Moments from 2021: Researchers in Mexico designed a ‘nose-only mask’ which they say protects you while eating and drinking

Reuters
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Moments from 2021: Researchers in Mexico designed a ‘nose-only mask’ which they say protects you while eating and drinking

Source: Reuters on Twitter, 18/12/2021

‘Better than nothing’

Wearing a mask when you’re around people from outside your household is an important way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

But it can be tough to wear a mask in every situation, including when you’re eating.

Researchers in Mexico have come up with a solution: nose masks.
These masks fit snugly around your nose, leaving your mouth free for eating and drinking.

The masks were designed by researchers at the National Polytechnic Institute to try to help reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Here’s what you need to know about nose masks.

 

A nose mask is a mask that fits snugly around your nose.

It’s secured in place with elastic, and looks a lot like a regular face mask—just smaller.

The masks were designed by scientist Gustavo Acosta Altamirano, who recognized a need for protection, even when people are eating and drinking.

Altamirano and a team of fellow researchers designed the masks as a barrier to block out aerosols less than 5 microns in size.

By using a nose mask, “it will be possible to have greater protection, especially when it is difficult to maintain a healthy distance in restaurants, long-term flights, or dental appointments,” he said in a press release.

The masks aren’t available to the general public just yet, but the researchers are working with a manufacturer to widely distribute them.

The effectiveness of the nose mask needs to be further studied/

The National Polytechnic Institute does not say that nose masks should be a substitute for a regular face mask.

Instead, they’re designed to protect you while eating or drinking, or in other situations where you may not be able to wear a full face mask.

Last Updated on 18.12.2021 by iskova