ZHL Rajasthan - Things you should know about Double Masking
                     ZHL Rajasthan - Things you should know about 
Double Masking
Strong evidence suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is primarily 
airborne, what does this mean and can we change the way we 
protect ourselves?
Scientists and medical health practitioners have been 
highlighting the need to wear masks to contain the spread of 
coronavirus ever since the pandemic began.
A large population does not show symptoms. The 
asymptomatic people can continue to spread the infection at 
home, at a faster pace. Dr. Datar, Medical director of 
Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd stress that even when asymptomatic 
people are talking, they can spread the infection.That is why we 
have been seeing entire families, in this wave, turning positive, 
even when most of them have stayed indoors. So it’s not only 
imperative to wear mask outdoors but indoors too.
While there have been many cases of people taking this advice for 
granted and not wearing masks properly (by wearing it below 
their nose and so on), latest research has established that 
wearing two tightly-fitted face masks can nearly double the 
protection against the virus. As mask with layers offers better 
protection, as it creates a stronger barrier for respiratory droplets.
Ziqitza Rajasthan and ZHL Rajasthan says as Covid-19 cases are 
rising rapidly across the country, it is becoming more and more 
essential to adopt the most effective safety practices to avoid 
getting infected. When a person wears one mask on top of 
another, it is termed as double masking. The outer mask can 
apply gentle pressure on the edges of the inner mask and creates 
a better seal. Since the virus spread through respiratory droplets, 
two layers can help to increase filtration and can provide you with 
better protection.
How to wear double masks properly?
According to multiple studies conducted by the US CDC, double 
masks can prove to be very effective in preventing the spread of 
COVID-19. However, this is only applicable when you wear the 
double mask properly.
There are three ways of wearing double masks 
properly.
 Using a surgical mask with a cloth mask
Cloth masks alone are not recommended, but pairing them with 
a surgical mask drastically increases the effectiveness.Doing this 
is very simple, too. First, wear the surgical mask and then the 
cloth mask on top of it.CDC suggests that the cloth mask should 
push the edges of the surgical mask against your face. In simple 
words, the cloth mask should offer a tight, snug fit.
Pick a mask with nose wires
Another important aspect to consider while choosing a face 
mask is that it should have a nose wire. Ziqitza Limited adds by 
saying a good quality surgical masks come with an embedded 
nose wire on one side. When you wear the mask, push the nose 
wire so it closes any gaps that may be present.Some other masks 
come with a metal wire, which offers an even more snug fit.
Knotting the ear loops of a 3-ply surgical mask
Knot the ear loops of a 3-ply face mask where they join the 
edge of the mask and then Fold and tuck the unneeded 
material under the edges.
Ziqitza Healthcare suggests to avoid combinations 
of the following Masks
1. Combining two surgical masks as they are not designed to fit tightly.
2. Combining KN95 and any other type of mask 
3. Combining a N95 mask with any other mask.
Before stepping out while wearing 2 masks 
check for things like
1. Fit: Make sure that the outer mask helps press the inner 
mask close to your face, forming a seal. To do this, cup your 
hands over your mask and feel for air escaping from the 
edges as you breathe.
2.  Breathing: While breathing may require a little extra effort 
when you're double masking, it shouldn't make breathing 
difficult.
3.  Vision: Make sure that your double mask doesn't block 
your vision. 
4. Evaluate the situation: you can maintain a distance of at 
least 6 feet from others outside your household; a single 
mask can give good protection. However, a double mask 
can be more beneficial.