Question: Is it ok if my mask has an exhalation valve?

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Personal Protective Equipment: Questions and Answers
section_headers: Respirators
My N95 respirator has an exhalation valve, is that okay?
section_content: An N95 respirator with an exhalation valve does provide the same level of
protection to the wearer as one that does not have a valve. The presence of an
exhalation valve reduces exhalation resistance, which makes it easier to
breathe (exhale). Some users feel that a respirator with an exhalation valve
keeps the face cooler and reduces moisture build up inside the facepiece.
However, respirators with exhalation valves should not be used in situations
where a sterile field must be maintained (e.g., during an invasive procedure
in an operating or procedure room) because the exhalation valve allows
unfiltered exhaled air to escape into the sterile field.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Specifically says that exhalation valves protect the wearer but not the people around them.
This is a great response that speaks specifically to masks that have a valve as compared to those without a valve and how they provide the same level of protection. Answers the question

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Clinical Questions about COVID-19: Questions and Answers
section_headers: Obstetrical Care
Is forceful exhalation during the second stage of labor considered an aerosol-generating procedure for respirator prioritization during shortages?
section_content: Based on limited data, forceful exhalation during the second stage of labor
would not be expected to generate aerosols to the same extent as procedures
more commonly considered to be aerosol generating (such as bronchoscopy,
intubation, and open suctioning. Forceful exhalation during the second stage
of labor is not considered an aerosol-generating procedure for respirator
prioritization during shortages over procedures more likely to generate higher
concentrations of infectious respiratory aerosols.
When respirator supplies are restored, as with all clinical care activities
for patients with known or suspected COVID-19, HCP should use respirators (or
facemasks if a respirator is not available), eye protection, gloves, and gowns
during the second stage of labor, in addition to other personal protective
equipment that may be typically indicated for labor and delivery. For more
information please see: Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control
FAQs

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Talks about exhalation during labor, no mention of exhalation valves.
This isn't a great answer because it's geared specifically toward people in labor and the question was  asking for a more general answer with masks with exhalation valves so this misses the mark

Reviewer ratings:
Bad
Could be Improved

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Personal Protective Equipment: Questions and Answers
section_headers: Respirators
What makes N95 respirators different from facemasks (sometimes called a surgical mask)?
section_content: 
Infographic: Understanding the difference between surgical masks and N95 respiratorspdf icon
N95 respirators reduce the wearer’s exposure to airborne particles, from small particle aerosols to large droplets. N95 respirators are tight-fitting respirators that filter out at least 95% of particles in the air, including large and small particles.
Not everyone is able to wear a respirator due to medical conditions that may be made worse when breathing through a respirator. Before using a respirator or getting fit-tested, workers must have a medical evaluation to make sure that they are able to wear a respirator safely.
Achieving an adequate seal to the face is essential. United States regulations require that workers undergo an annual fit test and conduct a user seal check each time the respirator is used. Workers must pass a fit test to confirm a proper seal before using a respirator in the workplace.
When properly fitted and worn, minimal leakage occurs around edges of the respirator when the user inhales. This means almost all of the air is directed through the filter media.
Unlike NIOSH-approved N95s, facemasks are loose-fitting and provide only barrier protection against droplets, including large respiratory particles. No fit testing or seal check is necessary with facemasks. Most facemasks do not effectively filter small particles from the air and do not prevent leakage around the edge of the mask when the user inhales.
The role of facemasks is for patient source control, to prevent contamination of the surrounding area when a person coughs or sneezes. Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should wear a facemask until they are isolated in a hospital or at home. The patient does not need to wear a facemask while isolated.


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Does not address exhalation valves when talking about masks.
This goes into a good amount of detailed about different masks and the features of those. This is probably a good response for what the person is looking for in relation to mask features

Reviewer ratings:
Bad
Acceptable