Professor Luke O'Neill says wearing a second face mask may be a way of making face coverings even more effective.
The Trinity College immunologist said Americans are now being recommended to 'double-mask'.
It comes amid growing scientific evidence that good ventilation and wearing face masks are much more important than trying to keep surfaces clean when it comes to curbing the spread of COVID-19.
As part of it's updated advice on face coverings, the CDC is recommending that people should consider wearing a "disposable mask underneath a cloth mask" in order to provide layers of protection.
Research carried out by the CDC shows this method of wearing masks "substantially improved" the levels of protection offered over just one mask - blocking over 90% of particles from a simulated cough.
They say other ways of having a tighter fit include wearing masks with 'knotted ear loops and tucked in-sides'.
Professor O'Neill says evidence is only growing that the virus is primarily spreading through the air, so masks are of vital importance.
He said: “You’ve seen in America they’re recommending two masks now, to make the masks even more effective. We know it’s airborne, so everything we can do to stop airborne transmission would help.
“It might mean a second mask - especially if a more transmissible virus is around it could make sense to have a double mask.
“As a priority... ventilation and masks are much, much more important than keeping surfaces clean.”
While extra hygiene measures have been a core part of society's battle against coronavirus, Professor O'Neill says a debate is ongoing over the current advice being given to people.
He said: “There’s less and less evidence you can be infected off surfaces.
"One study that was done by Tufts University [showed] there was a one in 2,000 of getting infected off a surface. It still can happen - but it’s rare.
“We now that the predominant to catch this is through the air and contact between each other - now they’re wondering if they should change the guidelines slightly.
“The advice is keep washing your hands for definite. But this zealous cleaning of surfaces, they may well say there’s not so much need for that… unless it’s somewhere like a hospital."
Professor O'Neill said the data in general is pointing to a conclusion that people are very unlikely to catch coronavirus off surfaces.
He explained: “I heard the CDC themselves saying this… ventilation and masks are much more important than trying to keep surfaces clean.
“They’re spending a fortune on sanitisers… the New York Subway spent $380 million extra because of COVID.
“Keep washing the hands, though, because there’s still a risk."
