Facing off

Sure, that Buff may look cool and be convenient, but it you’re wearing it to ward off COVID cooties, you might be better off in the buff. A new study by Duke University found that while some cotton cloth masks are almost as effective as surgical masks, thin polyester gaiters may be worse than no mask at all.

Using a simple method that employed lasers and a cell phone camera to track particles released from a person’s mouth when speaking, researchers analyzed 14 different facial coverings ranging from N95s to bandanas.

“We were able to actually count the number of particles,” study co-author and Duke physics professor Warren S. Warren, told the Washington Post. “There’s a lot of controversy and people say, ‘Well, masks don’t do anything.’ Well, the answer is some don’t, but most do.”

A fitted N95 mask was found to be the most effective. Meanwhile, a gaiter described as a “neck fleece” made out of polyester spandex, ranked worse than the no-mask control group. The gaiters produced a high droplet count, possible due to the porous fabric breaking up bigger particles into many little ones, which hang around in the air longer. This makes wearing some gaiters possibly “counterproductive,” researchers said. “The exact reason why they’re so convenient, which is that they don’t restrict air, is the reason why they’re not doing much of a job helping people,” Warren said.

For its part, Buff issued a statement in April emphasizing that its products are not scientifically proven to protect against the coronavirus. “Buff performance head and neckwear are not intended to be used as medical-grade face masks or as a replacement for N95 respirators,” the statement said.

Another neck gaiter manufacturer, however, cautioned against writing off every variation of the face covering. “All gaiters are not created equal,” Chris Bernat, co-founder of South Carolina-based Vapor Apparel, told the Post. Although the study did not give specifics about the material of the gaiter tested, Bernat raised doubts. “Chances are it was a lower-quality fabric,” he said.

Other types of face coverings that fall into the “counterproductive” category are bandanas, knitted masks and N95 mask with exhalation valves. “Those relief valves are fantastic if what you want to do is protect yourself from the outside,” Warren said. “If what you’re trying to do is protect the outside world from you, it completely defeats the purpose.”

Warren encouraged people to assess face coverings with their own basic test. “If you can see through it when you put it up to a light and you can blow through it easily, it probably is not protecting anybody.”

The Pole

Short legs, big party: 05/28/2026; On most days, Tracy Harwood spends her time as a court clerk for the City of Durango. But next Thurs., June 4 – International Corgi Day – she hopes to bring something entirely different to town: short legs, wiggly butts and oversized personalities.

River cowboy: 05/21/2026; It’s a mash-up made in Westernwear heaven. Sort of. Seems Chaco, the purveyor of the iconic strappy dirtbag river rat footwear, has joined forces with Wrangler, as in tight jeans, big belt buckles, bull riding and snap shirt fame.

Making plans: 05/14/2026; Wondering what’s up with the old 9-R Admin building at the end of E. 2nd Avenue that was going to be a fire department, then wasn’t going to be a fire department and is now going to be City Hall and the Police Department?The City of Durango will demystify plans for the historic building during a public session Wed., May 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center.

Going for the gold: 04/30/2026; Turns out, blondes do have more fun, or at least they get more awards. Last week, Ska Brewing won the gold medal for its True Blonde Ale in the English-Style Pale Ale category at the 2026 World Beer Cup. This is the third win for the Blonde at the World Beer Cup, held in Philadelphia on April 22 and pegged as one of the world’s most prestigious beer competitions.

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