“Double masking (with cloth mask on top of a medical-grade mask) helps filter more particles than a single cloth mask alone. Although it’s not mandatory together with the face shield, it gives maximum protection.”
On 28 May 2021, DG Noor Hisham advised that double-masking can provide maximum protection against Covid-19. He shared that a study done by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concludes that double-masking (with a cloth mask on top of a medical-grade mask) can substantially reduce the wearer’s exposure to Covid-19.
2 WAYS TO ENHANCE MASK USE
Based on the study, here are 2 ways to enhance mask use:
1. KNOT & TUCK
Tie the ear loops close to the edges of the mask and tuck in the side pleats to minimize gaps.
Knotting the ear loops of the medical grade surgical mask and tucking in and flattening the material close to the face blocks 77% of particles.
2. DOUBLE-MASKING
Wear a cloth mask over a medical-grade mask to improve the fit of cloth and medical procedure masks.
This improved fit also maximizes the filtration properties of the materials from which they are typically constructed, such as spun-bond and melt-blown polypropylene.
Double-masking successfully blocks out 85.4% of particles.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASKS, WAYS TO USE THEM, AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS
The results from the experiment showed that:
- The unknotted medical-grade mask alone blocked 56.1% of the particles from a simulated cough.
- The cloth mask alone blocked 51.4% of the particles from a simulated cough.
- The knotted and tucked medical-grade mask blocked 77% of the particles from a simulated cough.
- The combination of the cloth mask covering the medical-grade mask blocked 85.4% of the particles from a simulated cough.
In addition, the N95 is the gold standard for face masks. The N95 seals the face, leaving no room for gaps, and blocks out 95% of particles. When using an N95 face mask, no doubling up is required.
HOW TO PAIR YOUR DOUBLE MASKS
When double-masking, always pair a cloth mask over a medical-grade mask.
Below are examples of how you should not pair your double masks:
When wearing tightly fitted masks, exposure to potentially infectious aerosol decreases by about 95%. Therefore, we would like to remind you that it is extremely important for you to make sure that the mask you’re wearing fits your face well.
Get any face mask to suit your needs here!
We would like to remind you to take care and stay safe from Covid-19.
