Health experts say that wearing a mask provides protection against COVID-19 for both the person wearing it and the people around them. Now, reports CBS Denver, there is evidence that wearing two masks can offer even more protection.
The station’s medical editor, Dr. Dave Hnida, spoke about these reports in an interview on CBSN Denver.
“Research has shown that two masks are actually better than one,” said Hnida. “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 wearing a surgical mask with a tissue mask over it provides an extra layer of 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.”
But Hnida warns that three masks may be going too far, as they may interfere with the ability to breathe.
He stressed that Joe Biden has been “masked” for many months, as have the NFL coaches at games.
“Even in my own family, when we have external contact – however limited it may be – we wear a double mask,” said Hnida. “So the question is, ‘Is it effective?’ The answer is ‘yes’ – and it is something you can consider. “