Putting Panythose Over Face Masks Makes Them Better At Stopping Spread Of Covid, According To Study

Ladies' tights are a staple in women's wardrobes up and down the country, yet the versatile fashion accessory might have an additional benefit.

Researchers from Cambridge University have suggested wearing ladies' tights on your face could actually reduce your risk of catching Covid.

When you think you've seen it all.

In a new study, scientists have been trying out DIY hacks people have recommended to make masks fit better on the face.

Some have opted to use tape or even rubber bands to help with the issue.

However, most incredibly, slapping a pair of tights on your face might reduce the amount of viral particles by up to seven times in comparison with a standard mask.

Cambridge University

More specifically, it was discovered that the most effective tactic was to wrap pantyhose around the bottom half of the face, on top of a mask, the Daily Mail reports.

The researchers also noted that many of the most effective hacks were 'unlikely to be tolerated for extended periods of time'.

Cambridge researchers opted to recruit four volunteers to try seven different 'hacks' to improve the fit of the KN95 mask (left) and surgical mask (right).

Cambridge University

Other hacks included three rubber bands tied to create a 'brace' to stick the mask to the face. 

Volunteers were also given a first aid gauze wrapped around their head to tighten the fit of the mask, as well as gauze stuffed into gaps inside the mask.

Published in Plos One, the results were generally positive.

It read: "The use of pantyhose, tape, and rubber bands were effective for most participants.

"A pantyhose overlayer was observed to be the most effective hack. High degrees of variation were noted between participants.

"However, little variation was noted within participants, with hacks generally showing similar benefit each time they were applied on a single participant.

"An inspection of the fit hacks once applied showed that individual facial features may have a significant impact on fit, especially the nose bridge."

Cambridge University

They concluded: "Fit hacks can be used to effectively improve the fit of surgical and KN95 masks, enhancing the protection provided to the wearer.

"However, many of the most effective hacks are very uncomfortable and unlikely to be tolerated for extended periods of time.

"The development of effective fit-improvement solutions remains a critical issue in need of further development."

Topics: Coronavirus, Health

Anish Vij

Anish is a GG2 Young Journalist of the Year 2024 finalist. He has a Master's degree in Multimedia Journalism and a Bachelor's degree in International Business Management. Apart from that, his life revolves around the ‘Four F’s’ - family, friends, football and food. Email: [email protected]

@Anish_Vij