The pandemic has necessitated the mask-wearing protocol for everybody. This is one of the most effective ways of warding off the deadly COVID-19 virus. The confusion that arises in people’s minds though is should you wear a single mask or a double mask or wear a double mask selectively and only at some places. Let us understand the mask etiquette and see if what we are practicing is correct or not.
If you want to mask up using a cloth mask and a surgical mask, do keep in mind that these offer only very basic protection as they are not tight fitting. If you double mask instead of just wearing 1 cloth mask or 1 surgical mask, the level of protection improves, and the fit also improves the gaps in between become lesser. Air-borne particles can be better controlled.
The N95.FFP2 masks give a high quality of protection against air-borne viruses, not only COVID-19 but also flu and influenza. They have a 5 layer protection with melt-blown filters that are electrostatically charged. It protects us from aerosols that are as small as 0.3 microns. These masks give a very good fit and there is no leakage from the sides.
The N95/FFP2 are designed in such a way that they fit the shape of our faces, and the nose pin can be clamped on the nose to give it a close and perfect fit.
Another aspect that must be kept in mind is when you are not in a public place double masking is not needed. Comfort must also be kept in mind.
Double masking is definitely required when you are in a public place. In case you have access to an N95 mask then one is enough at any type of place.
