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Got it. Thanks.

Surgical mask, not N95 as stated in the editorialised title. Additionally they noted that it was hard to breathe through this improvised dishcloth mask.

Rewritten title: “not breathing more effective than surgical mask”

This research, of course, has implications for volunteers who are trying to make DIY masks for health care providers, to use as a last resort.

But I think the broader message should be: Wearing a mask in public, regardless of what material it's made from, is better than nothing.

It offers at least some protection to the wearer, and it also offers at least some protection to people around the wearer.

In several Asian countries, it is totally normal for people to wear masks in public to protect themselves and others from infectious diseases.

Perhaps this pandemic will help normalize the practice in the US. I really hope that resistance because of dumb cultural factors doesn't lead to more severe outcomes. Sure, bud, you look silly in a mask, but better silly than on a ventilator.

Dishtowel is pretty non-specific. If it was, for example, terrycloth, like a bath towel...I can see some surface area, and standoff advantages. I've seen dish towels made from many very different types of cloth though.

I may be mistaken but I can’t see N95 mentioned anywhere?

The common surgical masks and N95 masks are two very different things.

A surgical mask isn't a N95 mask.

How easy it is to breathe through this material? -128% !!!!! Harder than surgical mark!!!! --- Researchers’ Pick for Best-Performing Homemade Mask Material

Based on particle capture and breathability, the researchers concluded that cotton t-shirts and pillow cases are the best choices for DIY masks.

dang, fix the headline, please.