Short beard big mustache. Wearing a respirator to prevent coronavirus? Men may need to shave their facial hair to ensure the device works properly, CDC says, PhillyVoice

Long beards interfere with the snug fit of some face masks

As the coronavirus spreads, some men working in medical settings may be in need of a shave. Wear a mustache.

Various facial hair styles can render facepiece respirators ineffective, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Full beards, goatees and mutton chops all can break the seal of the form-fitting devices, allowing respiratory particles to sneak through. So can old-school English mustaches and the bold fu manchu.

Men wishing to maintain some type of facial hair may have to settle for a look that's no longer in fashion. Soul patches and a variety of mustaches, like the handlebar and walrus, are acceptable – at least according to the CDC.

Different types of moustache styles

Demand for facial masks and respirators has surged since the coronavirus outbreak began in China late last year. Fears have grown as the virus has spread elsewhere, infecting more than 80,000 people worldwide. At least 2,700 people have died.

Flimsy surgical masks do little to prevent a healthy person from becoming infected, health experts say. But they do prevent the spread of disease when worn by people with respiratory illnesses.

By contrast, respirators provide substantial benefits, filtering out both large and small airborne particles. But they're really only necessary for medical professionals.

Mustache

The CDC does not recommend routine use of respirators outside of workplace settings. That's because respiratory viruses mostly spread via close contact – anything within six feet. That includes influenza, which currently poses a bigger threat to Americans than COVID-19.

Still, medical professionals who wear respirators may want to reconsider their look. The picture below highlights their options.

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