# Is it safe to stop wearing KN95 face masks and wear only cloth/surgical masks after getting fully vaccinated? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [April 17, 2021, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215 "2021-04-17T18:34:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![drkentries](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drkentries/32/4540_2.png) [@drkentries](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drkentries)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/1 "2021-04-17T18:34:34Z")
So my husband and I are having a disagreement over when we can finally stop wearing KN95 masks and just wear cloth masks with a surgical mask underneath. He was under the impression that we no longer need to wear KN95 masks once we are fully vaccinated. I told him I haven’t read any guidance recommending that and I plan to wear KN95 masks if I need to be inside a building for a long period of time (like at my medical appointment I have in July). I only feel comfortable wearing a cloth and surgical mask combo if I’m outdoors or need to make a quick trip to the store. Does anyone know what the recommended guidance is nowadays? ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/2 "2021-04-17T19:09:42Z")
Here are the CDC recommendations after having been vaccinated: [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html) It doesn’t distinguish between KN95 masks and other masks. ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/3 "2021-04-17T19:11:19Z")
I don’t know what the official guidance is, if there even is any on that specific question. But the most effective vaccines have shown around 90% effectiveness in real world application. Fantastic from an epidemiological perspective, but not perfect from an individual perspective. I mean, ten percent isn’t nothing. I recently got some n95s, as the CDC recommended upgrading from cloth to n95. I’m in the process of getting the Pfizer vaccine. I plan to stay with N95s in indoor situations that involve exposure to many people and/or unvaccinated people. I have kids, who can’t be vaccinated yet. And I’m in a higher risk category. So I’m not taking chances in higher risk scenarios. ---
**Author:** ![FigNorton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fignorton/32/5619_2.png) [@FigNorton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FigNorton)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/4 "2021-04-17T19:27:39Z")
> [@eschrodinger](#): > > But the most effective vaccines have shown around 90% effectiveness in real world application. Fantastic from an epidemiological perspective, but not perfect from an individual perspective. I mean, ten percent isn’t nothing. They are a fair bit better than 90% at preventing serious illness. And we should remember this doesn’t mean you have a 10% chance of catching covid whenever you leave the house. It means you have 90% less chance than an unvaccinated person. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/5 "2021-04-17T19:34:19Z")
There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding about vaccination. Although the vaccine will provoke an immune response (after a period of time) which provides protection against severe illness, it does not provide what is often termed ‘sterilizing immunity’; that is, it does not necessarily prevent you from being exposed and infected, but rather stimulates your immune system to an aggressive prompt response which provides protection against severe illness, and hopefully reduces contagion by making people who are infected less likely to produce and spread large quantities of virions (infectious viral particles), ultimately resulting in achieving a ‘herd immunity’ threshold that reduces spread of disease to the point that special public health measures are not requried. However, because much of the spread of the virus is already asymptomatic and the vaccination campaign is still too new to clearly identify the effectiveness of the vaccine versus effectiveness of other public health measures, it is unknown just how well the vaccine prevents viral spread through the population. It is a reasonable assumption that vaccinated people, even if carrying the virus, will likely not spread to each other, but there is the potential for a vaccinated person to still carry the virus to someone who is not vaccinated or for whom the vaccine did not provide sufficient immunogenicity (most likely elderly or immunocompromised individuals). Although much has been made about the purported effectiveness of cloth-only masks there is very little direct evidence to support this beyond the obvious fact that cloth masks will prevent the direct spread of large droplets. Assured protection against aerosols requires the non-woven melt-blown filtering material, so if you are in situations where aerosol contamination may be of concern, e.g. indoor with poor ventilation, on public transit or airplanes, in large crowded areas, wearing an N95/KN95 mask is still better protection than cloth masks, and especially the single-layer and woven synthetic ‘fashion’ masks that people frequently wear. However, as demonstrated by the events of last summer, even large gatherings with people yelling and not distancing outdoors do not commonly result in mass contagion situations, so if you are outdoors and at a reasonable distance you are probably safe with a cloth mask or even no mask. I would personally still wear masks inside and avoid indoor dining for the foreseeable future, but not feel compelled to wear a mask outdoors when exercising or doing other activities at a reasonable distance from others. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![FigNorton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fignorton/32/5619_2.png) [@FigNorton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FigNorton)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/6 "2021-04-17T20:56:27Z")
I think basically everyone knows it doesn’t provide sterilizing immunity. For months leading into and the beginning of the vaccination drive we were all inundated with concerned opinions warning us we don’t know how well it would stop spread in addition to protecting the vaccinated. ---
**Author:** ![DMC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dmc/32/18049_2.png) [@DMC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMC)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/7 "2021-04-17T21:40:33Z")
> [@FigNorton](#): > > I think basically everyone knows it doesn’t provide sterilizing immunity. I believe that this comes dangerously close to making that claim. > [@Your social comfort level once vaxed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-social-comfort-level-once-vaxed/939087/11): > > I saw a report by the head of CDC yesterday and she said that vaccinated people do not carry the virus. She was quite clear about it saying that data as well as trials support the idea. Very good news. ---
**Author:** ![FigNorton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fignorton/32/5619_2.png) [@FigNorton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FigNorton)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/9 "2021-04-17T22:06:26Z")
Sure, that’s some misinformation. The OP of this thread is a rather shiny exanple in the other direction. ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/10 "2021-04-17T22:21:58Z")
So not “basically everyone.” Lots of people seem to be thinking of vaccination as essentially the end of Covid. And there’s controversy even among experts, it looks like, as to how we should be thinking of it. I’m certainly not just concerned about whether I myself will get a severe case of Covid once I’m vaccinated. To the OP: what is the reason your husband wants to double mask instead of wearing kn95s? I found double masking very uncomfortable, compared to a well-fitted 95 or 94 type mask. It might be worth trying a few kinds to find a good fit. I just got some pleated N95s from [grainger.com](http://grainger.com), which are easier to breathe through than masks with a valve, and don’t fog my glasses. If it’s some other reason, then never mind. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/11 "2021-04-17T23:15:16Z")
Right- as I understand it, it’s if you’re exposed to COVID-19 and would have actually caught it, you have a 97% chance of avoiding serious illness and a 100% chance of not dying if you’re vaccinated with one of the mRNA vaccines. (or something along those percentages). But you’re not guaranteed to be exposed every time you go out, and even if you are, there’s a fair chance you might not have even got the disease in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![MandaJo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@MandaJo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MandaJo)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/12 "2021-04-17T23:25:00Z")
The other factor to consider is the frequency of COVID in your community. If there’s not much to catch and you don’t have as many chances to roll that 10%. COVID isn’t going away. But neither is West Nile Virus, and I still go out in summer. I will be comfortable with less and less masking as COVID becomes rarer in my community. It’s already 10% of what it was in January. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2021, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/13 "2021-04-17T23:54:57Z")
Has there been testing to show that KN95 masks are better than surgical masks? From what I read when I was looking them up, the difference in them is that the KN95 masks, while they filter as well as N95 masks, also leak out air. I also have encountered some very low quality KN95 masks that had full on holes in them where the stitches should be. They are apparently not regulated the same away the N95 or European equivalents are. I’m personally considering switching to board-certified anti-viral surgical mask\* once I’m fully vaccinated. But, if KN95s have been shown to be better, I might wear those instead. \* > **[How mask antiviral coatings may limit COVID-19 transmission](https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/how-mask-antiviral-coatings-may-limit-covid-19-transmission)** > > Coating masks in antiviral materials such as copper and silver may complement existing methods of limiting viral transmission ---
**Author:** ![Tfletch1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tfletch1/32/5340_2.png) [@Tfletch1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tfletch1)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/14 "2021-04-18T14:56:32Z")
> [@drkentries](#): > > So my husband and I are having a disagreement over when we can finally stop wearing KN95 masks and just wear cloth masks with a surgical mask underneath. He was under the impression that we no longer need to wear KN95 masks once we are fully vaccinated. I told him I haven’t read any guidance recommending that and I plan to wear KN95 masks if I need to be inside a building for a long period of time (like at my medical appointment I have in July). I only feel comfortable wearing a cloth and surgical mask combo if I’m outdoors or need to make a quick trip to the store. Does anyone know what the recommended guidance is nowadays? Quality surgical masks made of nonwoven polypropylene have excellent filtering qualities. The problem is that many don’t fit well on the sides or bottom of the face. Adding a fitted cloth mask closes the gaps and improves filtration efficiency to near N95 levels. Add on the fact that you’ve been vaxxed and I think you’re fine for even being inside a building for a long time. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/15 "2021-04-18T18:55:29Z")
> [@eschrodinger](#): > > …pleated N95s from [grainger.com](http://grainger.com/)… Would you mind posting a link directly to the specific mask you got from Grainger? There are lots on that site. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/16 "2021-04-18T20:07:57Z")
These are the ones I got. They have them in medium and small. > **[Dual, Non-Adj, Molded Nose Bridge, Disposable Respirator](https://www.grainger.com/product/MOLDEX-Disposable-Respirator-Dual-16V847?isShellOptimized=true)** > > Looking for Dual, Non-Adj, Disposable Respirator? Find it at Grainger.com®. With over 1.6M products and 24/7 customer service we have supplies and solutions for every industry. They fit me well, and when I put my glasses on top of the nose piece, they don’t fog. My spouse’s glasses don’t fit over the top, so it may vary whether that will work or not. But it has a foam seal at the nose. Also, I take the lower elastic and place it high on the back of my head, which makes the lower part of the mask seal really well for me. I don’t think the same mask will necessarily work for everyone. But there are a lot of choices. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/17 "2021-04-18T21:52:45Z")
Very cool! Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/18 "2021-04-18T22:35:22Z")
Also, you hear people mention KN95, but there’s also KF94, which I believe is a Korean standard that is roughly equivalent. > **[KN FLAX \[20Packs\] KF-94 - Face Protective Mask for Adult (White) \[Made in Korea\]...](https://www.amazon.com/20Packs-KF94-Protective-Individually-Certified/dp/B08KDGFD1D)** > > KN FLAX \[20Packs\] KF-94 - Face Protective Mask for Adult (White) \[Made in Korea\] \[20 Individually Packaged\] Premium KF-94 Certified Face Safety White Dust Mask for Adult \[English Packing\]: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement They are a different shape, and have worked better for me than KN95. But, I still had problems with my glasses fogging. I think too that these are probably similarly prone to counterfeiting, like KN95s. (Not because of the standard itself, but because of the way they are distributed to the US – I don’t know how one finds a reputable supplier.) ---
**Author:** ![CairoCarol](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cairocarol/32/3825_2.png) [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/19 "2021-04-18T22:54:04Z")
Am I the only one to misread the link above as masks for “Adult White Males”? My first thought was, “how racist! And sexist!” 🤪 ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/20 "2021-04-18T23:33:58Z")
Dang. This whole past year I’ve been working face-to-face with the public, a couple hundred people every work day, and I’ve never had a KN95 face mask. Not one, not once. Hell, for a couple months all I had was homemade cloth masks. “Essential personnel” we are called, but for months we had to improvise our own. Let me just say that if you have had access to such masks you have been lucky/blessed/whatever. As what to do going forward - most important, get vaccinated. After that - well, listen to the experts and use the best protection you have access to. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215/21 "2021-04-18T23:40:36Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > I’ve never had a KN95 face mask. Not one, not once. > > Hell, for a couple months all I had was homemade cloth masks. “Essential personnel” we are called, but for months we had to improvise our own. > > Let me just say that if you have had access to such masks you have been lucky/blessed/whatever. KN95 's have been readily available. Are you thinking of N95’s? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-safe-to-stop-wearing-kn95-face-masks-and-wear-only-cloth-surgical-masks-after-getting-fully-vaccinated/940215.md?page=2)