{"id":39494,"date":"2021-05-05T13:46:34","date_gmt":"2021-05-05T08:16:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/?p=39494"},"modified":"2021-05-05T13:46:34","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T08:16:34","slug":"double-masking-tips-to-make-your-masks-work-better","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/double-masking-tips-to-make-your-masks-work-better\/","title":{"rendered":"Double Masking: Tips To Make Your Masks Work Better"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"double<\/p>\n

While we are facing the double whammy of the more transmissible COVID-19 variants and the ferocious second wave, masking ourselves well still counts as an important and followable safety measure. A recent CDC study has validated that double masking or wearing a surgical mask below a cloth mask reduces the risk of transmission by at least 95% [1]. Let\u2019s know why and how to double mask rightly.<\/p>\n

Double up your guard with double masking<\/strong><\/p>\n

Double masking is known to<\/p>\n

1. Improve the fit:<\/strong> Doubling your mask can seal the gaps and stop the infected droplets from leaking in.<\/p>\n

2. Maximize protection:<\/strong> Minimize the chance of respiratory droplets entering and escaping.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t use masks having exhalation valves\/vents or made of thin, loosely woven cloth.<\/p>\n

Click here to look for a COVID-appropriate mask here!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

How to double up your mask?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Always pair a surgical mask underneath a cloth mask for double masking.<\/p>\n

– Surgical mask over surgical mask: Not effective; fit is compromised<\/p>\n

– Surgical mask over cloth mask: Not tested<\/p>\n

– Cloth Mask + Cloth Mask: Not tested<\/p>\n

– N-95 Mask + Any Mask: Not needed and advised<\/p>\n

The study assessed two ways of enhancing mask usage for better protection:<\/p>\n

1. Knot-and-tuck the medical mask<\/p>\n

2. Double masking<\/p>\n

How to Knot-and-Tuck?<\/strong><\/p>\n

– Fold the mask and knot the ear loops on both ends close to the edges of the mask.<\/p>\n

– Tuck in the extra side pleats near the knot to reduce gaps.<\/p>\n

– Wear this to cover your nose, mouth, and chin well.<\/p>\n

Watch the video to know the right way of the knot-and-tuck method.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

What do the numbers say?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The study [1] calculated that out of the particles produced from a simulated cough:<\/p>\n

– Unknotted 3-ply medical procedure mask alone blocked 56.1%<\/p>\n

– 3-ply cloth mask alone blocked 51.4%<\/p>\n

– Double masking (wearing a 3-ply medical mask below 3-ply cloth mask) blocked 85.4%<\/p>\n

– Knotted and tucked medical procedure mask blocked 77.0%<\/p>\n

– N-95 masks do not need doubling up as they provide a fitter seal and filter 95% of the particles.<\/p>\n

Tips To Keep In The Mind<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. The exposure to the virus reduces by 96.4% if both infected and uninfected persons wear double masks and by 95.9% if both wear knotted and tucked masks.<\/p>\n

2. Unlikely to affect breathing. Breathing may seem difficult with two masks, yet \u2018cloth over surgical\u2019 is easily manageable and doesn\u2019t even reduce oxygen supply too [2].<\/p>\n

If you have any doubts, speak to an expert. Consult NOW!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Choose the right cloth mask. Make sure it is made of breathable fabric, preferably cotton, has two or more layers, and a nose wire or clip on the top for better adjustment. Ensure that your cloth mask pushes the edges of the surgical mask to your face, giving you a perfect fit.<\/p>\n

Word of Advice<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before double masking outside, take a home test. Wear the double mask and walk around for several minutes. If you can breathe easily and your vision is not hampered, you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n

Along with masking up, make sure to stay indoors, get vaccinated, and continue maintaining distance and sanitizing hands. Explore coronavirus prevention range.<\/p>\n

(The article is reviewed by\u00a0Dr. Swati Mishra, Medical Editor<\/a>)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Recommended Reads:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Covishield Vs Covaxin: Benefits, Side-effects And Efficacy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s What An Ideal Diet For Corona Patients Should Include<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

References:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Brooks JT, Beezhold DH, Noti JD, et al. Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:254\u2013257. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mmwr\/volumes\/70\/wr\/mm7007e1.htm<\/p>\n

2. Should we be double-masking now? The Ohio State University. Wexner Medical Center. https:\/\/wexnermedical.osu.edu\/blog\/should-we-be-double-masking-now<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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