Use Double Masks To Be More Effective In Dealing With Covid-19
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, masks have become part of our daily needs. Using a mask to cover the mouth and nose is the most important simple step to prevent the spread and transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19, namely SARS-CoV-2, through contaminated air vapor (aerosol) and splashes (droplets). There are several types of masks that are usually used by the general public, namely cloth masks and disposable masks such as surgical masks and respirator masks (for example N95 masks).
Based on guidelines for the use of masks from the World Health Organization (WHO), recommendations for the use of surgical masks, apart from health workers, are also given to individuals who are at risk of serious complications from COVID-19. The individuals in question are those over 60 years old, have congenital diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, and people with immune disorders.
Apart from that, quite a few people choose to use cloth masks. The general public (apart from the conditions above) can use cloth masks when doing activities both indoors and outdoors. This mask can be made from certain materials such as cotton, nylon, and so on. This is because the price of cloth masks is more affordable, easy to produce, and can be washed and reused. Generally, cloth masks do not have certain regulations and standards. So this type of mask does not have good filtration and cannot be used by health workers.
Ideally a cloth mask should consist of three layers. Composed of hydrophilic material in the innermost layer, and hydrophobic material in the second and outermost layer. The second layer is expected to increase filtration and retention of droplets. One of the recommendations given by the United States CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) is the use of double masks. Not only looking at filtration capabilities, the mask combination must also prioritize user comfort when breathing.
This double mask is carried out using a disposable surgical mask which is covered again with a cloth mask. Research by Arumuru et al in 2021 showed that the combination of surgical masks and cloth masks showed good protection results along with comfort when breathing, ranging from 54.6% and 23%. However, please note that the use of double cloth masks is not recommended because it can reduce the quality of the user's breathing, and overall protection like this turns out to be meaningless.
Apart from applying a double mask, protection can also be increased by making a knot at the end of the surgical mask, and folding the end of the mask inward. This method is believed to be able to cover the nose and mouth completely, minimizing the presence of droplets that come out, thereby providing more protection in pandemic conditions like this before being covered with a cloth mask as usual.
Prevent and protect yourself from COVID-19 with adequate health protocols, one of which is wearing a mask correctly. If you have complaints of upper respiratory tract infections, don't hesitate to consult with our specialist doctors at the University of Indonesia Hospital.
