Should you start wearing double face masks? Here's what the experts say

As the coronavirus continues to spread all over the world, some people have taken it upon themselves to wear not just one, but two face masks when going out in public.

These people believe that doubling the layer of face covering would better protect them from catching the virus, especially now that more infectious variants are emerging in some countries.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's report on "24 Oras," this practice is approved by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top medical adviser on COVID-19 of the United States government.

"If you have a physical covering with one layer, you put another layer on it, just makes common sense that it likely would be more effective and that's the reason why you see people either double masking or doing a version of an N95," Fauci said.

Based on studies, an N95 mask gives around 94% protection against particles. A surgical mask only gives 60-70%, but if you add a fabric mask on top of it, it can increase the protection up to 90%.

Depending on the type of material, three layers of fabric masks can also offer 90% protection.

But for Dr. Rontgene Solante, an infectious disease specialist, double masking is not necessary in the Philippines for now.

"I don't recommend the use of double mask at this point in time since pangalawang ano rin is we're also requiring face shield. The face shield is already an added barrier," he said.

"Ang importante nito we have to wear the mask properly at all times especially when going to high risk areas, you have to wear also your face shield," he added.

However, using a cloth mask over the surgical mask could be an added layer of protection when going to crowded or indoor areas as long as there are no breathing issues.

"The cloth mask can filter, first barrier, and then the surgical mask will be the second barrier," he said.

Solante also cautioned that using double masks is not recommended for those with lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema.

—MGP, GMA News