Curating published, peer-reviewed literature on mask design, mask use and mask effectiveness.
Filtration evidence How well do different types of masks filter?
Why masks matter How well do masks prevent disease in the community?
Find N95s Where can I find respirators (N95s)?
Make masks How do I make a reusable mask?
Reuse masks Can medical masks and N95s be reused?
Wash masks Can masks be washed?
Double mask What is double masking and does it work?
Mask hacks Do mask hacks improve filtration?
School mandates What is the rationale for mask mandates in schools?
About Us
We are a team of academics, physicians, trainees, people who sew, and other volunteers. We've been working on identifying and curating published, peer-reviewed literature on mask design, mask use and mask effectiveness.
At present, this site and all our work is on a voluntary basis, without funding.
We started out as clothmasks.org when the limited numbers of certified medical masks and N95’s were needed for healthcare workers and cloth masks were one of the few options available. We changed our name to maskevidence.org and in following the science, we recommend ‘Wear the best mask available’.
Research
Mask research is more than identifying the best material for masks — it also requires understanding how masks fit, the level of risk in the environment, what activities are being performed while wearing masks and availability of masks, materials and supplies.
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, one of the few constants has been change. Early days left even healthcare professionals and hospitals short of certified medical masks and N-95’s. While mask supplies have greatly improved, North America still experiences supply interruptions for the public. Around the globe, even more people face challenges in accessing masks. Our contributions to research help the public make sense of peer reviewed literature in today’s world and document lessons learned for the future.
About Masks
“Our Best Advice” is based on peer reviewed, scientific literature bringing everything together one place. Information on understanding mask materials, choosing a mask, mask features such as nose wires and filters, mask safety and making a mask translates science to practical help.
Blog
Mask Use
Review the filtration efficiency of different mask types, find links to resources to find N95s, read information on extended use of masks that are designed as single use, what we know about washing cloth or polypropylene masks, and check out our curated collection of research on the effectiveness of masks.