CDC experiment lead to recommendation of double masking

photos by leyla dumke

graphic by sam adkins

On February 13, the CDC updated its mask recommendations for the first time since April 2020. The update emphasized the importance of the mask fitting one’s face tightly so respiratory droplets can’t escape. The ways they recommend doing this are by using a mask with a nose wire, using a mask fitter or brace, or double masking.

To double mask correctly, one must put a surgical mask under a tight, cloth mask. It isn’t effective with two loosely fitting masks. 

The CDC conducted experiments that led them to this recommendation. They found that when they simulated a cough into a standard medical mask, 56.1% of the particles were blocked. However, with that same simulated cough, a fabric mask on top of the medical mask blocked 85.4% of the particles. 

At SJHS, some students have already chosen to start double masking. In a Google survey sent out to SJHS students, 24.2% of students said that they have tried double masking before. Of those who’ve tried it, 71.9% of them responded that yes, it has made them feel more protected from COVID-19.

One of the students who believe double-masking helps is Drew Christy, 12. He explained that he was first introduced to the concept in a discussion with his English class. He thinks it makes sense because “it’s two layers of protection.”

Some of the staff have also begun doing this. Mr. Gregory Blomgren was one of the first in the building to use this extra precaution.

“I felt like we were so close to the end with getting the vaccinations that I just didn’t want to take a chance at getting the virus,” he said. 

While it is not part of the mask mandate to double-mask, the CDC experiments show that people may be better protected from COVID-19 if they start wearing this extra layer.