As effective as surgical masks can be when it comes to preventing the spread of germs and other undesirable particles, none of that matters if said mask is not tight enough.
If you know how to tie a surgical mask, you will not only make the masks you wear tighter, but you will also prove their effectiveness by several factors.
You will also be able to reuse any given surgical mask whereas the loops may have come apart if you know how to tie one properly.
Even surgical masks that you believe are already tight enough can be made even tighter by tying them, and thus will improve their effectiveness as well. Indeed, wearing a surgical mask that is too loose is no better than not wearing one at all, and this is just one reason why learning how to tie one is a good idea.
Why It’s So Important To Learn How To Tie A Surgical Face Mask Correctly
Knowing how to tie a surgical face mask is important for a number of reasons.
The first of these reasons has to do with how tight these masks are when they come out of the box. Because they possess a one-size-fits-all design, most surgical masks are not nearly as tight as they should be. This is especially true when it comes to disposable surgical masks, since they are designed to fit literally any human head.
The lack of tightness in surgical face masks is what takes away from their functionality, and that is why it is important to learn how to tie a surgical mask tighter.
You will certainly need to learn to do this if you work in a medical facility, too. You will come into contact with airborne particles - such as the deadly COVID-19 virus or similar illnesses.
In these kinds of environments, a normal surgical mask will not be enough to prevent you from contracting anything from anybody, and vice-versa. This is the main reason why you need to learn how to tie a surgical face mask. It’s important to not only protect yourself, but those around you. Ready to learn how to tie a surgical face mask tighter? Let’s take a look.
How To Tie A Surgical Mask Correctly
As mentioned earlier, tying a surgical mask solves two things. Not only does it make the mask tighter which improves its functionality, but it will also allow you to keep using it if the loops of the mask break.
Here is how to tie a surgical mask the right way:
Make sure your hands are totally clean before doing this. If your hands are contaminated or dirty and you tie your surgical mask, you will defeat the purpose of using it as a mechanism to protect you from any unwanted particles since it will be dirty anyway.
Be as delicate as you can when doing this as well. Since you are tying your surgical face mask from its ear loops, chances are good that these ear loops may just snap off. You can still tie your mask if this happens, but it might be a little crooked.
First, put the mask down on a table completely flat. If you have previously worn the mask, do all you can to make it flat. This will ensure that you’ll be able to tie the knots using the loops evenly.
Next, fold the mask in half horizontally, making sure that the ends of the mask meet. This will allow you to be able to make it as tight as possible when you tie up the loops.
After that, tie up the ear loops. You should be able to make a strong knot when doing this. Push this knot all the way to the corner and make sure both of them are even this way your mask is not crooked.
Now fold and tuck in the outer portion of the mask so that the ends meet. This will result in a mask that has a much tighter fit than the mask you previously had that will protect you a lot more than a mask that has not been tied.
Other Tips For Safely Wearing & Tying A Surgical Face Mask
Even after you have properly tied your surgical mask, you still need to know how to handle it and put it on safely.
The only thing you can touch when it comes to surgical masks is the ear loops. If you touch any other part of the mask, even if you are adjusting it, you will be exposed to germs and other unwanted particles.
You also still need to know how to wear a surgical mask properly. Many make the mistake of just covering their mouth with the mask, figuring that they do not need to cover their nose.
This makes wearing your surgical mask pointless since you are only protecting yourself and others from harmful particles from one area: Your mouth. A surgical mask is supposed to protect you and others from airborne particles that enter or leave your mouth and nose.
You should also know that there is a difference between surgical masks that are disposable and those that are not disposable.
While you can and should tie both of these, know that surgical masks that are disposable are that way for a reason. Over time, they will lose their properties of being able to function as a barrier against air particles that could possibly be contagious.
Where Can You Find The Best Surgical Face Masks Online?
Looking for the best surgical masks made in the USA? Look no further than Primo Dental Products. We have every surgical mask for every different situation, not just for dental workers.
In our online PPE shop, you’ll find the best masks for dentists, surgeons, nurses, and mechanics alike - you name it.
Our prices are also so competitive that even those who do not work in medical facilities can and will benefit from our selection.
Even if you just want to protect yourself from COVID-19 and other illnesses, our masks are an incredible choice. We even have nitrile gloves powder free to help you stay safe and protect your patients, too! Shop now and protect yourself and those around you to the best of your ability.