Cloth Masks, Surgical Masks, or N95s: Which Are the Best Face Masks for Omicron? There's a lot of information out there. Here's how to find the right face covering for you.

Due to the omicron variant's higher transmissibility, medical experts are recommending avoiding cloth masks and surgical masks in favor of higher-quality KN95 or KF94 masks.

In response, companies and designers have flooded the market with alternatives to the common throwaway surgical masks that spurred Ms. Kawanishi to action.

Omicron spreads more quickly and efficiently than other known COVID-19 variants, and that's why health experts recommend N95 masks, not cloth ones.

Which mask is best against COVID-19? N95 masks top the list, but studies show surgical masks are more effective than cloth masks.

Surgical masks are primarily intended to block large droplets, but experts say they still provide some protection, which is better than none.

More The hierarchy of mask protection, in Chan's description, goes like this: N95s at the top followed by KN95s, KF94s — both of which are seen as similar to N95s — then surgical masks ...

Surgical masks found at pharmacies and online can shield you from splashes or droplets of bodily fluids, but they’re loose-fitting and won’t keep you from breathing in smaller airborne particles.

The thinner surgical mask is intended for surgeons, because these products do a good job of keeping pathogens from the doctor's nose and mouth from entering the surgical field, Schaffner said.

Surgical masks are supposed to be used just once. But doctors in Nebraska are attempting a novel experiment as gear shortages arise.

Which mask is best against COVID-19? N95 masks top the list, but studies show surgical masks are more effective than cloth masks.

Which mask is best against COVID-19? N95 masks top the list, but studies show surgical masks are more effective than cloth masks.