As a second wave of Covid-19 rips through the country, the government has advised people to wear masks inside their homes as well. Even as vaccinations continue to be administered, the only way to fight the virus is through preventive measures. One of the best ways to do that apart from handwashing and hygiene is wearing masks properly.
Double masks is another protective measure that you can make use of, to reduce your chances of getting infected.
What Is Double Masking?
Double masking is the practice of layering one mask on top of another. It is said to create a strong barrier against the virus and double masking, with cloth and surgical masks helps in preventing leakage of air. It also helps in improving the fit and filtration of your mask. Many masks do not fit our face properly and hence there are chances that the air could escape or the virus could get in touch, so it’s safe to double mask when heading out for an essential work or at a crowded place.
Studies done by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that double masking can reduce your exposure to the COVID-19 virus by up to 95%.
How To Double Mask The Right Way
Layering the mask properly is very important.
Cloth masks alone are not recommended, but pairing them with a surgical mask drastically increases the effectiveness. First, wear the surgical mask and then the cloth mask on top of it.
There could be mask combinations which might not fit right or might not be the best to try and block breathing; for example, two surgical masks or two N95 masks might not be the best combination to try.
N95 masks offer 95% effectiveness already, along with a snug fit, so you should not combine them with other masks.
Before directly wearing it while stepping out, do test it at home first to check the fit, breathing and comfort. A double mask is a good choice when you are stepping out to get essentials, visiting a doctor or travelling by public transport.
The Right Way To Wear Face Mask
– Touch your masks with clean hands. Wash your hands before putting on your mask.
– Do not put the mask around your neck or on your forehead. Secure it under your chin.
– Wear the mask over your nose and mouth. Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face. Do not let leave your nose out
– Make sure you can breathe easily.
– Always hold the masks by ear loops or ties and do not touch the face covering.
– Remove your mask when you get home.
– A cloth mask must be washed after EVERY use.
– A paper mask must be thrown away after each use.
– Make sure not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing the mask.
– Wash your hands immediately after removing it.
