fmasqs

Concerned advocate for #bettermasks. We need a regulated US general population high-filtration standard and a robust US supply chain! #maskactionplan

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

The CDC asked for public comments on needs in PPE research. Click below for why we need a regulated high-filtration general population mask standard and a robust US supply chain.

https://t.co/G9JQwZPtEh

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

@masknerd So sorry to hear that. Lots of us are so thankful for your work, your dedication, and just demonstrating that there are still good people out there who are trying to help others.

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

On the anniversary of the covid shutdowns, we should remember what could avoid shutdowns "next time" - i.e. having good masks available and IAQ. That will be how we minimize spread while developing new testing/vax/meds. We should work on hi-filtration community respirators now.

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

A basic problem with Cochrane - We didn't test the right "masks" because they didn't/don't exist, ie high-filtration comfortable community respirators that people can wear "always" in public in a pandemic. High-filtration "masks" with high adherence would likely show a benefit.

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

Darn. The Cochrane review has everyone who said to follow the science explaining why the science is wrong.

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

@JenniferNuzzo We need to develop better "masks" - i.e. comfortable community (adjustable earloop) respirators that people can wear "always" in public - and have them available for the next pandemic so we can buy time to develop/distribute new testing/vaccines/meds.

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

Thinking about the RCT that found no evidence that parachutes work. Serious point that just because an RCT cannot demonstrate benefit, it doesn't mean that benefit doesn't exist. How you do the trial to see if something "works" matters.

https://t.co/aEVIqtyddv

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

@masknerd @Globalbiosec The most important study in the meta-analysis (MacIntyre 2013 by @Globalbiosec) showed that continuous N95s DO work to decrease clinical respiratory illness, in spite of only 57% adherence.

https://t.co/UvUgeKMMkM

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

@trishgreenhalgh Agreed, masks are not forever. They're a temporary measure to buy time to develop better solutions - testing/vax/meds. Having good masks available could help flatten the curve without shutdowns "next time."

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

@trishgreenhalgh A better systematic review/meta-analysis. It included observational studies as well as RCTs (vs only RCTs in Cochrane.) Literature review through May 3, 2020. Yes, masks "work," and better masks work better.

https://t.co/8nY7knPHxN

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

Think about March 2020 when we were trying to "flatten the curve." Why? To buy time to get to better solutions - testing/vax/meds. "Next time" good masks and IAQ could buy time without shutting down. We should be ready.

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

Re do masks "work?" South Korea had a low covid death rate, due to masks and other NPIs. When restrictions eased, covid came back in Mar 2022. But the cumulative death rate never approached that of other countries, b/c masks and NPIs gave them time to dev. testing/vax/meds.

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

A better systematic review/meta-analysis. It included observational studies as well as RCTs (vs only RCTs in Cochrane.) Literature review through May 3, 2020. Yes, masks "work," and better masks work better.

https://t.co/lpSxnVEFsb

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

@trishgreenhalgh So many issues lumped under whether masks "work." N95s decrease exposure well, surgical masks not as well. To eval results of any study, need to know type of mask, how it was distributed, instructions on when to wear (continuous vs targeted) & compliance (incl. how measured.)

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

@trishgreenhalgh Maybe the most important study in the meta-analysis (MacIntyre 2013) showed that continuous N95s DO work to decrease clinical respiratory illness, in spite of only 57% adherence.

https://t.co/UvUgeKMMkM

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

@trishgreenhalgh Of course good masks "work." But we never made comfortable general population high-filtration respirators for wide distribution that people could wear often/"always." Even in a monitored clinical trial, only 81% of the group assigned to N95s wore them "always." (Loeb 2022.)

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

@jonlevyBU Of course good masks "work." But we never made comfortable general population high-filtration respirators for wide distribution that people could wear often/"always." Even in a monitored clinical trial, only 81% of the group assigned to N95s wore them "always." (Loeb 2022.)

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

@sri_srikrishna Can't get people to wear N95s "always," as shown in monitored trials. In Loeb 2022 only 81% of the N95 grp wore them "always," and in Macintyre 2013, only 57% adherence to N95s. It's why we need comfortable community respirators that ppl can wear 100% of the time in public.

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

N95 adherence is terrible even in monitored studies, 81% "always" in Loeb 2022, 65% in Radonovich 2019. It's why we need comfortable high-filtration community respirators (for public and HCWs NOT caring for covid pts) that people can wear 100% of the time.

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

@brosseau_lisa Just looking at a study (Macintyre 2013) that showed that continuous N95s DO work to decrease clinical respiratory illness, in spite of only 57% adherence.

https://t.co/B7XhJ0kvvK

[fmasqs @fmasqs]

@crosscutanne @aaronsibarium @joshgerstein Key point - N95 adherence was terrible, 81% "always" in Loeb 2022 (not in Cochrane), 65% in Radonovich & 57% in Macintyre 2013. It's why we need comfortable high-filtration community respirators (for public and HCWs NOT caring for covid pts) that ppl can wear 100% of the time.