Zensah Masks and CDC Guidelines Update

Last week, health officials updated their recommendations for mask wearing due to the threat of the more contagious coronavirus variants. The CDC's latest report urged the public to consider wearing two masks and wearing masks with a proper fit as strategies to better protect against COVID. Additionally, President Biden asks all Americans to wear masks during his first 100 days in office and signed executive orders requiring their use on federal property and on planes, trains, and busses. Thirty-six state governments currently require people to wear face coverings in public to curb the spread of the coronavirus according to the AARP. 

How Can Zensah Masks Help?

Zensah masks are made to contour the face, which means that they snuggly fit the face without leaving gaps around the cheeks, nose, and chin. Having proper mask fit improves filtration and the ability of the mask to block particles. Zensah's Performance Mask has a head and neck strap, and the head strap can be placed higher or lower on the head to adjust the fit. Furthermore, the straps on Zensah Ear Loop Masks can be twisted into a "Figure-8" to ensure a tighter fit. 

Consider doubling up, and wearing two Zensah masks. A great feature about Zensah masks is that they are made of a breathable material, so even if you are doubling up, normal breathing is still possible and has little difference than wearing a single Zensah mask. For even more protection, wear a Zensah mask over a surgical mask. If wearing a surgical mask causes gaps around your face, a form-fitting Zensah mask can close those gaps while providing an extra layer. 

In a lab experiment conducted by the CDC, a dummy wearing double masks reduced exposure for an unmasked dummy by 82 percent. When two dummies wore tightly fitted masks, exposure to potentially infectious aerosols decreased by about 95 percent.
(Note: The experiments used one type of cotton mask and one type of medical mask in a lab setting).

If you are concerned about doubling up your mask due to lack of comfort or difficulty breathing, having a proper fitting mask is a top priority. Saskia Popescu, an infectious-disease epidemiologist and assistant professor at George Mason University stated people should focus on finding one quality mask that meets the mark. 

It is proven that universal masking works and whatever can be done to improve the fit of the mask and make it work better, the faster we can get over this hurdle. With mass vaccinations happening, it is still important to practice proper mask wearing, social distancing, and frequent hand washing. Stay safe and #MaskUp.

*Disclaimer: Zensah masks are intended for athletic use and do not guarantee to prevent infection as they are not medical grade. With many face sizes and shapes, Zensah masks are not guaranteed to fit everyone the same.