Let’s go back to talking about an object that has become common in the last year: the masks. Which to use and how? Can a double mask really protect us better from the coronavirus? The American CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has now also intervened on the subject, which has conducted a study to understand the effectiveness of single and double masks in different situations.
By now we know them well and we know that there are various types of masks but, in addition to the quality of these devices, we should also worry about the fit and adherence. In this sense, we talk more and more often about the possibility of layering different masks for greater protection.
Surgical masks are a popular option but, while these are useful in protecting the wearer from large droplets, they are less effective against the tiny viral particles, because they generally do not fit tightly to the wearer’s face.
Here then, as already highlighted by previous research, putting a well-fitting fabric mask on a surgical mask proves useful, in some cases, to protect more from the coronavirus. The advantage is its own greater grip and fit that helps eliminate gaps where the virus could creep.
Read also: Does wearing two masks really protect us more?
Now the CDC has also expressed itself on the subject through a study which has basically achieved the same results as the previous ones: a fabric mask worn over a surgical one improves the fit and increases the protection from the virus.
In order to express this opinion, the CDC conducted laboratory experiments with artificial models to examine the effectiveness of different masks (and techniques with which they are worn) in reducing the spread of the smallest particles of SARS-VOC 2. They were conducted therefore, simulated breathing experiments with the surgical mask alone, with a fabric mask, with a fabric mask on a surgical mask and with a knotted and tucked surgical mask.
It was thus seen that the double mask significantly increased protection for the wearer, blocking 83% of small particles from an individual without a mask but the protection reached 96.5% if both an infected individual and a non-infected individual wore the double mask.
But, the authors specify, too tighten a single surgical mask around the ears to increase the fit (using a trick known as “knot and fold” that you can see in the following image), it allowed to perfectly adapt the device to the face without creating gaps, greatly improving the degree of protection.
@CDC
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A single surgical mask knotted and worn snugly reduced exposure to viral particles by approximately 65% if the other person was not wearing it but exceeded 90% if both people were using the same system.
The surgical mask alone, traditionally placed, instead blocked 42% of the particles if the other individual was not wearing it.
@CDC
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Dr John Brooks, the CDC’s chief medical officer for the COVID-19 emergency response, said the research findings suggest that combining the fit of a tissue mask with the filtration of a surgical mask is a good option.
@CDC
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However, the study also has limitations, the results are not exactly generalizable to all situations, they may not be valid for example for men who have a long beard or for children who have a smaller face.
In addition, the study did not analyze what happens when two surgical masks or two tissue masks are used and only looked at one type of tissue mask, although there are different types on the market.
Source: CDC
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The article incorporates published studies and recommendations from international institutions and / or experts. We make no claims in the medical-scientific field and we report the facts as they are. The sources are indicated at the end of each article
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