Telegraph readers on double masking: 'Enough is enough. Surely British people won't follow suit'

The growing trend of wearing more than one mask in the US could be coming to the UK after Dr Susan Hopkins, of Public Health England, said that a specialist committee was in an "ongoing discussion" about updating the advice on face coverings.

Dr Hopkins also suggested that, when it comes to face coverings, "the more layers you have the better". This appears to be supported by a recent study by the US Centres of Disease Control and Prevention which found that the best way to stop infection was to wear a cloth mask on top of a surgical mask.

Telegraph readers have shared how they feel about wearing two face coverings, as opposed to one. Read on for the best discussion points from our readers and share your own view in the comments section at the bottom of this article.

'Breathing through two masks is nothing compared to actually having Covid'

@Suzie Richardson:

"I work in healthcare and have been double masking for a couple of months now and have had my vaccine.

"I am doing my most not to ever catch Covid again. It was the most horrific time of my life and my recovery has taken nearly 12 months, with nervous system dysfunction, lung and heart problems and post-viral fatigue (I was previously very fit and active).

"Breathing through two masks is nothing compared to the terror of feeling unable to get a lungful of air for months on end. I find having two sit more snugly around my nose and mouth and the thought of having extra protection eases my mind while dealing with Covid positive people and when out shopping."

'I felt safer wearing two masks'

@Elisabeth Davison:

"I had a hospital outpatient appointment at the beginning of the current lockdown. I wore two masks. I felt safer but it probably made no difference.

"I have refused to go near a hospital since. I will not go back before cases are much lower as this is the perfect place to pick up the virus."

'It needs to be clear'

@Peter Williman:

"If it's proven safer, why not wear two until we're sure Covid is as under control as it can be? But it needs to be clear under what circumstances it is beneficial.

"Also, we need to be aware whether we are protecting ourselves or others or both."

'As an asthmatic, I dread the idea of double masking'

@Jan Goff:

"I already find that 15 minutes of wearing a disposable mask when shopping has a serious impact on my breathing.

"As an asthmatic, I am exempt but I have no wish for confrontation and do comply.

"I dread to think what doubling up would do. Incidentally my husband is not asthmatic but he also finds that masks affect his breathing."

'More is not always better'

@Wim Kotze:

"Double will obviously work better than single. Triple will work better. Five layers even better.

"Obviously with each step other issues come into play.

"More is not always better. Certainly not if we look at holistic health. But even with a narrow focus on Covid, even there more is not better.

"Higher burden means less compliance."

'Why not?'

@Robin Sudlow:

"The US has been doing this as standard for quite a while. Why not? Ever used a mask to prevent dust inhalation when sanding?"

'They're bad enough already'

@Elizabeth Kirkby:

"I cannot imagine anything worse. These ghastly face masks are bad enough already, stopping fresh air getting into you, impeding the ability to breath naturally, not to mention all the germs and other nasties."

'There comes a limit'

@Rachel Steiner:

"I have diligently worn a blue surgical mask even to teach in 35 degree heat.

"I’m vaccinated. I’m not double masking. There comes a limit."

'No need to go further'

@Alternative Thinker:

"Yes, masks do help but there is no need to go even further than basic face coverings as this gives that extra level of protection when out and about in enclosed spaces.

"The vaccination effort is going very well. Treatments are also getting better all the time and so we need to start treating this virus like the seasonal flu and just learn to live with it now."

'Why on earth are they advocating this?'

@John Thomson:

"I can wear a double layer mask, but, as an asthma sufferer, I cannot wear a three-layer mask. I just can't pull enough air in, and am in danger of my oxygen levels dropping too low.

"As most vulnerable people are now vaccinated, why on earth are they advocating this?"

'Surely British people won't follow suit'

@Marielle Wilkinson:

"In some ways I welcome this type of nonsense intervention as I keep thinking maybe people will now see it's seriously gone too far, but then I read about people actually following this en masse in the US and I can't delude myself that the British people won't follow suit."

Would you consider 'double masking' to feel safer? Let us know in the comments section below.