If you superimpose these masks, they protect you less, says the doctor
The superposition or under these types of masks can "reduce their performance", warn experts.
As you have probably heard now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends layered masks to protect against COVID-19 in high-risk environments. It means that if you expect to be near anyone outside your home, you want to wearnot one, butof them mask With improved cut and filtration for more security. But as representatives of the on-point CDC, there are two types of masks that are not constructed for overlay, and in fact, could be detrimental when doubled.These are KN95 and N95 respirator, which say the experts are "designed to be worn alone. » Read more To learn more about the reasons for superposing these masks is a mistake, and for more masking tips,If you see this message on your mask, the FDA says Toss immediately.
The CDC warns on its website that theKN95 should never be used for overlay. "Do not combine a KN95 mask with other masks," the site reads as follows. "You do not have to use a KN95 mask at a time, and you should not use any type of second mask above or below a KN95 mask," the states of the health authority. And although this particular model is the only mask reported on the CDC site as a double masking candidate, CDC representatives have issued the same recommendation for similar design.N95 masks.
John Brooks, MD, chief doctor of the COVID-19 response from the CDC, recently shared withUS NEWS & WORLD REPORT that both types of masks areConsidered as the most effective when used on their own. He warned that the new quite dual masking recommendations "introduced unfortunately substantial confusion among consumers," with regard to the safety measures are optimal, especially with respect to medical grade respiratory devices. "Adding a mask on or under a respiratory system may decrease their performance," he said.
On the brilliant side, these masks are known to be 95 percent of protection when it is worn correctly, so that you are little risk of transmission if you wear one. Instead of adding layers, says BrooksConsumers should focus on adjusting the mask With regard to these particular mask styles: the mask must create a sealed seal, without a pocket of air for the particles to circulate through.
So, if not a respirator,maskshould You use for double lamination? Brooks recommends the wearing of a fabric mask on a medical procedure mask, arguing that a more profiled upper layer should help reduce the air flow around the seal. "The best adjustment of the forces of the air through the material of the medical procedure mask, which tends to understand layers of polypropylene which is a good filtering material," he explains. And, looking for new ways to protect yourself from Covid? Read more for more EPP tips, and for another error you are doing double-masking, check outIf you superimpose these masks, the CDC says to stop immediately.
1 Try a mask splint or "installer".
One way to make the most of your mask is to use a pair of mask, also known as an "installer". These are extensible, silicone braces that are worn on the mask to create a stronger seal on the edges.
"Adjusters have been scientifically demonstrated to improve filtration performance as far as 90 per cent or more, which, again, is to enter this filtration efficiency range offered by N95 respirators,"Brooks reportedly During a virtual information session in January. And for the latest masking updates directly in your inbox,Sign up for our daily newsletter.
2 ... but skip the mask holder.
While mask braces can increase the efficiency of a surgical mask to be about equivalent to that of an N95,mask holders-Worn under the mask to give the user more space to breathe, can have the opposite effect.
"Maskmediawill make a mask less effective if the mask is flatter against your face, covering the nose and mouth entirely, because the air would escape around the edges without being filtered, "Leann Poston, MD, aCertified physician and health advisor for medical Invigor, recently saidBetter life. And for a prediction of Covid you do not want to miss,That's when we can expect the next Covid surge, say experts.
3 Try the "knot and tuck" technique.
If you wear a surgical or medical procedure mask, the CDC suggests the "knot and tuck" technique to reduce air gaps in three simple steps.
In the first place, fold the mask in half horizontally, so that the top and bottom of the ear tactile loops. Then every earring knot near the mask as possible. Finally, unfold the mask and put it on. Look for any additional fabric that creates an air space and fold it under the knots. That's it! A tightening, safer seal.
"You can say that the mask is tighter fitted on your face because the mask movements and as you exhale,"Emily Singlebert-Bennett, the director of infection prevention at UNC hospitals, said in aVideo tutorial for the method.
4 Do not forget to protect your eyes.
While face shields are insufficient replacements for masks, searches show that they and other goggles, could offer significant protection againstOcular transmission of COVID-19.
A study published in theAMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL In August found that19% of health workers WHO has used other protective measures, including three-layer surgical masks, surgical gloves, shoe covers and regular hand disinfectant are still infected with Covid. However, when they added face shields in the mixture, new infections fallen to zero.Peter Collignon, PhD, a doctor of infectious diseases and professor at the Australian National University, recently toldThe Guardian that the results of this study suggest that when it comes to the propagation of COVID, "we haveunder appreciation how important the eyes are and on surplus surfaces. "And for essential news about the vaccine,The Pfizer CEO says how many times you will need a Covid vaccine.
