What is double masking? Does it give better protection?

Team Udayavani, Apr 21, 2021, 1:08 PM IST

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As the second wave of coronavirus infection hit the country, there is a renewed panic among the people. The most important thing to do is to stay home.

If staying is not an option, doctors advise that people must wear masks whenever they step out as it is non-negotiable.

Double masking is this new trend that has been going on for quite some time now. Double masking enhances the protection against the virus and cuts down the prospects of transmitting or catching the virus.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study, double masking may reduce the COVID exposure by 96.4 percent.

Wearing one mask on top of another is termed double masking. The outer mask applies gentle pressure to the edges of the inner mask, creating a better seal. Since the virus spreads through respiratory droplets, layers of a mask can help increase its filtration, providing protection if someone sneezes or coughs.

• Avoid double masking if you are using an N95 mask.
• Double masks for children can be avoided.

The ideal combination is to wear one cloth mask on top of a surgical mask or two cloth masks or one cloth mask on a 3ply mask.