Study: Face Shields Not A Good Mask Substitute May 2026

Simulations show that high-velocity vortex rings produced by a sneeze can reach the top and bottom edges of a shield in just one second. If a wearer inhales as these particles arrive, they can draw infectious air directly behind the shield.

In laboratory simulations, face shields blocked only 2% of exhaled cough aerosols, whereas N95 respirators blocked 99% and medical masks blocked 59%. Comparison: Face Shields vs. Masks Study: Face Shields Not a Good Mask Substitute

While shields block the initial forward "jet" of a cough or sneeze, smaller aerosolized droplets can easily flow around the sides and bottom of the visor. Simulations show that high-velocity vortex rings produced by

Research on the efficacy of face shields confirms that while they are excellent for blocking large splashes, they are in preventing the spread of airborne pathogens like COVID-19. Comparison: Face Shields vs