Double masking prevent Covid-19 spread, research confirms

Research proves double masking is safest way to protection against Covid-19

By this point into the pandemic, the world is habitual to masks and how to use them. However, if you go into a grocery store or a bank where masks are compulsory to wear, you will certainly encounter people wearing masks that are falling off their noses or have gaps at the sides. Recent research has confirmed double masking works best to get guaranteed safety against the coronavirus. Tightly fitted masks are counted when it comes to keeping the COVID-19 virus to oneself.

Mask-wearing is a developing science, therefore researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States investigated if altering the fit of a face mask may keep the virus contained. The researchers tried several types of mask fit, such as double masking, knotted, and tucked approaches. And discovered that those two changes performed incredibly well and improved source control.

Blachere defined source control as the prevention of any form of respiratory aerosols.

• It prevents the droplets from departing the wearer's mouth and entering the environment.
• Three-ply medical masks are superior at source control  
• Cloth masks fit better and tighter than medical masks.

Double masking and a snug fit make a significant difference

 It's critical to wear a mask that completely covers the mouth and nose and fits snugly around the face, whether it's a medical mask, a cotton mask, or both, according to Blachere. "Anytime you have any form of gapping or leaks, that's when you see the aerosols escaping from the mask," Blachere explained.

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How the research got conducted?

For the investigation, the researchers used both manikins and real individuals, performing simulated coughs and exhalations with a source control monitoring system. They were looking at medical masks and fabric masks, but not respirators like N95 masks or surgical masks. The researchers discovered that wearing a medical mask without alterations prevented more than 56% of cough aerosols and more than 42% of exhaled aerosols.

When they tried to adjust the fit by crossing the ear loops or putting a bracket under the mask, it didn't work. When they used ear loop toggles, an ear loop strap, or tied and tucked the mask, it performed better. Wearing a cotton mask over a medical mask and utilizing a mask brace proved to be the most effective. Between 85 and 91 percent of coughed or exhaled aerosols were prevented by the twofold masking.

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Does double masking make a difference?

According to the findings, wearing an extra mask over a medical mask stopped more than or equivalent to 95% of cough aerosols and at least 99 percent of exhaled aerosols. The study was published online in the American Journal of Infection Control on December 15th

Double Masking Protection Ways: Dos and Donts

Dos

• Wear an N95, surgical mask, or a multi-layered cotton mask that fits properly. (Your mask, whether reusable or disposable, should include two or three layers of cloth.)
• Don't forget to wrap the elastic bands around your ears.
• Secure the ties in the center and at the base of your skull.
• After leaving the sick person's space, keep the mask on for up to 30 minutes (particularly if you are vulnerable).
• Always cover your nose and mouth properly and get it fitted under your chin.
• Fit your mask snugly on your face's sides. Check that you can breathe easily.
• When removing your mask, only use the ear loops or ties to do so.
• To keep your used mask clean between uses, keep it in a safe place.
• Wash your cotton mask regularly.
• After you've removed your mask, wash your hands with a 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.

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Don'ts

• Do not couple two masks of the same type.
• Never touch your mask with dirty hands.
• Never wear your same mask for consecutive days.

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