

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Dentists and contractors
commonly use molded masks.

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They're fluid-resistant and cup
over the nose and the mouth.

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And there's a metal band
here that will help secure

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it to the bridge of the nose.

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Molded masks are a little
bit easier to breathe

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with, because it's 3D.

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So the fabric is not
folding in and out of itself

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with every one of your breaths.

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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The CDC recommends
cloth masks for everyone

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over the age of two.

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So how do you know
which one is best

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and for what type of activity?

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Let's go through your options.

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While too many layers may
make it hard to breathe,

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medical professionals
do recommend a cloth

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mask with at least three
layers for the best

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possible protection.

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One style that's readily
available on the market

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is a mask with an outside layer,
then a pocket layer where you

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fit in a filter, in
which case you can turn

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to coffee filters
or even paper towels

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as a safe at-home alternative.

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The combination of two materials
like a high-thread-count cotton

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and a silken chiffon can
filter out as many particles

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as an N95 mask.

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You've probably seen masks
on the market with valves.

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And while they may be more
comfortable for the wearer,

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because it pushes out any
sort of humidity, in fact,

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it also pushes out viruses
back out into the air.

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So unfortunately, these masks
are not recommended by the CDC.

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Bandanas and neck gaiters are
typically made of polyester

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or another synthetic material.

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They're essentially a
tube that you lift up

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to cover your nose and mouth.

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Since these fabrics
are thin, experts

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do recommend folding
it into multiple layers

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for some added protection.

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3D cloth masks are typically
designed with thicker fabrics

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to help the mask keep its shape.

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This origami-style mask may
be a really great option

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for those who feel
claustrophobic

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or asthmatics who
may need more oxygen.

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Experts and parents agree-- the
general rule of thumb for kids

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age 2 to 12 is to find
patterns they love.

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Look for masks with
soft seems, so it won't

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irritate your child's skin.

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You also want to look
for multiple layers

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for the best possible protection
while still being breathable.

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Thanks so much for watching.

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And we'll catch you
in the next video.

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