Evidence shows that wearing a mask is key to stopping the spread of the coronavirus. To get the best protection, you need to wear a mask that sits close to your face or a double mask. Not all masks are equal when it comes to protection, though, so it can also help to layer your masks to mimic the design of an N95 mask. It was recently recommended by the director of the CDC that Americans wear tightly-fitting, multi-layer masks or double mask to help stop the rampant spread of COVID-19 in the United States.
Close-fitting, multi-layered mask and double mask are now recommended by the CDC. You can achieve this by wearing a double mask as a cloth mask over a surgical mask to improve the fit and increase the layers of protection. You can also opt to wear an N95 mask. These masks provide a close seal around the nose and mouth and three layers of filtration that eliminate up to 95% of particles in the air.
So how well double mask is your current protecting you? Make sure you know how to properly fit a mask, why it's important, how double mask could help, and why an N95 mask may be the best option.
What Is a Well-Fitting Mask?
One of the key factors in reducing the spread of the coronavirus, according to the CDC, is how well your mask fits. But what does "well-fitting" really mean? The CDC recommends wearing a mask that closely fits your face, especially at the sides and around the nose. These areas are especially important because vapor from your mouth can escape when you talk, laugh, or sneeze. These respiratory droplets can escape from the mask and infect those around you more easily if the mask doesn't sit close to your skin.
Tips for Improving the Fit of Your Mask
- Put your mask on by holding it at the ear loops and sliding them over your ears, then spreading the mask over your chin and nose. Make sure the mask sits over your nose, not under it.
- If the mask has an adjustable nose strip, pinch the strip securely to the sides of your nose so there are no gaps between the mask and your nose.
- Look for gaps around the sides or bottom of the mask. If you see gaps, adjust the fit of the mask by tightening the ear loops or knotting them.
If you can't eliminate the gaps in your mask by adjusting the fit, then the mask may not be a good fit for you. Try another brand such as N95 masks, designed to sit close to the face and filter out 95% of airborne particles. Finding a mask that fits your face well will help protect you as you are out in public. Don't be afraid to try different types of double mask to find the one that's right for you.
Why Double Mask Protection Makes Sense
A well-fitting mask is a good start, but the CDC now recommends wearing two masks at a time or a double mask. This double mask protection can help prevent the spread of diseases by up to 96.5 percent.
There are many reasons why this new recommendation of wearing double mask makes sense. First, new cases of the coronavirus variant are doubling in the U.S. about every ten days. This new variant originally came from the U.K., which saw a huge spike in coronavirus cases as the variant spread. Initial research shows that these new variants are more contagious than the original COVID-19. That means we will need extra precautions to try to slow and stop the spread of the virus, and a double mask can be a good start.
Dr. Fauci pointed out in a recent interview that masks are just a physical barrier that "prevent respiratory droplets from spreading to other people." Doubling the barrier by wearing a double mask will add more protection for both the wearer and those around them. That's why Fauci is now wearing a double mask, which essentially mimics the protection you get from an N95 mask.
There are psychological reasons for wearing double mak makes sense, too. The people around you will see that you are wearing a high-quality mask or a double mask, which instills a sense of trust and security. Wearing a double mask even created a positive buzz on social media during Joe Biden's inauguration when people praised poet Amanda Gorman's decision to wear a double mask.
How an N95 Can Help With Your Double Mask Protection
A double mask or wearing masks like the N95 might not be as pretty as a flowery bandana, but they are a lot safer. They can provide a lot more protection than a surgical face mask or a double mask. They offer all the criteria recommended by the CDC for mask protection, including being tight-fitting and offering multiple layers of protection like double mask. N95 masks are:
- Designed to create a tight seal around the face, especially around the nose and mouth.
- Capable of filtering out 95% of particles in the air, including airborne viruses.
- Created to reduce the amount of air leakage around the edges.
- Made to provide up to eight hours of protection, but should become discarded if they become wet or visibly dirty.
The triple-layer design of an N95 mask offers maximum protection against respiratory droplets. Made from a soft material, the masks are gentle on the skin while still creating a close fit with the wearer. They are also great for those who wear glasses, as the close fit eliminates a lot of the glasses fogging you might experience with another mask.
Do Your Civic Duty and Maximize Your Mask Protection
Mask wearing is now mandatory on most government property and all forms of public transport. Many states are adopting mask requirements to help reduce the risk to the public. Not only is wearing a mask your civic duty, but it is a sign of respect to those around you.
If you need to stock up on masks, Protect Life can help. Shop in our online store today for N95 masks along with masks for kids and first aid kits. We offer free two-day shipping on all items in stock, so get the items you need to protect yourself and your loved ones now.
