Is the protection against the new coronavirus better than one?
While face masks have proven to be applied to droplet spread, including harmful, virus-laden particles, there are still questions about whether doubling masks can increase protection, with several experts following the debate.
Those who spoke to Fox News said there was little to no evidence to move the case in any direction, although some may disagree.
“There is no data to support (or refute) the idea that wearing two face masks will provide more protection” against coronavirus, said Dr. Dean Winslow, an infectious disease expert at Stanford Health Care, wrote in an email.
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Dr Aditya Shah, an infectious disease expert at Mayo Clinic, also said there was no evidence on the issue.
Neysa Ernst of Johns Hopkins University, where she serves as nurse manager of the Biocontainment unit, also agrees, although she suggests that anecdotal evidence suggests that additional layers may provide ‘psychological safety’ for some people.
“In this pandemic, psychological safety is important, it offers a sense of control in an unfamiliar environment,” Ernst wrote.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), masks should have two layers of breathable fabric, with a tight fit that covers the nose and mouth. ‘
The answers of experts on ‘double masking’ vary, suggesting that further research is needed. (iStock)
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“If your mask already has multiple layers, there is no need to double mask,” says Dr. Frank Esper, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “While doubling the mask probably won’t double the protection, it probably won’t hurt you either.”
That said, one expert in California said that doubling masks can improve protection.
Properly covered, it will withstand a great deal of adverse conditions. said in an email.
“However, wearing two can provide extra protection. A second mask can create a tighter seal around your face and also help secure the masks from slipping,” she added.
Two masks could create more of an ‘obstacle course’ for viral particles in an attempt to move in from the air, through the body and the lungs, said doctor Dave Hnida, doctor and medical editor.
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“It has been supported by research that two masks are actually better than one,” Hnida said. “What we’re specifically saying is that two masks can actually be the same as the protection you would get from N-95 masks, which is considered the best mask since there is a complete respirator type unit.”
He said a surgical mask covered with a cloth mask could increase protection.
“The reason for this is that you end up filtering more of viral particles. It becomes more of an obstacle course for the viral particle to get from the air into your nose and throat and then into your lungs,” he said.
Experts agree, however, that too many layers can pose the risk of breathing problems, and the CDC recommends the reason not to wear masks with vinyl fabric. Aside from the use of masks, health experts still continue to do proper physical distance, avoid hand hygiene and crowds to reduce virus spread.
Fox News’ Madeline Farber contributed to this report.