Using a Buff for Infection Control?

[Pongo]

I know it might seem like a random question but, would a buff be any good when used as a face mask to prevent the spread of colds and flus?

I'm hunting for some fashionable face masks for someone and they're all pretty clinical, and mostly disposable. It occurred to me that a buff might do a good job and is washable/reusable.

I figured there might be some medically minded folk / who bushwalk / who are familiar with buffs out there who could share their thoughts - maybe it's a long shot but I would really appreciate any constructive input.

Thanks for any help folks!

[Ubiq]

I can't imagine they'd be fine enough to filter out airborne pathogens.
I can easily see/breathe through the fabric of my black buff with almost no resistance
I think those face masks are quite a dense material

[taipan821]

I agree buffs are quite loose (filter-wise) and I wouldn't recommend using them solely for infection control.

Where do you need infection control, trail, plane, office?

I haven't tried it myself, but i reckon you could use a buff to conceal a surgical mask and still breath easily, just have to make sure to replace the surgical mask when it starts getting clogged

[Turfa]

A buff or surgical mask will not be effective in protecting you from picking up an infection. They will help stop you spreading your infection to others though, as they can prevent larger particles/droplets leaving your mouth/nose.

To protect yourself you need an appropriately designed and correctly fitted respirator. This link has some good information.

http://solutions.3m.com.au/3MContentRet ... =ImageFile

[Gadgetgeek]

Infection control requires N95 level. Other masks reduce the risk, each to its own pore size. If it was all I had, it would be better than nothing, but really when we are talking harm reduction, at what level is it worth bothering with until we get into that 90% range?

Reality is hand to face contact is a bigger vector than breathing in most illnesses.

[taipan821]

hell, go all the way with a Scott M98 full face respirator with P2 filters (P2 is the australian version of N95). Its what Q.A.S. would use in the event of an ebola case

[nq111]

My understanding was that nose-hand-hand-nose was by far the dominant method of spread of colds and flus and airbourne was pretty minor or irrelevant?

[Gadgetgeek]

Well, a full mask fixes the hand to nose problem... makes one wonder if a halloween mask might be almost as effective? sorry not to make light of a serious question, but...

[Pongo]

Thanks for the replies folks. Without going into too much detail, I'm looking for protection for someone who is immune suppressed and therefore a lot more susceptible than the average punter.

Obviously each solution has varying degrees of effectiveness. I've heard it a few times now, and I think we might try the buff + surgical mask as an option.

Reading the discussion here, I had forgotten how thin they are. The only buff I own is a windbreaker one which I use in snow, and that is definitely a different beast.

Thanks for all the considered replies. I really appreciate it.