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Time to layer up: Health officials are beginning to recommend wearing two masks to help stop the staggering number of coronavirus cases spreading across the country.
By now, almost a year after the coronavirus pandemic responsible for more than 2 million deaths worldwide, you already know exactly where to buy face masks and you probably have one to match every WFH sweatshirt. But you may have recently spotted the double-mask trend (it was throughout the opening, on the sidelines of sporting events, and Dr. Fauci wore it with pride), which is basically exactly what it sounds like: putting two masks on top. of each one. others to more effectively stop the spread of coronavirus droplets. “Duplicating or combining a washable cloth mask layer with an overlay disposable surgical mask has some benefits of comfort, reusability, and being an effective viral barrier,” says Dr. Kathleen Jordan, senior vice president of medical affairs at women’s health provider Tia .
You can use the double mask in two ways: with a cloth mask closer to your skin and a disposable surgical mask on top: “The inner cloth mask is washable and covers the side spaces that disposable medical masks usually create, and it allows the user to reuse the surgical mask with its finest filtering power, ”says Dr. Jordan, or the other way around to protect a disposable mask from the elements.
“Layered masks should remain breathable, be easy to put on quickly, and the user should be happy to be seen in them,” says Dr. Jordan. “I love the Instagram photos of everyone in masks at the opening; Infuse a bit of personal flair and add some fun to the proven surgical mask filter with a fabric mask overlay. These are excellent examples of how to adopt the essential public health masking measure. “
Me need wear two masks?
“Now we have virus variants that are even more contagious and we have a very high prevalence in many of our communities; we need to wear our mask correctly, ”says Dr. Jordan. So yes, double masking is a good idea.
Using two masks can be more effective than wearing one for two important reasons. First, adding extra layers between the mouth and nose and the outside world means creating a more complicated barrier for virus particles to navigate, reducing the risk of infection. Second, using two masks, such as a disposable mask and a nice cloth mask, is more likely to eliminate the gaps.
This can make a significant difference in your risk of infection and of spreading the virus without knowing it. “A surgical mask is about 80% effective at removing droplets, which is a big problem, but it’s not 100% complete,” says Dr. Edgar Sanchez, an infectious disease expert at Orlando Health. “So if you add another mask on top of that, that 80% effectiveness goes up even more.” (If you have an N95 mask, the gold standard in filtration, keep in mind that that means the mask is 95% effective at blocking airborne particles. Excellent, but not 100% effective yet. Adding an additional layer of fabric is not it would hurt.)
You may be thinking: if two is better than one, why stop there? But there are too many good things in this case. “If it’s too tight and you can’t breathe through it, you probably can’t keep it that way. You want something that is comfortable for you and that you can wear for hours so you can stay protected, ”says Dr. Sánchez.
“Invest in a mask that you are comfortable wearing,” adds Dr. Jordan. “A mask that is placed on the neck and not on the mouth and nose does not provide protection.”
When should I wear two masks?
If you’re walking the dog in a space where you’re unlikely to meet many people, you probably don’t need to wear a double mask, says Dr. Sanchez. But if you are in a confined or crowded space, like an airport or a taxi, it is a good idea. “The amount of time we spend with people along with the heavier breathing and the closer we are to each other, the more risk we pose to each other,” says Dr. Jordan. “If it is necessary to be with other people, it is advisable to use a well-fitting, high-quality filter mask or a combination of layered masks to achieve the same level of protection.”
And remember that a mask is better than none. Whether you wear a mask or two, make sure it completely covers your nose and mouth, that there are no large gaps on the sides of your mouth, and that you can breathe comfortably enough that you won’t be tempted to remove it. .
