Is it socially irresponsible to wear a valved mask in public?

[sl8]

As far as I know, no valves in valved masks filter exhaled air, as the resistance of the filter would defeat the purpose of the exhaust valve.

On edit:
Presumably, even a valved mask would catch some droplets from a sneeze or cough.

[hlthe2b]

1. Outside on a bike path maybe not. But yeah, there is increasing issue with them failing to protect

others in confined spaces.

[Wounded Bear]

2. Essentially, yes, but if its all you have...

you might try stuffing a cotton ball or bit of cloth into the little plastic box around the valve to keep the valve closed, if yours is of that type.

[sweetloukillbot]

3. I've seen recommendations to tape over the valve

And others that have valves that can be closed on the inside.

But yes, the valve defeats the purpose of the mask.

[BannonsLiver]

4. Depends on what you're talking about

Some 3M N95 masks have valves. I’m assuming you’re not talking about those because that would be silly. Of course they are safe. They are worn in hospitals by medical professionals.

The masks worn by some bicyclists to filter out some pollution would seem to be ill suited for current needs, however.

[sl8]

6. Do you have an example of a valved mask/respirator that protects people other than the wearer?

From a 3M respirator FAQ, https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1791526O/respiratory-protection-faq-general-public-tb.pdf (pdf):
[ emphasis added by me ]

[...]

Do valves on respirators impact their effectiveness?

The purpose of a respirator’s exhalation valve is to reduce the breathing resistance during exhale; it does not impact a respirator’s ability to provide respiratory protection. The valve is designed to open during exhalation to allow exhaled air to exit the respirator and then close tightly during inhalation, so inhaled air is not permitted to enter the respirator through the valve.

While a valve does not change a respirator’s ability to help reduce a wearer’s exposure to bioaerosols, a person who is exhibiting symptoms of illness should not wear a valved respirator, because exhaled particles may leave the respirator via the valve and enter the surrounding environment, potentially exposing other people.

[...]

[BannonsLiver]

10. So you're saying medical professionals who wear them are irresponsible?

I’m not sure what your position is TBH, and have lost interest at this point.

[sl8]

11. I'm pretty sure you know I said no such thing.

I'm only guessing that it's because you couldn't provide any examples. If so, you certainly picked a convenient time to lose interest.

[Rollo]

5. It shouldn't be difficult to affix a small patch of cloth around the outside of the valve...

Using a rubber band or even tape. This likely would be as effective as the cloth homemade face masks that have received so much media attention.

Hell, it's not a perfect world to begin with.

[RobinA]

7. With So Many People

running around in masks that don't really do much anyway, is this even an issue?

[Doodley]

9. "Masks that don't really do much anyway." Really? Which masks are you talking about?

[jmg257]

8. Interesting...Love my P95. Didn't realize how the valve worked. Since the reason I wear

One is to keep me safer, Id likely keep using it.

Have to see if I can dig up an N95 instead.

[Bobstandard]

12. With more people refusing to wear any mask...

It makes sense to protect yourself from them as best you can. If that means a valved mask, so be it.

I think folks who are forced to go back to work should all be issued N95 mask, especially those who must interact with customers-think grocery store workers, etc., etc...