Are two masks better than one? Double masking ‘just makes common sense’ to help prevent COVID-19 spread, Fauci says A study published in the peer-reviewed journal Matter in July found that wearing two masks could increase protection from virus particles by 50% up to 75%. It not only added an extra layer of protection but also made the mask fit snugger around the face, said Dr. Loretta Fernandez, study author and associate professor at Northeastern University.