Double-Masking: Learn the Right Ways to Wear Properly

With increasingly infectious coronavirus variations spreading in most parts of the world and the supply of COVID-19 vaccines surpassing demand, new mask-wearing guidelines have been issued.

Enhancing the fit of fabric and 3-ply disposable protective masks is critical for improving performance and lowering SARS-CoV-2 transmission and exposure.

Wearing two masks, also known as double masking, can help protect against highly infectious COVID-19 variants.

Double-masking offers two benefits: better filter and increased filtration.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has offered efficient methods for wearing double face masks, citing the best practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States (CDC).

On May 22, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah stressed that wearing double face masks was suggested but not required. The MOH presented the CDC’s findings on May 23, which found that double-masking would significantly minimize Covid-19 exposure.

Double-masking for Higher Protection

The CDC advised wearing a surgical mask on the inside and a fabric mask outside while double-masking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this approach gives up to 85.4%  protection, compared to 56.1% when using a single surgical mask.

A fabric mask provides 51.4%  protection, whereas a surgical mask with knots and tucks provides 77%  protection. While wearing two face masks may make breathing somewhat more difficult, most users may use a three-ply surgical mask with a cotton face mask, and their oxygen supply will not be reduced, MOH added.

The Right Ways to Wear Double Masks

There are two methods to wear double masks correctly:

• Using a cloth mask over a surgical mask
• Knotting the ear loops of a 3-ply disposable protective mask

Tip: Another key factor to consider when purchasing a face mask is to check whether or not it has a nose wire. One quality of an excellent surgical mask is the provision of an implanted nose wire. When wearing the mask, press the nose wire against your nose to fill any gaps. Other masks have a metal wire that allows for a more secure fit.

Using the Appropriate Mask Combination

A fabric mask should be worn over a surgical mask, according to the CD. Other mask combinations should be avoided. Certain mask combinations may not enhance fit or make breathing difficult. As a result, stay away from the following combinations:

• Two surgery masks
• A KN95 and any other mask type
• An N95 and any other mask type

Test at Home

Before wearing your double mask in public, give it a test run at home. Things to look for include:

a. Good fit

Assist the inner mask in establishing a seal by pressing it against your face with the outer mask. Cup your hands over your mask and, while you breathe, check for air escaping from the edges.

b. Breathing

When you’re double masking, breathing may take a bit more work, but it shouldn’t be problematic.

c. Vision

Make sure your double mask isn’t obstructing your eyesight.

Assess the Situation

A single mask may provide enough protection if you keep a gap of at least 6 feet between yourself and those outside your home.

A double mask, on the other hand, may be useful when you’re:
• Going shopping
• Going to the doctor
• Travelling with individuals outside your family, such as by airline, train, or public transportation
• Working in a job where you can’t keep physical separation

In a Nutshell

Double-masking is a fantastic way to protect yourself from getting the Covid-19 virus. On the other hand, many individuals forget to wash their cloth masks after each usage, which is why most people prefer to use disposable masks since it reminds them to buy a new one.

It’s important to note that you shouldn’t use the same cloth mask for more than one day without cleaning it since you’ll be double-masking.

If you are looking for masks to protect yourself from Covid-19, the 3-ply disposable protective masks produced by Teong Chuan offer great protection and come with several features and benefits such as fluid resistance, low resistance to breathing, adjustable nose strips, and hypoallergenic.

For more details, feel free to get in touch with our specialists.