Raleigh, NC – The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention says you have to wear masks.
Researchers from the University of North Carolina tested this idea and conducted trials to see how much extra protection, if any, would provide double masking. On Friday morning, they announced their findings.
In an information session, they shared their research on the effectiveness of masks in general, the importance of mask fitting and the added benefits of double masking.
Fitness is the most important
“You really have to fit, and make sure everything you wear is tight against your face,” said Dr. Phillip Clapp, assistant professor in the department of pediatrics, said.
According to Clapp, efficiency can be increased by 20% if you ensure that a single mask is applied.
A non-applied mask allows air and aerosols to pass through any gaps, reducing COVID protection.
Double masking does offer increased protection
The tests indicated that double masking provides greater protection, provided the masks are applied.
‘With double masking we have seen a 15% increase [in protection], only through a double masking procedure or surgical masks, ‘Clapp said.
Furthermore, double masking can provide extra protection depending on how the wearer lowers their masks.
Laying a cloth mask on top of a surgical mask, for example, has shown an increase in effectiveness. However, laying a surgical mask on top of a cloth mask does not offer similar protection.
Mask frames, which help ensure a good tight fit, also have added added benefits.
However, even double masking does not compare to wearing an N-95 mask.
But wearing two surgical masks and a frame or brace around the face to prevent leaks and create a good fit achieved 97% effectiveness in one test.
In short, extra layers do provide extra protection – but it is very important to make sure that your mask fits, otherwise aerosols can penetrate through the leak.
Finally, the dr. Emily Sickbert-Bennett, Director of Infection Prevention at UNC, addressed the most important type of ‘double masking’.
“The most important ‘double masking’ is when you and the person you are both wearing a mask with,” she said.
So whether you decide to double, or not, one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID is simply by everyone wearing at least one mask.
Is wearing a mask or ‘double masking’ dangerous?
Some people are concerned about whether wearing a mask can lower their oxygen levels. Can double masking then have a potential disadvantage?
Clapp and Sickbert-Bennett said they did not believe it was a cause for concern.
Clapp said that what people are worried about is inhaling their own air, which increases carbon dioxide and reduces oxygen.
However, he says the concern is not supported by the science of how masks work.
“If you wear a mask, the amount of air inside this breathing space is very low. When I breathe, I draw in air from outside,” he said.
That is the whole purpose of masks, he explained. It is intended to filter particles from the outside air while inhaling air through the masks.
“So you bring in fresh air, in addition to the small amount of air you exhaled before,” he said.
Sickbert-Bennett said: “Of all our medical doctor colleagues who have reported on this, it is not going to be a problem.”
When can we stop wearing masks?
Since COVID is transmitted by respiratory droplets, masks are the key to preventing spread.
“By anyone who consistently wears masks, I think this is the best way to end the pandemic,” Sickbert-Bennett said.
She said that when the transfer is delayed, the community can reevaluate when it’s time to hang up our masks forever.
Until then, we can increase our protection by ensuring that our masks are applied – and, if we prefer, by double-masking.