The primary purpose of a face mask is to serve as a barrier between you and contaminants in the air, including dirt, pollution, and viruses. During this pandemic, wearing a face mask is perhaps the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19, right next to washing your hands and practicing physical distancing.
At this point in time, we are now starting to see the beginning of the end of the pandemic. However, wearing a face mask is still a necessary precaution against the deadly virus. And for those who work in the medical field, masks are not going anywhere - ever. These keep you and your patients safe in your daily interactions.
However, we see an alarming number of people unsure of how to properly wear a face mask. With that in mind, today we are offering a refresher course on how to wear a face mask properly. First things first - let’s talk about why this is so important.
Why Is Learning How To Wear A Face Mask Correctly So Important?
When you know how to properly wear a face mask, you are increasing your level of protection against COVID-19, as well as other viruses like the flu. Improper usage of face masks, such as wearing them below your nose, will give you little to no protection and defeat the purpose of wearing a face mask entirely.
Moreover, you don’t just need to learn how to wear a face mask properly for yourself. Wearing a face mask also protects others in the community, including your friends and family that you come in close contact with.
So, without further ado, let’s talk about how to wear a disposable face mask and how to wear reusable face masks properly.
How To Properly Wear A Face Mask
By now, you should know how to properly wear a face mask. But with vaccinations going up and cases going down, you might feel a little complacent, which can put you and others in danger. That said, here are some important reminders on how to wear a face mask properly.
Wash Your Hands Before Putting The Mask On
Always remember to wash your hands before putting on or taking off your face mask. If there is no sink nearby, use hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to kill the viruses that might be present on your hands.
Don’t Touch Anything But The Bands/Ties
A lot of people make the mistake of touching the front of their face mask, which can transfer viruses onto your hands. Doing so can potentially increase the risk of virus transmission, especially if you have been to a place where the rate of transmission is high (e.g. public transport). So, when taking off or putting on your face mask, handle it only by the bands or ties.
Make Sure The Mask Fits - Adjust As Needed
A poorly-fitted mask can allow viruses and other contaminants to enter your body through your nose and mouth. It will also present the possibility that you could spread viruses or germs to others you encounter. Your mask should fit snugly on your face with no gaps on the sides, top, and bottom.
If your mask does not fit well, try this method: twist the loop before you put the mask on so that it fits more securely against your face. This is one of the most important tips on how to wear a disposable face mask, particularly a surgical mask that often leaves gaps on the sides.
A high-filtration mask such as an N95 fits better than a standard surgical mask. If you want to wear this type of mask, here’s a helpful guide on how to wear an N95 duckbill mask.
Cover Both Nose & Mouth
Always make sure to wear your mask properly, and that means covering both your nose and mouth. Some people tug their masks below the nose so that they can breathe more easily, but this can allow virus particles to enter your respiratory system. Refrain from doing so to maximize your protection against COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses.
Remove The Mask Properly
When removing your face mask, handle it by the loops or bands. If it is a disposable face mask, either store your mask in a paper bag for later reuse or throw it directly into the trash. If it is a reusable cloth mask, put it straight into the laundry basket or disinfection container for sterilization.
How To Wear A Face Mask With Glasses
Wearing a face mask with glasses can be uncomfortable, especially if you have to wear both for long periods of time. To reduce discomfort, consider getting a mask holder or ‘ear saver’ that secures the loops on the back of your head to reduce pressure on the ears.
Also, put your glasses on top of your mask to prevent your breath from fogging up your lenses. It also helps to wear a mask that fits snugly against your face.
How To Wear Double Face Masks
Double-masking can give you additional protection against COVID-19, especially if you are in a location where the risk of transmission is high (e.g. crowded public transport, public events, etc.) or if you are interacting with a COVID-positive individual.
To double-mask, use a surgical mask underneath a reusable cloth mask or wear two surgical masks together. When you are using an N95 or KN95, double-masking is unnecessary and is, in fact, not recommended as it makes it difficult to breathe.
How to Wear Reusable Face Masks
The procedure for taking off and putting on reusable face masks is the same as with disposable face masks. The only difference is that when removing your reusable face mask, you must put it into a laundry bag, paper bag, or another appropriate container so that it doesn’t make contact with other surfaces or your hands.
Additional Tips For Staying Safe With Face Masks
Aside from knowing how to properly wear face masks, here are some other important tips on staying safe with face masks:
Wear the Right Type of Face Mask
When you are going to an outdoor area that is uncrowded and well-ventilated, any face mask will do. But when you are going to an indoor area where the risk of catching the virus is higher, wearing a high-filtration or double-masking is recommended. Refer to this list of the best types of face masks to wear indoors to see what kind of face mask you need.
Sterilize Face Masks If You’re Going To Reuse Them
You can reuse disposable face masks as long as they are not too dirty, damaged, or ill-fitting. After each wear, keep your face mask in a paper bag or envelope and let it sit for at least 7 days. The coronavirus can only survive for 72 hours, so 7 days should be enough time for it to become inactive if it is present on your face mask.
For reusable face masks, simply toss them in the washing machine or wash them with soap and water.
Dispose Of The Mask Properly When The Time Comes
When it’s time to toss your face mask, put it in a plastic bag and throw it directly into the trash (or infectious waste bin, if necessary). Remember to wash your hands after handling a dirty mask.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to recycle disposable face masks, but it is possible. To recycle your face masks, send them to a company that specializes in turning face masks into something useful. TerraCycle is one such company that can recycle this type of waste; all you need is to get a Zero Waste Box, send them your discarded PPE, and they will turn it into useful objects.
Wear Quality Face Masks Only
Not all face masks are made equal. Some offer better protection than others, while others offer little to none (as in the case of poor-quality and counterfeit face masks). To ensure that you get proper protection against COVID-19, get high-quality surgical masks made in the USA that pass all the regulatory safety standards.
Final Thoughts On How To Wear A Face Mask Properly
Knowing how to wear a face mask properly helps you build the best kind of protection against COVID-19. We are still a ways away from eradicating the virus, but by continuing to uphold health safety standards, we will make it out of this pandemic eventually.
If it’s high-quality and effective face masks you want, look no further than the leading PPE Online Store. From surgical masks to high-filtration masks like N95s, Primo Dental Products has everything you need to protect yourself and your family in these difficult times. And if you’re profession or business is one where masking has long been the norm, we are here to help you stay stocked up with the best products at the best prices - bar none.