Save Your Spot
CareWell Urgent Care Logo
Blog

CDC: Double Masking Increases Protection from COVID-19

February 12, 2021

For months, public health officials have stressed the importance of universal mask-wearing to slow the spread of COVID-19. Now, a new study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests wearing two masks offers more protection than just one.

The CDC conducted lab tests with dummies to assess two ways to improve the fit of medical procedure masks: 1) wearing a cloth mask over the medical procedure mask (double masking) and 2) knotting the ear loops of the medical procedure mask then tucking and flattening the extra material close to the face (“knotting and tucking”). The study published February 10 found both methods improved the fit of the mask and reduced exposure to potentially infectious aerosols by as much as 95 percent when both parties wore tightly fitted masks.

New Mask Recommendations

In light of the new research, the CDC released these new recommendations to maximize mask performance:

  • Choose a mask with a nose wire. A nose wire -- a metal strip along the top of the mask -- allows you to fit the mask close to your face and prevents air from leaking out the top of the mask.
  • Use a mask fitter or brace over a disposable or cloth mask. A mask fitter can be solid or elastic and can be secured with head ties or ear loops. Studies have shown these small, reusable devices improve fit and prevent air from leaking out. The CDC provides an illustration of a mask fitter here.
  • Make sure your mask fits snugly over your nose, mouth and chin. There should be no gaps around the outside edges. Gaps can let air containing respiratory droplets leak in and out.
  • Wear multiple layers of material. Either use a cloth mask with multiple layers of fabric or wear a disposable mask under a cloth mask. It is important to note that the CDC does not recommend wearing two disposable masks because doing so will not improve fit. The CDC also says you should not wear another mask over a KN95 mask.
  • Use the knot and tuck method to create a better fit. Knot the ear loops of a 3-ply mask where they join the edge of the mask. Fold and tuck the extra material around the edges.  Here is a Pro Tip to help your Earloop Mask Fit More Tightly

The key with all of the above recommendations is fit. The better the mask fits, the more protection it offers.

Slowing the Spread

The number of new coronavirus cases is trending downward, but health officials warn now is not the time to ease up on restrictions like mask wearing and social distancing. There is concern that new variants of COVID-19 could cause cases to spike again. Two variants first identified in the United Kingdom and South Africa are now circulating worldwide and both are highly transmissible.

Vaccination efforts continue to ramp up across the country, but it will be some time before we achieve herd immunity from vaccines. Until that happens, masking, social distancing, and frequent handwashing are our best defenses.

In our next blog, we will look at some of the reasons why masking and social distancing are necessary even after you receive your vaccination.

 

Care You Can Count On
View All Locations
Our Locations
CareWell Urgent Care building in Cambridge
1400 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building with a sign on the side of the road in Fitchburg
380 John Fitch Highway
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Lexington
58 Bedford Street
Lexington, MA 02420
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Needham
922 Highland Avenue
Needham, MA 02494
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Northborough
333 Southwest Cutoff
Northborough, MA 01532
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Norwell
42 Washington St.
Norwell, MA 02061
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Peabody
229 Andover Street (Rt 114)
Peabody, MA 01960
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in South Dennis
Patriot Square 484 Rte. 134
South Dennis, MA 02660
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Tewksbury
345 Main Street
Tewksbury, MA 01876
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Warwick
535 Centerville Road
Warwick, RI 02886
Save Your Spot in Line
CareWell Urgent Care building in Worcester on Greenwood St
348 Greenwood Street
Worcester, MA 01607
Save Your Spot in Line
A CareWell Urgent Care building in Worcester on Lincoln St
500 Lincoln Street
Worcester, MA 01605
Save Your Spot in Line
2024 Emergence Health Holdings. All rights reserved. Website Design by Healthcare Success