There’s no concrete data on the additional benefits of double masking yet, but experts have some theories on when it could be worth considering, especially if you’re wearing a non-medical grade face covering (as most of us are).
“Double masking adds an extra layer of filter, making it even more difficult for the drops of moisture ridden with the virus to get to you or to spread to others,” says Aline M. Holmes, D.N.P., R.N., a clinical associate professor at the Rutgers University School of Nursing. She says it could serve as bonus protection for people who are in high-risk settings for coronavirus transmission, like a hospital or nursing home.
It could also be a good idea to double up if you’re sick with COVID-19 and want to do everything you can to protect other people in your home from contracting the virus. (Note: You should still be isolated away from others whenever possible.)
However, many experts “don’t think it’s necessary,” including William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “I’m glad there are some people doubly committed to wearing a mask, but it’s not been studied,” he says. “Double masking may provide some additional protection in both directions—out as well as in—but it’s not officially recommended by anyone at this time.”
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick
Worth noting: Some doctors layer face masks as a way to help protect their valuable N95 respirators.
“When I go into a COVID patient’s room, I wear two—an N95 respirator with a surgical one over it,” says Richard Watkins, M.D., an infectious disease physician and a professor of internal medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University. “When I come out, I throw away the surgical one and keep the N95.” The goal, Dr. Watkins says, is to help protect his N95 mask for future use, given that supplies are limited.
Both New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick in the photo above and Vice President Elect Kamala Harris in the photo below have been seen using this technique, for an example. They have medical-grade masks on below either a cloth covering or surgical mask, most likely to preserve the respirator for future use https://www.prevention.com/health/a35215058/should-you-wear-two-face-masks-covid-19/
