Consumer Reports – via Pete Weiss – “With COVID-19 still spreading in the U.S., masks have become a daily part of American life. In a nationally representative survey CR conducted in July, 85 percent of Americans said they wear a mask in indoor public spaces “always” or “most of the time” (up from 75 percent the previous month). But consumers still have a lot of questions about masks, and it’s not always easy to find evidence-based answers. We asked CR’s chief scientific officer to weigh in:

• What’s the difference between a KN95 mask and an N95 mask? And how are they different from surgical masks?
• At first we heard that masks only protect other people. Now we’re hearing that they may actually protect the wearer. Is that true?
• I see people wearing masks that don’t cover their nose—is that okay?
• Should kids wear masks, or do they not need to because they aren’t likely to get sick from the virus?
• What if I don’t have a mask with me? Will a handkerchief or bandanna, or even pulling a T-shirt up over my mouth and nose, offer any protection?
• What’s the best or safest fabric to use for a mask? Are all masks equally effective?
• Should I add a filter to my mask if it has a pocket for one? Are DIY options like coffee filters effective? What about PM 2.5 filters?
• How should I remove and clean a mask? Can I reuse a disposable mask?
• We have masks with valves in them. Are they okay or better than masks without valves?
• What about face shields? Are they more protective than masks?
• If I’m wearing a mask, do I still need to social distance?..”