[jackmann (OP)]

If there are two masks, which have the ability to prevent passage of 1 micron sized particles, with 34% and 92% effectiveness respectively, then would what % of particles would pass through.

[alancalverd]

66% of 8%. Or 8% of 66%, depending on which comes first.

My inclination would be to wear the coarse mask on the input side so that the fine mask doesn't get clogged by large particles. But remember that a loose surgical mask is there to trap exhaled, not inhaled, particles.

[evan_au]

It matters what the layers are made of.
- The idea of a triple-layer mask is that there are two hydrophilic (water-loving) layers, with a hydrophobic (water-hating) layer in between
- So, whether the droplets are on the inside or outside, they will tend to be absorbed by the hydrophilic layer
- And the hydrophobic layer would repel any droplets trying to pass through

So the combination of layers is more effective than each layer in isolation.

The main risk is the gaps around the mask; social distancing is your next best layer of protection (it works equally well against Delta and Omicron strains).
- The main problem here is the very high viral load of Omicron
- A vaccine + booster provides an additional layer of protection against Omicron

[Bored chemist]

66% of 8%. Or 8% of 66%, depending on which comes first.

I hope that's an Xmas joke.

[Petrochemicals]

92 percent effectiveness, I would think its more than luck which particles pass through. Round particles are obviously more fluid than sharp ones. Smoother particles.

It's misleading that they are 92 percent on particles  0.3 micron in size , do all smaller particles find there way through, what range of particles where they tested against.

[Bored chemist]

92 percent effectiveness, I would think its more than luck which particles pass through. Round particles are obviously more fluid than sharp ones. Smoother particles.

It's misleading that they are 92 percent on particles  0.3 micron in size , do all smaller particles find there way through, what range of particles where they tested against.

Instead of typing that , you could have done some research and been less wrong.