With more contagious coronavirus variants spreading across the United States and the supply of COVID-19 vaccines exceeding demand, additional guidance on mask use has been issued. Optimizing the fit of cloth and medical masks is critical for improving performance and reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission and exposure. However, wearing two masks (or double masking) can help protect against the threat of more contagious variants. There’s also new evidence-based advice on wearing masks outside. Let’s closely look at the dos and don’ts of double mask
What exactly is double masking?
Double masking is a preventive method that involves wearing one mask on top of another. It improves the mask’s efficiency by increasing the filtration rate and preventing virus spread. It also reduces droplet exhalation, and the virus-containing droplets spread.
Varieties of face mask
There are generally three types of masks used for COVID-19 prevention:
Cloth mask
Breathable fabrics are selected to make cloth masks. They are suitable for the general public and worn daily. When you hold the face mask up to the light, it should block light.
Cloth masks are permissible to wear in public. It is not advised for people who have breathing problems. These masks are machine washable. To ensure proper protection wearing a face mask must be combined with other safety protocols.
Surgical masks
Surgical masks are flat or rectangular, with folds. They have elastic bands that they loop behind their ears to wear. These masks protect the wearer from large particle aerosols, sprays, and the like.
They do not filter or block small particles transmitted through coughs or sneezes by design. The loose fit between the mask’s surface and the face, these masks are worn underneath a cloth mask for added protection. You can get the best N95 respirator mask from genuine stores.
Why should we double up masks?
Double masking prevents virus transmission and helps protect against the threat of more contagious variants. Adding layers to a mask reduces the number of respiratory droplets that enter or pass through the face mask. It provides a more snug fit to protect against contagious environments. It fills any gaps that may exist between the mask and the face.
Do’s of Double Masking
Double masking should be used while maintaining physical distance and proper hygiene. Here are some hints for double masking. There are two effective ways to double mask.
- Wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask is one option.
- The cloth mask covers the areas that the surgical mask cannot.
- The second method is to knot the surgical mask’s ear loops, tuck in and flatten the excess material close to the face.
- Check that you can breathe normally and that there are no difficulties.
- Before going out, check the fit and comfort.
- Air escaping from the mask indicates fogged glasses or forced blinking.
- Make sure the face mask completely covers the nose and mouth.
- For more protection, use masks with a nose wire, mask fitter, or brace.
- Used cloth masks have to wash at regular intervals.
- Before putting on the mask, wash your hands.
- Face masks are removed by touching only the ear loops and not the mask’s front.
Don’ts of double masking
According to research, double masking is more effective than simply adding layers of masks because of improved filtration and gap elimination. Here are some safety precautions to take when double masking.
- Never pair two masks of the same type. As an example, consider combining two surgical masks.
- Combine the best N95 respirator mask KN95 mask with no other face masks.
- Do not wear the same mask combination on consecutive days.
- No chemical disinfectants to use on masks.
- It is advised to wash your cloth masks regularly.
- If there is visible damage or soiling on the face masks, do not use them.
- If you have COVID-19, avoid masks with valves because the exhaled air is unfiltered and may infect others.
- Avoid wearing leather, vinyl, or plastic masks.
- Use recommended quality and material face masks.
- Contact the best face mask suppliers in the USA according to to use.
Layers of protection to survive the pandemic
Records and research show that double masking provides a more effective barrier against the virus. A single cloth mask blocks approximately 52% of aerosol particles, while a surgical mask with a knot blocks 70%. However, the most common double masking method, a combo of cloth masks and surgical face masks block up to 85 percent of aerosol particles. It emphasizes the utility of double masking of the best N95 respirator mask.
It is critical to continue adhering to safety guidelines such as social distancing, hand hygiene, and avoiding large crowds. While double masking is a potent tool in combating the ongoing pandemic, recovery is possible if the rest of the safety guidelines follow.
Conclusion: In addition to physical separation and proper hand hygiene, many health experts believe that wearing face masks is a vital step in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Although homemade cloth masks are not as effective as respirators or surgical masks at filtering out small particles, they provide more protection than not wearing any face mask at all.
Frequently Asked Question
Q1.Can masks prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Masks should be part of a comprehensive plan to reduce transmission and save lives.
Q2.Is it necessary to avoid wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic?
When talking, breathing, or coughing, face coverings reduce the volume and travel distance of expiratory droplets.
Q3.What is one of the most effective COVID-19 prevention strategies?
One of the most effective coronavirus prevention tips is to practice social distancing.