AUSTIN, Texas — When Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, began talking about wearing two masks as being beneficial, it brought up a slew of questions.
Dr. Brian Metzger, the medical director of infectious diseases at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin, says, “It makes sense that wearing multiple masks would be more effective at blocking the virus. … the more barriers that you can have but still be able to breathe is good.”
Masks help prevent particles that you expel from your nose or mouth from spreading to another person, and they help prevent particles from someone else from reaching your nose or mouth.
When it comes to choosing a mask, Metzger says, “the best mask is the one you can wear and wear snuggly on your face.”
One that fits well should not gap at the side and should not move up and down as you talk. With some masks, you can tighten the straps, or tie a knot in the straps to have it fit better against your face. In ones that have metal strips on the nose, those strips should be pinched down to fit tightly against your nose.
Look for masks that have tightly woven fabric, with two or three layers, to create a barrier between droplets. You should not be able to see light through them.
A simple bandana or a gaiter neck covering is not as effective as a cloth mask or a surgical-type mask.
It also doesn’t do any good to have two masks if you are wearing them under your nose, under your chin, around your forehead, hanging from your ear or from your arm or not wearing them at all.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips on wearing a mask during the pandemic:
Choose masks that:
Have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric. Completely cover your nose and mouth. Fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps. Have been washed in-between wearings or have never been worn.
If you wear glasses, find a mask that fits closely over your nose or one that has a nose wire to limit fogging.
When it’s cold outside, wear your scarf or ski-mask-type coverings over your mask. They are not substitutes for masks.
For children:
Find a mask that is made for children to help ensure proper fit. Check to be sure the mask fits snugly over the nose and mouth and under the chin and that there are no gaps around the sides. Do NOT put on children younger than 2 year.
Do not choose:
Masks that are made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe, for example, vinyl. Masks that have exhalation valves or vents that allow virus particles to escape. Face shields instead of masks.
