A new study suggests that checking your double mask' fit will serve as better protection against COVID-19. Since the different variants of the virus are appearing, assuring that no virus could enter through your mask is important besides wearing it.
Correct Double-Masking Equates to Better COVID-19 Protection
On Friday, Apr. 16, a study entitled "Fitted Filtration Efficiency of Double Masking During the COVID-19 Pandemic" was published on JAMA Internal Medicine.
Emily Sickbert-Bennett, who was the lead author of the study, said that the double-masking technique paves for extra protection for a person not by placing additional layers of cloth but eradicating the possible spaces of the improperly-placed mask.
"We've found that wearing two loosely fitted masks will not give you the filtration benefit that one, snug-fitting ... mask will," Sickbert-Bennett, who is an associate professor specializing in infectious diseases at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine said in a statement.
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She also added that the best protection that double-masking can offer to a person is through wearing it with no allowable gaps.
How to Double-Mask
According to CNN, double-masking includes using a disposable surgical mask that sits underneath a cloth mask. The first mask has three layers of plastic-made fabric.
Meanwhile, masks used in surgical operations seem to provide a better fit to the face since they are produced with nose wires. This also gives you protection from fogging.
In a Youtube video, CDC explains the proper way to do knot-and-tuck.
First, fold the mask from edge-to-edge
Create a knot in each of the mask's ears. You should push it as close to the edge as possible.
Next, fold and tuck the extra material under the edge of the mask.
Hold the mask up to your face and gently push the nose wire so it fits snugly.
Place the ear loops around your ears like you normally do when wearing a mask.
Make sure that no gaps can be found around your nose and cheeks for you to stay protected.
Now, you can put a cloth mask on top of the disposable mask.
CDC further reminds that the nose wire should fit your face. You also need to remember that you should place the two masks below the chin area and over the nose bridge.
Moreover, CDC warns not layering two disposable masks is not recommended. Also, a KN95 mask should not be double-layered.
This is because it did not receive certification from the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health since they are usually only approved when it comes to professional health care settings.
How to Check the Fit of Your Double Mask?
To check if your mask fitting is properly placed, the CDC lays down some important things to do to test it.
Around the mask's outside edges, cup your hands against your face.
Make sure that no air escapes from the sides of the mask or the area near your eyes. To check if there is flowing air, breathe in and out.
An indication of a proper fit is a warm air that you could feel through the front of the mask
If you pull down your mask to remove the cover from your nose, this procedure will not work.
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Written by Joen Coronel
