The Mask Genius 1.0

Mask Genius offers an engaging platform for users to deepen their understanding of mask effectiveness in protecting against COVID-19.

Features Overview

• Game: Select a mask to wear in five different scenarios and strive to surpass your previous high score.
• Interactive animations allow for a comparative analysis of the filtration efficiency of three types of masks: N95, surgical, and cotton.
• A comprehensive collection of research-backed data on mask filtration efficiency is provided.
• Additional safety tips are included to enhance user knowledge.

Game

• This feature encourages the habitual use of masks in daily life.
• Users navigate through realistic situations, such as purchasing takeout from restaurants.
• Options include wearing an N95 mask, a surgical mask, a cotton mask, or no mask at all.
• Points are awarded for making choices that minimize exposure risk.
• Each scenario is assigned a "risk factor," which affects the overall score (a higher risk translates to a lower score).
• The risk factor is determined by two criteria: the type of mask used and the inherent risk associated with the situation.
• The mask filtration efficiency data, which informs the risk factor calculation, derives from research published by the American Chemical Society (source).
• The general risk levels for each scenario are based on a scale established by the Texas Medical Association that assesses the risk associated with various daily activities (source).

Animation

• The interactive animations visualize how particles interact with three different masks.
• Users can observe the effectiveness of each mask in filtering various sizes of particles.
• The simulation allows for selection of specific masks (N95, surgical, or cotton).
• Users can challenge each mask against aerosol, droplets, or both particle sizes simultaneously.
• Data pertaining to mask filtration efficiency is sourced from research published by the American Chemical Society (source).

Learn

• Detailed descriptions are provided for the filtration efficiencies of N95, surgical, cotton, and hybrid masks.
• The app educates users on each mask's efficacy against varying particle sizes (i.e., aerosol versus droplets).
• This knowledge encourages users to apply their insights in daily life, fostering community health and safety.

This application is inspired by an article from the American Chemical Society. The data regarding the filtration efficiencies of N95, surgical, cotton, and hybrid masks are drawn from this source:

Aerosol Filtration Efficiency of Common Fabrics Used in Respiratory Cloth Masks
Abhiteja Konda, Abhinav Prakash, Gregory A. Moss, Michael Schmoldt, Gregory D. Grant, and Supratik Guh
ACS Nano 2020 14 (5), 6339-6347
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c03252