Duke University Study Ranks 14 Face Masks: Best to Worst for Virus Protection

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, countless face masks flooded the market. Which provides the best protection? Researchers at Duke University in North Carolina tested 14 types to determine effectiveness against viral droplets.

The surgical face mask emerged as the top performer, while neckbands and bandanas offered the least protection, according to the peer-reviewed study.

Read also: '6 common mistakes when wearing a face mask'

Study Rankings

Here are the 14 face masks ranked from best to worst based on droplet filtration:

1. N95 mask
2. Surgical face mask
3. Face mask with polypropylene and cotton
4. Face mask with polypropylene
5. Cotton face mask with strings
6. Double-layer cotton face mask with strings
7. N95 mask with valve
8. Sewn face mask
9. Maxima face masks
10. Face mask with a single layer of cotton
11. Folded cotton face mask
12. Knitted face mask
13. Bandana
14. Neckband

Droplet Testing

Dr. Martin Fisher, a researcher involved, told ABC News the study focused on a straightforward method: "A simple technique that looked at the droplets released and the effect of the face mask."