CDC, WA Health Officials Share Tips For Effective Mask Use

Health experts are sharing updated guidance on face coverings, hoping to boost the effectiveness of an essential tool as more infectious coronavirus strains begin to take hold in Washington and across the United States.

A study released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found "double-masking," or wearing a cloth covering on top of a disposable medical mask, appeared to be more effective, blocking about twice as many particles as a single mask. When both parties wore two masks, researchers noted effectiveness above 95 percent.

CDC officials said while the research was limited, testing just one brand of surgical masks and one brand of cloth masks, the results supported earlier findings. In its updated guidance, the agency added the wearing of a disposable mask under a cloth mask as an approved option for better protection. However, the CDC recommends against wearing two disposable masks or combining KN95 masks with other coverings.

Even without wearing two masks, there are a few simple ways to ensure face coverings reach their maximum potential. Public Health - Seattle & King County posted a blog this week with a few tips to check your mask for durability and ensure proper protection.

Four ingredients for success:

• 2-3 fabric layers
• Tightly woven fabrics such as cotton and cotton blends
• Breathable
• Snug-fitting, without gaps around the face

To filter out particles effectively, public health officials say masks should have a snug fit and cover both the chin and the nose without gaps. Breath should go through the mask instead of around it, and foggy glasses are one surefire sign that something needs to change.

Cloth masks with at least two layers, especially made from material with higher thread counts, have proven to be more effective than just one layer, officials said. Another thing to remember in the winter months is to change out makes when they become wet and pack a spare if you are venturing out into the elements.

Here are a few more tips from the CDC:

Until a much larger percentage of the population is vaccinated, public health officials recommend consistent mask use for all, including those who have received immunizations, for several months.

Public Health - Seattle & King County writes:

The vaccines are effective in preventing you from getting sick with COVID-19 (typically starting a couple of weeks after getting your second shot). But we don’t yet know if you may still be able to get infected with the virus and pass it on to others. At this time, everyone, including people who get vaccinated should continue to follow current public health guidance. This includes limiting close contact with other people outside your household, avoiding crowds, avoiding poorly ventilated indoor spaces, keeping as much distance as possible from others, washing hands frequently – plus consistently and correctly wearing a well-fitting, good quality face mask.

Ultimately, the most important tools against COVID-19 will be vaccines, but it will take many months before enough vaccines are available and enough people vaccinated to reach broad protection in our community.

Read more about the CDC's latest findings and guidance online, and catch up with more tips from local officials on the Public Health Insider blog.