Wearing double masks gives better protection in crowded areas, say experts

Wearing double masks is better protection, particularly in crowded areas, against Covid-19 transmission, experts believe.

“Wearing double masks in a crowded area is a good practice,” said Prof Dr Nazrul Islam, a member of the National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19.

Stressing the need for wearing mask, Nazrul Islam said the mask is the most advantageous protective equipment at present.

People are seen wearing the double masks in neighbouring India which is good indeed but it is a matter of scientific research, he told the Business Insider Bangladesh.

“However, it will not be wise to make any comment in this regard without any research as it can create impact in the overall situation,” he said.

“We don’t have any plan to go for such research right now. But, we see, the infection rate will come down by 96 per cent if we can ensure 100 per cent use of mask,” Nazrul Islam said.

Many people cannot fit mask in their faces perfectly which is one of the major causes of increasing the infection rate of the virus.

Prof Muzaherul Huq, former adviser of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the South-East Asia region said the use of the three-layer quality mask is enough in any circumstance.

Maintaining social distancing rules, sanitising hand and wearing a quality mask are the key measures in staying safe from the virus, he, also the founder of the Public Health Foundation of Bangladesh, added.

Although there is no scientific basis, it can be better if anyone uses double masks, he told the Business Insider Bangladesh.

In that cases, people should also be careful of breathing problem, the professor said.

Meanwhile, Indian Times in a recent report said as the second Covid-19 wave lashes the country, many are going for the double-mask approach to keep the virus away, with experts saying it's “advisable” and an “established way to stop transmission.”

One can wear a surgical mask and a cloth mask or two cloth masks. However, with N95 masks, doubling is not needed,” Indian Times reports quoting Dr Rommel Tickoo, director, internal medicine department at Delhi’s Max Saket.

“A double mask is advisable when a person is going to crowded places where social distancing is not possible,” he said.

During the live updates, the Indian media said many masks don’t fit perfectly on the face. Wearing double masks reduces the risk of droplets from an infected person escaping through the sides while breathing in and out, say experts.

The double-masking recommendation is based on a study conducted by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC conducted experiments to assess two ways of improving the fit of medical procedure masks — fitting a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask, and knotting the ear loops of a medical procedure mask and then tucking in and flattening the extra material close to the face.

Each modification substantially improved source control and reduced wearer exposure, it found.

Double masking and knotting are some of the established ways to stop transmission as it ensures a tight fit.

While people may feel it impedes breathing, its regular use could ease the discomforts,” said Maharashtra Covid taskforce member Dr Shashank Joshi.

Joshi recommends using a medical three-ply mask covered by a cloth mask or vice-versa for maximum protection.

“Double masking can prove to be effective in crowded places, rooms where there is lack of proper ventilation or places where social distancing can be a challenge such as a local train compartment,” added Joshi added

Wearing a double mask provides more fool-proof protection, according to ‘Rahul Jain’ internal medicine consultant at Belle Vue Clinic in Kolkata. Often, the mask gets displaced or is not properly fitted around the nose and mouth.

This may happen if the string gets loose. A second mask ensures that the cover remains firmly in place,” said Jain.

However, some experts feel double-masking cannot be a standard strategy. “The theory of double mask has been discussed, propagated by some as a better filter to prevent the leaks. However, this cannot be recommended as a standard strategy.

One good mask well-worn is good enough to offer protection,” Dr Ravindra Mehta, chief of pulmonary, critical care and interventional pulmonology, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Bengaluru.