For almost a year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most places around the world, especially in Southern California, have mask mandates to mitigate the spread of the virus. Masks are designed to prevent and reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets from one individual’s face to other people. Recently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended for people to wear two face masks while in public places (cdc.org). However, although a majority of people support wearing masks, many people find that wearing one mask is uncomfortable and may believe that it is not worth the extra discomfort to double mask. Nonetheless, double masking offers much more protection and could potentially save you and others from contracting COVID-19.

According to the Food and Drug Association (FDA), one surgical mask “[does] not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface of the mask and your face.” Recently, the CDC conducted a study that attempted to find how effective each mask method is, and they found that double masking can block much more particles than one mask. In the study, Wearing one surgical mask blocks 42% of particles that could carry COVID-19  from someone without a mask while wearing a cloth mask blocks 44% of particles. Comparatively, wearing surgical masks with a cloth mask on top blocks 83% of particles from someone without a mask, and if both individuals engaged in a conversation or are in close proximity to each other are double-masked, they are protected by more than 95% of particles (nbcnews.com).  Essentially, double masking tightens the face masks around your face leading to fewer particles entering your face from gaps in your face mask.

The CDC also released other ways to reduce transmission of particles that could carry the virus: knotting a mask, wearing a mask fitter, and putting nylon over a surgical mask. Knotting a mask is when you tie a knot around the ear loops and tuck the extra fabric to make the mask have a tighter fit around your face, and for an extra explanation, there is a video on the CDC website from UNC health that provides a tutorial on how to properly tie and know your mask. This method reduces exposure to particles by around 65% (king5.com). A mask fitter—also known as a mask brace— was recommended by Dr. Fauci on the Today Show. This device goes on top of your mask and tightens the mask around your nose, cheeks, and chin, and for those wearing glasses, it will stop the mask from fogging up your glasses (vitals.lifehack.com). If you put nylon on top of your surgical mask, it will also add more protection from COVID-19. At Northeastern University, researchers found that putting a portion of nylon stocking over a normal surgical mask blocks 90% of small particles from entering your face because it tightens the mask around your face (npr.org)

However, the CDC warned against two methods of wearing masks: wearing two disposable masks and combining a KN95 mask with another mask. Wearing two disposable masks will not tighten or improve the fit of the mask because “they are not designed to fit tightly.” Also, the CDC states that people should “only use one KN95 at a time” since they are designed to be worn alone. (cdc.gov).

Therefore, double masking, or adding an extra layer over your mask, adds extra protection from particles that could transmit COVID-19 because it tightens the face mask around your face. Amber Han (11) believes that wearing two masks “could be annoying,” but she will wear two masks “because it will add extra protection from COVID-19.” Currently, for many people, going to public places or seeing friends may seem scary, but double masking can reduce the transmission of the virus and make it safer to do things that were enjoyable before the pandemic happened.