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The CDC’s Two-Mask Policy

Why The CDC Recommends Wearing Two Masks

Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new research on how to best prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission and exposure. The study found that the most effective way to prevent yourself from being infected by the coronavirus was to wear a cloth mask over a surgical mask.1 After these findings, the CDC released a new guidance recommending people either wear a tightly fitted surgical mask or wear two face masks – a multilayered cloth mask over a surgical mask. Tassel Depot has a wide range of colorful cloth COVID masks for sale. Be sure to browse our selection after reading up on the CDC’s new double masking recommendation.

Does Wearing Two Masks Help Prevent COVID-19 Better?

The lab study published by the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) simulated coughs and breathing to test how well different masks and mask wearing methods worked to block aerosol particles. While wearing a mask was significantly better at blocking aerosol particles than not wearing a mask, two methods produced the most effective protection against transmission of and exposure to infectious aerosols.

  1. Typing knots on the ear loops of masks – By tying knots in the ear loops of surgical masks, the mask fits more snuggly on the face and eliminates any gaps at the side. 
  2. Wearing two masks – By wearing a multilayered cloth mask over a surgical mask, you ensure that your mask fits snugly over your nose and mouth while eliminating side gaps.


How to Wear Two Masks

So, are two masks better than one? Yes, but it greatly depends on what masks you choose to wear and how you put them on. First, you will put on a surgical mask. Try to get one with an adjustable nose wire. An N95 or Kn95 mask is also a good option. Once that’s secure to your face, put on a cloth mask, preferably one made with multiple layers of cloth. Make sure this cloth mask fits your face snuggly, leaving no gaps on your cheeks or nose areas.

"Well-fitting masks provided the greatest performance at both blocking emitted aerosols and exposure of aerosols to the receiver. In the breathing experiment, having both the source and the receiver wear masks modified to fit better reduced the receiver's exposure by more than 95%, compared to no mask at all.” – CDC Director Rochelle Walensky 2


When putting on a face mask before going to a public space, the number one thing you should make sure of is that it is a well-fitting mask. A mask that fits loosely over your mouth, and nose will leave gaps where aerosol particles can easily float through. A mask with a tighter fit does much more to protect you and those around you from getting COVID-19.

Order Cloth Masks From Tassel Depot!

At Tassel Depot, we sell 100% cotton masks in a wide range of colors and patterns. Always made in the U.S.A. Browse our collection of shields and masks for coronavirus protection, there are plenty of fun and unique face masks to choose from. Contact us to learn more about our non-medical grade COVID face masks and COVID face shields for sale!


Additional Readings:

Dos and Don’ts of Wearing a Face Mask

The Best Way to Protect Against the Coronavirus

Sources:
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure, 2021
  2. The White House, YouTube Press Briefing by White House COVID-19 Response Team and Public Health Officials