February 11, 2021

Should You Wear Two Masks to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19?

The short answer from an infectious disease specialist

woman wearing double masks during pandemic

Q: Is double masking more effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19?

A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends universal mask wearing as an important way to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

At this time, the CDC recommends wearing a face mask with two to three layers that fits snugly over your face. The CDC recently published new research suggesting that layering a cloth mask over a surgical mask (double masking) when a mask only has one layer, or knotting and tucking a single mask, may improve the fit of masks and provide additional protection from potentially infectious particles.

However, if your mask already has multiple layers and fits tightly, it’s not necessary to double mask.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we’re continuing to closely monitor the latest scientific evidence and CDC recommendations regarding face masks.

Advertisement

Studies from the CDC have shown that face masks effectively limit spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, protecting the wearer and those around them. To slow the spread of the virus, it’s important that everyone in the community wear a face mask. It’s also essential to social distance, avoid gatherings and wash your hands frequently. We also recommend taking the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available to you.

— Infectious disease specialist Steven Gordon, MD

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

aerial view over crowd of commuters
March 18, 2024
How Does COVID Immunity Work?

The short answer: It’s complicated, but the basic care precautions still prevail, like washing your hands and isolating if you’re sick

Person experiencing COVID headache, with calendar months floating in background
March 11, 2024
What To Know About COVID Headaches

They can feel like a typical headache or a migraine headache, but the pain can last for weeks to months

crowd of people at music concert
February 5, 2024
What Constitutes a ‘Superspreader Event’?

Any large social gathering — from a family birthday party to an indoor music concert — has the potential to spread serious infection

Female wrapped in blanket laying on sofa looking fatigued or unwell
January 23, 2024
How To Manage COVID Fatigue and Regain Your Energy

It’s important to connect with a healthcare provider, get quality sleep and balance your activities with your energy levels

Sick person on couch using tissue on nose with medication bottles on coffee table
January 19, 2024
How To Know if It’s COVID-19, a Cold or Allergies

Symptoms can overlap and be hard to distinguish, but there are some telltale differences

Close-up of hands in lab gloves sorting vials and covid-19 blood sample
January 17, 2024
Everything You Need To Know About COVID-19 Variants

Just like the flu, COVID-19 will continue to evolve every year

Adult female on couch, coughing into crook of arm, holding thermometer
January 15, 2024
Prepping for Flurona: When COVID-19 and the Flu Strike at the Same Time

It’s best to treat flu-like symptoms as if you have COVID-19

positive COVID test with COVID virus molecules floating around it
December 20, 2023
How Long Does COVID-19 Last if You’re Vaccinated?

The duration varies, but symptoms can linger for a few days up to a couple weeks or more

Trending Topics

Person in yellow tshirt and blue jeans relaxing on green couch in living room reading texts on their phone.
Here’s How Many Calories You Naturally Burn in a Day

Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity

person getting a sinus massage between brows
5 Sinus Massage Techniques To Relieve Pressure and Promote Drainage

A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses

woman snacking on raisins and nuts
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad