Are two masks better than one? New research from the University of Windsor says yes.
The debate surrounding masks and doubling masking has been ongoing throughout the pandemic. That’s why School of the Environment professor Ken Drouillard has been participating in the “mask hacks” study along with a team at McMaster University.
The study involved testing various masks and combinations of masks to find out which combinations worked best at filtering out airborne particles.
The study found wearing a two-ply cotton mask fastened tightly with ties (not earloops) over a basic medical mask offers similar protection as wearing an N95 mask.
“This is timely information for the public,” said Drouillard. “Given the high community risk factors posed by the Omicron variant and the scarcity of N95 masks in some provinces, we want to be able to help people use the best mask they have access to.”
According to Drouillard’s testing, a medical mask certified by an international body known as ASTM filters out around 54 per cent of particles on its own. While a two-ply pleated mask made of high-quality quilting cotton with ties has about a 55 per cent effectiveness. Together with the cloth mask worn over the medial mask the filtration rate was nearly 91 per cent.
Drouillard said the cloth mask over the medical mask ensures a better fit.
“If air can get in around the sides, it’s not as effective,” said Drouillard. “I have to emphasize that the first and foremost important thing you should evaluate while wearing your mask is how well the mask fits you.”