Since shortly after lockdown, I have been using a doubled-over neck gaiter by Buff like these as a face mask. I find it far more comfortable than any ear-loop masks I’ve tried, and subjectively I think it fits more snug than many masks I observe in public.
With this bias in mind, I was disheartened today by an email from my son’s high school stating
The study revealed that knitted masks, bandanas, and neck gaiters (e.g., buffs) do not provide effective protection and are not acceptable mask alternatives. Based on this recommendation, knitted masks, bandanas, and neck gaiters/buffs are not acceptable facial coverings for use at [school].
This jump to mask discrimination at a time when as a society we are struggling with mask compliance in general, and on scant evidence, seems premature. The paper is primarily about a novel inexpensive testing method. There is no description of how each mask is worn, its fit, or pictures as worn. Indeed there is little description of the materials. The Buff pictured is called a “fleece,” clearly a mis-characterization, although understandable since at Duke in Durham, NC, you don’t need to know what an actual fleece is.
I anticipate having to give up my preferred mask type in many situations, for one less effective and comfortable, due to the publicity of this initial paper. Even if I use several layers of the perfect filter material inside my Buff, it will be rejected on appearance alone.
Mask theater, coming to the indoors near you, just like TSA security theater at the airport.