As new, more contagious variants of the coronavirus float in California, doctors and scientists have begun to recommend doubling your mask game.
If your regular mask is thin, you should probably upgrade to something more substantive – a two-layer cloth mask with a filter bag works great, but the commonly available KN95 mask is even better. And an N95 mask, sometimes harder to get for the general public, is one of the best options you can find.
But the combination of two cloth masks – or even better, a cloth mask over a KN95 / N95 – can be the golden card, as long as the fit is comfortable, cozy and breathable.
This is according to dr. Kim Shriner, a specialist in infectious diseases at Huntington Hospital, reflecting statements from scientists and doctors across the country. Many have begun to express support for dual masking, citing data showing that it can be significantly more effective at blocking virus particles.
“The principle of double masking is simple,” Shriner said in an interview on Friday, January 29th. “You still have many obstacles between you and the virus.”
Masks are effective because they create a ‘maze’ of fibers through which virus particles must move, Shriner said. KN95 and N95 masks are designed with a dense material mesh to physically trap molecules in the net of the mask. That is why they are so effective. ”
An N95 mask is more effective than a KN95, but the latter is more comfortable than the former.
“The most effective mask should be the one closest to your face,” Shriner said.
Shriner did not recommend wearing two KN95s or N95s as the fit would probably be too bulky and the masks would not fit well. Attaching one of the masks to a cloth mask can make it fit more comfortably and provide extra protection.
“But no mask is effective if you wear it under your nose,” Shriner said. “It defeats the purpose.”
Whatever you choose, it should fit well, but stay away from gators and bandanas, which “are not very good”, Shriner said, explaining that they can “split” the viral particles in two, which may make it easier spread.
She especially encouraged the public not to wear it in grocery stores, ‘which is now quite dangerous’, given the ever-increasing cases and more infectious variants that are spreading.
“You want to choose a mask that fits well and that is comfortable so that you will actually wear it,” Shriner said.
She does not think you have to wear two masks all the time – for example to go for a walk – but if you are making essential trips to the grocery store, you want a few layers. Same for visits to public places where people can gather, even if it is outside.
While exercising, Shriner suggests wearing a mask around your neck so you can pull it up when other people are there. Personally, she wears a single KN95 while walking with her dog and an N95 plus a cloth mask in grocery stores.
“It’s getting a little harder to breathe with two masks,” Shriner said. “You do not want to be so low that you disappoint.”
In addition to many of her colleagues, Shriner wears two masks while working at Huntington Hospital.
“It’s very clear that good masking makes a huge difference,” she said. ‘It’s such a cheap, safe way to prevent infection. How it is politicized does not go beyond me, but I hope it will disappear as people realize that it is the best way to protect themselves. ”
There is a growing body of research that has repeatedly shown that masks reduce the likelihood of someone spreading the disease – according to the Centers for Disease Control there is an 80% decrease in some studies – but more studies are underway showing that ‘ a mask is worn. can also protect the carrier from inhaling viral particles.
N95 masks are especially effective in protecting the wearer; KN95 masks are slightly less effective, but still much better than cloth masks.
According to Dr. Linsey Marr, an expert on virus transmission at Virginia Tech and an author on a recent commentary in which science is behind the mask, speaking to the New York Times.
Another option is to buy a face-masking cloth mask with a filter bag between the layers; Shriner recommends purchasing replaceable HEPA filters for these masks, without using vacuum filters or coffee filters, which are not as effective, ‘she said.