And improving the filtration of your mask will also help protect you from breathing in contaminated droplets from others, blocking them with higher efficiency.
Keep reading to find out when the CDC warns against double making, and for more guidance on what not to do, If You're Layering These Masks, the CDC Says to Stop Immediately.
When it comes to layering your masks for better fit and filtration, the CDC says there are some things you need to watch out for.The CDC notes that "breathing might take more effort when wearing a mask that fits and filters better." Not only is this breathing issue potentially dangerous, but it also might make you more likely to take off your mask from time to time, exposing you to possible contamination.
If your vision is obstructed, you may need to stop double masking or find different masks to layer that won't affect your eyesight.
However, the CDC does recommend layering a cloth mask on top of a disposable medical mask, as this method "provided much better protection to the wearer and to others," as compared to wearing either of these masks on their own.
According to the agency, "you should only use one KN95 mask at a time." Not only that, but the CDC also says that you should not wear any other type of mask on top or underneath a KN95 mask.