International
In a small study, US scientists compared the filtering efficiency of single facemasks versus double masking. On average, a single mask had a filtering efficiency of 55 per cent, they say, while doubling-up increased that efficiency to an average of 66 per cent. Just using a single mask, efficiency was generally higher for medical-grade 'procedure' masks than commercial cloth masks and bandanas, they say, although one medical mask (Shine Ya brand) performed slightly worse than one of the cloth masks (Hanes cotton ear-loop mask) they tested. The combination that improved efficiency the most was wearing a medical mask with a cloth mask on top, they conclude.
From:
What The Study Did: The fitted filtration efficiency of commonly available masks worn singly, doubled or in combinations was evaluated in this study.
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