CDC updates consumer Face Mask website to emphasize Protection, Fit, Comfort

Atlanta, GA – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated their consumer webpage describing the types of masks and respirators used to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Masking is a critical public health tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus, and it is important to remember that any mask is better than no mask. To protect yourself and others from COVID-19 Coronavirus, CDC continues to recommend that you wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently. 

The updated page will lay out the protection provided by available masks and respirators, noting that some provide better protection than others. These updates to our webpage reflect the science of masking, including what we have learned in the past two years, and will provide people the information they need to improve how well their masks or respirators protect them. We will continue to share the science of masking as it becomes available. 

Summary of Recent Changes

Updates of January 14th, 2022

• Added information to present similar content for masks and respirators
• Clarified that people can choose respirators such as N95s and KN95s, including removing concerns related to supply shortages for N95s
• Clarified that “surgical N95s” are a specific type of respirator that should be reserved for healthcare settings
• Clarified that some types of masks and respirators provide more protection to the wearer than others

Key Messages:

• Masking is a critical public health tool for preventing spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus, and it is important to remember that any mask is better than no mask.
• To protect yourself and others from COVID-19 Coronavirus, CDC continues to recommend that you wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently.
• Masks and respirators are effective at reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 Coronavirus when worn consistently and correctly.
• Some masks and respirators offer higher levels of protection than others, and some may be harder to tolerate or wear consistently than others. It is most important to wear a well-fitted mask or respirator correctly that is comfortable for you and that provides good protection.

• While all masks and respirators provide some level of protection, properly fitted respirators provide the highest level of protection. Wearing a highly protective mask or respirator may be most important for certain higher-risk situations, or by some people at increased risk for severe disease.
• CDC’s mask recommendations provide information that people can use to improve how well their masks protect them.

About the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether diseases starts at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.