What mouthrinse is best?
There are so many different mouthwashes on the market that is can be confusing. What may be right for you may not be for someone else. Here are some facts to consider.
Daniel Berger, EMT, published a recent article in The Journal of Emergency Medicine comparing different marks types for healthcare professionals reported that fluid resistant surgical masks (level 3) provided filtration at a smaller particle size than the N95 respirator and proved sufficient at filtering of aerosol and droplets associated with bacteria and viruses like COVID-19 and influenza.
An ASTM Level 1 face mask filters out ≥ 95% of bacteria and ≥ 95% of 0.1 µm particles and provides fluid resistance
Level 2,3 provides a higher level of filtration and therefore respiratory protection.
If the CDC and WHO are correct and COVID-19 is only spread by droplets, or the studies on influenza infection and mask use are applicable, then a simple fluid resistant face mask should provide sufficient protection.
Traditionally, droplets are defined as large (>5 microns) aqueous bodies.
Perfumes are less than 1 micrometer in diameter and that is why you can smell perfume through an N95
Talc Powder demonstrated a median diameter of 26.57 μm which is used to test for particulate matter.
A proper fit of the mask through fit testing is important since aerosols can escape thru the sides of the mask.
The one-way valves seen on some N95 masks are the industrial variety and protect the person wearing it from particulates but not others around them.
