Obviously nothing is perfect, but anything is better than nothing. And since this test specifically measures coughs and sneezes, I suppose we'll have to hope that people doing either use not just a mask/respirator, but common sense as well.

My choice isn't exactly either, but rather the O2 Curve that's been all over the internet as of late. It's not cheap ($75 delivered), but all three times I've placed orders they arrived within a calendar week. Admittedly, the "sports strap" provides a better seal, and costs an additional $15.

https://o2canada.com/products/o2-curve-1-2?variant=32523139383395

The filters are electrostatic, so they don't need to be thick to be effective. (While researching the link I find that the model I use, both respirator and filters, has been updated already.)

Independent test indicate that the Curve filters as close to 100% as might be possible at this price. (I can honestly say my mask even filters out odors. Whenever I take it off, the odors of the room I'm in, even if I had never before been aware that the room had any odor at all, suddenly assail me.) If it filters smell, it must catch some really fine particles.

"Independent lab testing showed the O2 Curve filter had a virus filtration efficiency of 99.998%, with a mean particle size of 2.7 µm, and used a 31 nm (0.03 µm) virus."

While I may sound like a salesman, I'm simply someone responsible for two parents with a combined age of 180, and who can't take any chances.

Thank you.