DR. LINSEY MARR:
Unfortunately, there are no standards for masks at this time. This is coming, but it will take several months. In the meantime, what we do know is that a well-woven fabric works better than a poorly woven fabric. Two layers are better than one. Three layers is even better, as long as it doesn’t stop you from breathing easily through the fabric.
If you really want to update your masks, what you should do is look for a mask with a pocket or an intermediate layer where you can insert a filter. Things like a HEPA filter, a high efficiency particle filter, work very well and block 99% of the particles.
The other thing you can do is use a surgical-type mask that filters very well, but it probably doesn’t fit that well, especially on the sides, and put a second mask on top of it, like a tight mask cloth, to help improve adjustment and reduce gaps. That way, you get good filtration and a good fit.