Rochester Regional Health Logo
COVID-19 UpdatesFind a DoctorPay My Bill Donate icon Give
Health Hive logo
  1. Topics
    • COVID-19
    • Primary Care
    • Parents & Kids
    • Women's Health
    • Cancer Care
    • Brain & Spine
    • Surgery
    • Bone & Joint
    • View All Topics
  2. Patient Stories
  3. News
  4. About
Rochester Regional Health Logo
COVID-19 UpdatesFind a DoctorPay My Bill Donate icon Give
COVID-19
  1. Double Masking

Depending On Your Mask, Two May Be Better Than One

Double masking, or layering two masks, is a proven option for non-healthcare workers to reduce exposure to COVID-19.

Feb. 15, 2021 • 2   min read

Double masking COVID-19

On February 10, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data to support the effectiveness of double masking, or layering a disposable medical mask underneath a cloth mask. The study found that layering two masks reduces exposure to COVID-19 pathogens by more than 90 percent.

How to wear your mask

Mask-wearing has long been proven to be one of the most effective ways to protect one’s self from COVID-19. Double-masking is a good solution for individuals who are not healthcare workers and who do not have a 3-ply mask that has a close fit to the face.

When you wear your mask, or masks, keep in mind that

  1. Breathing through multiple layers is more protective than a single layer
  2. To be protective, a mask should fit closely along the contours of the face
  3. Most important of all: your mask (or masks) should fully cover mouth and nose, and not gape on sides.

Why double masking works

Medical-grade masks have proven effective on their own without an additional layer, but according to the CDC, knotting them and layering “could improve the fit of these masks and reduce the receiver’s exposure to an aerosol of simulated respiratory droplet particles of the size considered most important for transmitting SARS-CoV-2." 

Dr. Maryrose Laguio-Vila, the Infectious Diseases Division Chief at Rochester General Hospital, provides the same guidance to patients and friends.

“Based on the CDC study, a single layer cloth mask on top of a medical-grade mask may be more effective in filtering out the small respiratory droplets that transmit the virus,” says Laguio-Vila. “More than 90 percent blockage of particles sounds very encouraging.”

What masks are best?

In general, the CDC recommends choosing masks that:

  • Have three layers of fabric that completely cover the nose and mouth and have a close fit to the face.
  • If you don't have a mask with three layers, consider double masking to ensure multiple layers. Fit the masks snugly against the sides of your face and avoid gaps. 

And hygiene is key to the effectiveness as well.

“I'd remind people to not forget to discard medical masks once they get visibly soiled or feel gross, and wash the cloth masks regularly,” says Laguio-Vila. “Finding masks with the proper fit is especially important to limit the urges to constantly touch one’s face to adjust.”

For more on masking, visit the CDC’s website.

ProviderPromo
Maryrose Laguio, MD
Internal Medicine, Infectious Disease
View Profile
Recent Articles
COVID-19
Equal Access & Education: COVID-19 Vaccines

At a time where access to reliable information can directly impact health, Ebony Caldwell, EdD discusses the importance of equal access to education on the COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19
COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for Ages 16 & 17

Teens aged 16 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines in New York State. Dr. Cynthia Christy answers common questions from parents & teenagers.

Women's Health
Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years. Dr. Mohamad S. Mahmoud explains the signs, symptoms, and treatment of the disease.

COVID-19
3 Tips to Cope with “Return to Normal” Anxiety

Feeling anxious or uneasy about returning to normal as the pandemic ends? Dr. Garry Spink of Rochester Regional Health provides 3 tips to help cope.

health hive logo

Get Email Updates

Sign up for our Health Hive newsletter to receive our top stories and tips to help you live a longer, healthier life.
Thanks! We've added you to our Health Hive newsletter
Enhancing Lives. Preserving Health.
Contact Us

Your Care

  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Billing & Insurance
  • Classes & Events
  • Our Services
  • Patients & Visitors
  • Closings & Cancellations

Company

  • Careers
  • About Us
  • ACM Global Laboratories
  • Contact Us
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • ElderONE
  • Volunteer
  • GRIPA
  • Media and Public Relations
  • Quality and Safety
  • Sustainability

Resources

  • Workday
  • Employees
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Make a Gift
  • Medical Education & Research
  • MyCare
  • Sponsorships
Rochester Regional Health Logo
© 2021 Rochester Regional Health. All Rights Reserved.
  • Non Discrimination
  • Disclaimer
  • Language Assistance
  • Privacy Policy