Double masking: Does it offer more protection?

Mandatory use of a double mask can be the real solution for shielding against the coronavirus.

Large increases in cases due to mutations in the virus have alarmed the scientific community. Experts are considering using two masks in public places, where there is overcrowding.

The application of the mask plays an important role

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently conducted experiments to evaluate two ways to apply the mask. [1]

The first way they examined it was to apply the fabric mask over the surgical protection mask. The second way concerned the “tight” application of the surgical mask, ie by knotting the cords of the mask and adjusting it in such a way that no side gaps are created.

The experiments of CDC researchers showed the following:

• The surgical mask, without “tight” application, provides protection from 56.1% of the particles
• The fabric mask protects against 51.4% of the particles
• The fabric mask over the surgical mask blocks 85.4% of the particles
• The “tight” application of the surgical mask reduces 77% of the particles

According to the report, when the aerosol source and the receiver wore double masks or masks with knots behind the ears, the recipient’s cumulative exposure to the virus was reduced by 96.4% and 95.9%, respectively.

When should we wear a double mask?

Scientists, both abroad and in Greece, spoke in favor of the double mask in their interviews.

Firas Zabaneh, director of infection prevention and control at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas, confirms that the double mask can help reduce the spread of the virus.

In fact, it emphasizes that we should wear two masks when there is concern about our degree of protection, as the double mask adds more levels of filtering. [2]

Athena Linou, a professor at the Medical School at the University of Athens and president of the Institute for Preventive Environmental and Occupational Medicine, says the double mask can be worn, especially on public transport and in supermarkets, for greater protection. [3]

Proper use of the protection mask

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the basic guidelines for the proper use of the protective mask are as follows [4]:

1. Apply the protection mask after good hand hygiene, either with the use of soap and water or with the use of an alcoholic antiseptic.
2. Make sure the mask completely covers the nose, mouth and chin so that there are no gaps.
3. If the mask has a metal plate, press it gently on the back of the nose.
4. Do not touch the mask as viruses can be transmitted from the fingers. Do not touch the front of the mask when using it.
5. Carefully remove the mask by grasping the rubber arms from the bottom up. Also, if it has laces, loosen the lower and then the upper lace.
6. The disposable mask is discarded, while the fabric mask is washed at 50-60 degrees after each application.

At Vita4you.gr you will find a large variety of protection masks!

References

1. Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure, 2021
2. Are 2 Masks Better Than 1 at Preventing COVID-19 Spread? What to Know
3. ΣΥΣΤΑΣΗ ΛΙΝΟΥ ΓΙΑ ΔΙΠΛΗ ΜΑΣΚΑ ΣΤΑ ΜΜΜ – «O ΙΟΣ ΔΙΕΥΚΟΛΥΝΕΤΑΙ ΑΠΟ ΤΟ ΚΡΥΟ»
4. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use m