When it comes to protection against the new coronavirus, are two face masks better than one?
Although the masks have proven to contain the spread of droplets, including harmful and virus-laden particles, doubts remain as to whether folding the masks could increase protection, with several experts participating in the debate.
Those who spoke to Fox News said there was little or no evidence to influence the issue in any direction, although some may disagree.
“There is no data to support (or refute) the idea that wearing two masks would provide more protection” against the coronavirus, Dr. Dean Winslow, an infectious disease specialist at Stanford Health Care, wrote in an email.
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Dr. Aditya Shah, an infectious disease specialist at the Mayo Clinic, also said there was a lack of evidence on the subject.
Likewise, Neysa Ernst of Johns Hopkins University, where she serves as a managing nurse at the Biocontainment Unit, agreed, although she proposed that the anecdotal evidence suggests that additional layers may offer “psychological security” to some, she said.
“In this pandemic, psychological security is important, as it provides a sense of control in an unfamiliar environment,” wrote Ernst.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the masks should have two layers of breathable fabric, with a comfortable fit covering the nose and mouth. ‘
The experts’ responses to ‘double-masking’ vary, suggesting that more research is needed. (iStock)
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“If your mask already has multiple layers, there is no need to make a double mask,” says Dr. Frank Esper, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “Although folding the mask probably won’t double the protection, it probably won’t hurt you either.”
That said, an expert in California said that folding the masks can improve protection.
When used correctly, a single face mask made of “appropriate material” generally offers sufficient protection, said Paula Cannon, a distinguished professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine, by email. .
“However, using two can provide additional protection. A second mask can create a firmer seal around your face and also help protect the masks from slipping,” she added.
Two masks can create yet another “obstacle course” for viral particles on an attempted route from the air, through the body and into the lungs, argued physician and medical editor Dr. Dave Hnida, according to CBS.
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“Research has confirmed that two masks are actually better than one,” said Hnida, according to the vehicle. “Specifically, what we are saying is that two masks may actually be equal to the protection you would get with N-95 masks, which is considered to be the best mask that exists without a complete respirator unit.”
He said that a surgical mask wrapped in a cloth mask can increase protection.
“The reason for this is that you end up getting more filtration of the viral particles. It becomes more of an obstacle for the viral particle to make its way from the air to the nose and throat and then to the lungs,” he said.
However, experts agree that many layers can pose a risk of breathing difficulties, and the CDC specifically recommends not wearing masks with vinyl fabric for this reason. In addition to wearing a mask, health experts continue to recommend adequate physical distance, hand hygiene and avoid crowds to reduce the spread of the virus.
Fox News’ Madeline Farber contributed to this report.