Coronavirus prevention: Double masking or using N95 masks? What should you continue to use after the second wave?

The pandemic isn't close to being over, and with newer virulent strains emerging, it has now become more important than ever to safeguard ourselves from the virus. There are also emerging reports of an upcoming third wave, with some Indian states already witnessing newer infectious outbreaks, following all preventive protocols is a must.

Even with a vaccine, one of the steps we must continue to take is to keep wearing a mask. With new variants emerging, doctors are also recommending people to use stronger forms of protection, even with the masks. Double masking was widely recommended during the second wave of COVID-19 in India. Elsewhere, quality grade N95 masks were also highly advised.

So, going forward, as we may witness stronger, virulent strains coming our way, what's a better mask to protect yourself?

Double masking or using a medical-grade N95 mask- which would be better to use post the second wave?

A vaccine is currently one form of prevention that minimizes the risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe illness. While the current forms of vaccines have been found to be extremely effective and safe to use, wearing a mask remains to be one of the things that offer baseline protection from the germ, even if you have vaccine-driven immunity.

The primary reason for this is because while vaccines offer some protection, the degree of protection can differ for everyone. More so, vaccines work to limit your chances to contract the infection, and not completely remove the odds. Hence, for a vaccine to work more efficiently, masks and social distancing would be great helpers.

Masking has been clinically also proven to be effective in limiting the spread of respiratory droplets. In the current timelines, when we do not know who is, or who isn't vaccinated and a person can face a high risk of exposure from risky areas, a mask would offer a lot more defensive protection, and hence, very much need to be worn, even if you have been vaccinated, or have contracted COVID-19 before. Till the time we do not achieve herd immunity, masks will be needed.

Having said that, we compare and analyze the differences between double masking and N95 masks, and help you make a better choice

Double masking typically means layering of two masks one over the other. While double masking was first used extensively by frontline warriors, layering two masks over the other has been found to increase efficiency and protection of cloth masks, which otherwise can be less effective. Medically, using additional layers, or masks can create a tougher barrier that will stop germs and viruses from creeping in and spreading infections. It can also do a better job in reducing the contagiousness of any infection. It's also an economical and better practice for people who like the comfort and usage of homemade, cloth or surgical masks alone.

As per experts, the best combination of double masking that cuts down the risk of infection is to layer a surgical mask with a close mask and use something that has knots or nose clips to ensure a snug fit. Layering similar kinds of masks has been seen to be not as effective in comparison.

N95 masks (with or without respirators, also known as FFP2 masks) have been in demand ever since the pandemic began, and were known to be super effective even before SARS-COV-2 was in circulation. Since they are slightly more tight-fitted, it makes them a better alternative to surgical masks and also work drastically better in filtering out and stopping pollutants, viruses and bacteria from entering the mouth or nasal passageway, with an efficacy of 95% against airborne particles.

Compared to all other types of masks, N95 masks offer the highest odds of protection.

Using N95 masks have been widely recommended for usage to people who face high exposure risks particularly. Having said that, in comparison to a regular cloth mask (or two), the fit and wearability of an N95 mask isn't the most comfortable, and takes a while to get accustomed to.

N95 masks also have a certain limitation, since they cannot be reused, before proper disinfection, and hence, may not make for a cost-effective measure. The disinfection and reuse of these masks also require proper protocols to deem them effective. If you do use these, ensure that you use one, take it off and put it in a paper bag, using a fresh one the next day and eventually following the same procedure, till the time you use these in rotation. Such a practice prolongs their use and has come in handy to many during the pandemic.

Both N95 masks and double masking increase your odds of protection in a risky environment and airborne transmission. However, medically speaking, using N95 masks may be a wiser idea, since they offer one of the highest efficacy rates. They can also be particularly helpful when you are visiting an extremely risky place- for example, a hospital, indoor setting, super crowded place. Since N95 masks could run into shortages, ideal would be to only use them in certain places, and double mask otherwise (for example, if you go to a market, lesser crowded area or a gathering).

If you are around people who have been vaccinated, using a double mask would be ideal, given that you have ascertained all other measures and practice distancing as well. If you are going to a park or working out, double masking would also offer more comfort and ease of use. They also offer one big advantage over N95 grade masks, which is their wash and disinfection policy.

Doctors also recommend that people who do use an N95 mask, use one without a valve in them. To prolong their use, and get more assured security, a surgical mask could be layered over an N95 mask.

Hence, while both the masks are similarly effective, ideal would be to rotate between the two masks, weigh the risk of infection in a given situation (or place you are visiting) and take a decision accordingly.

It should be stressed that any mask will only be as effective, as long as it is worn right. Be it an N95 mask or two masks over the other, ensuring a snug fit is important. Any loose gaps, holes, unnecessary designs on the mask to make it look more fashionable won't do justice to the purpose of mask-wearing.

Also ensure that you are disinfecting and cleaning masks properly in between uses, and know when it is probably time to get a new one.