# The Mask Genius

> Interactive learning app about mask protection and COVID-19 safety. (iPhone/iPad app by County of San Mateo Health System.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-mask-genius/id1543446236 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [County of San Mateo Health System](https://appshunter.io/developer/1426898646)
- Category: Health & Fitness, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 31 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2020-12-11
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-mask-genius/id1543446236/reviews.md

## What is The Mask Genius?

Mask Genius is an interactive way to learn about how masks protect us from COVID-19.

FEATURES OVERVIEW
- Game: pick a mask to wear in five different situations and beat your high score!
- Interactive animations to compare the filtration efficiency of three different masks: an N95 mask, a surgical mask, and a cotton mask.
- Compilation of research-backed data on mask filtration efficiency.
- Other tips on how to stay safe!

GAME
- Promotes the use of masks in everyday life.
- Takes users through realistic situations, such as buying restaurant takeout.
- In each situation, there are options to wear an N95 mask, a surgical mask, a cotton mask, or no mask.
- Users can gain points by putting themselves at lower risk for exposure. 
- Every situation has a “risk factor” which reflects the score of a round (higher risk means a lower score). 
- The risk factor is calculated based on two pieces of information: what kind of mask is used and the situation’s general risk.
- Mask filtration efficiency data (used to calculate the risk factor) came from a research paper published by the American Chemical Society. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.0c03252 
- Each situation’s general risk was based on a scale created by the Texas Medical Association that quantifies the risk level of daily activities. https://www.texmed.org/TexasMedicineDetail.aspx?id=54216 

ANIMATION
- Interactive animations that depict particles getting blocked by or passing through three different masks.
- Shows the effectiveness of each mask at filtering out different sized particles.
- Choose which mask is being simulated (Choices include an N95, a surgical mask, and a cotton mask)
- Put a mask up to the test against aerosol, droplets, or both particle sizes at the same time.
- Mask filtration efficiency data (used to calculate the risk factor) came from a research paper published by the American Chemical Society. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.0c03252 

LEARN
- Descriptions of the filtration efficiencies of N95, surgical, cotton, and hybrid masks. 
- Information on their effectiveness against different sized particles (aerosol versus droplets).
- Apply what you have learned to your daily life, and be an upstanding member of your community!

This app is inspired by an article published by the American Chemical Society. Data about the filtration efficiencies of the four different masks (N95, surgical, cotton, and hybrid) are from this source.

Aerosol Filtration Efficiency of Common Fabrics Used in Respiratory Cloth Masks
Abhiteja Konda, Abhinav Prakash, Gregory A. Moss, Michael Schmoldt, Gregory D. Grant, and Supratik Guh
ACS Nano 2020 14 (5), 6339-6347
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c03252

## Key features

- Interactive mask protection game
- Compare mask filtration efficiency
- Learn about N95, surgical, and cotton masks
- Research-backed data on mask filtration
- COVID-19 safety tips

## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-mask-genius/id1543446236/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Educational 👍🏻

*2020-12-29, version 1.0*

Really refreshing and informative! Was an educational experience overall

### 5/5 — Very helpful

*2020-12-24, version 1.0*

Thank you for the great app. Super easy to follow and very informative.

## Frequently asked questions about The Mask Genius

### What is The Mask Genius?

The Mask Genius is an interactive application designed to educate users about how masks protect against COVID-19. It features a game, animations comparing mask filtration, and research-backed data.

### How does The Mask Genius game work?

The game involves choosing a mask to wear in five different everyday situations to minimize exposure risk. Users earn points by making safer choices, with risk calculated based on mask type and situation.

### What masks are compared in The Mask Genius?

The app compares the filtration efficiency of N95 masks, surgical masks, and cotton masks. It shows how effectively each type filters different sized particles.

### Where does The Mask Genius get its data?

The app's data on mask filtration efficiency is derived from a research paper published by the American Chemical Society. Situation risk levels are based on a scale from the Texas Medical Association.

### Is The Mask Genius available on Android?

Currently, The Mask Genius is supported on iPhone and iPod devices. Information regarding Android availability is not provided in the app's data.

### How often is The Mask Genius updated?

The Mask Genius was last updated on December 11, 2020, with version 1.0. No information is available on its update frequency beyond this initial release.

### What is the age rating for The Mask Genius?

The Mask Genius has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young children and older users alike. This rating suggests it contains content appropriate for a broad audience.

### Does The Mask Genius have ads?

The provided data does not indicate the presence of advertisements within The Mask Genius. It is listed as a free application without any mention of ad support.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 1.0 — 2020-12-11

No release notes.

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## More apps by County of San Mateo Health System

- [SMC Health Link](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smc-health-link/id1426898647)
- [San Mateo EMS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/san-mateo-ems/id1484992655)

All apps by County of San Mateo Health System: https://appshunter.io/developer/1426898646

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*