Covid-19How to Put on and Remove a Face Mask – Top 5 Tips

Wearing a surgical mask or an antipollution mask has become mandatory nowadays. With the outbreak of coronavirus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended everyone to wear a mask that acts as a shield against infectious diseases like COVID 19. With that said, most people have been on the search for disposable face masks that shield against the disease.

Basics of a removable face mask

A disposable mask is designed with three protection layers that prevent the transmission of large and small particulate matters. The outer layer blocks water and body fluids. The middle layer filters out the pathogens. While the inner layer absorbs the moisture and sweat.

However, despite wearing the best face mask like N95 respirators, people are getting exposed to the deadly virus. Do you know why?

The reason is quite transparent. Either the mask made a poor fit on their faces or they have used a wrong mask to protect themselves. So, it is important to note that the three-layered mask works well only if you wear it properly.

That’s the reason why it is always advised to select the right-sized mask with the right protection layers and give it a trial. So, let’s talk about a few tips regarding how to put on and remove a face mask with complete protection. Let’s have a look.

5 Tips on how to put on a face mask safely

1. Before wearing the mask, wash your hands for 20 seconds with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water. According to the WHO, sanitizers that contain 60% alcohol are effective in fighting with infectious germs. This can be alternatively used for soap and water.
2. Make sure the mask is not worn out. Masks that have tears or broken loops can expose you to the harmful particulates. A single hole in the mask can pull down the effectiveness and expose you to the harmful microorganisms.
3. Make sure the mask you wear makes a perfect fit. A loosely fit mask creates a leakage through which it becomes easier for the airborne particles to travel. Therefore, it is always important to use masks that fit snugly.
4. Adjust the upper strip to the shape of your nose using your fingers. Respirators or surgical masks are purposely designed to secure protection. Therefore, make sure you put on the mask in such a way that the metallic strip is at the top of the mask and placed against the bridge of your nose.
5. Make sure you put on the mask over your mouth and chin. Harmful particulate matters find their way to the lungs through the nose or mouth. Hence it is necessary to cover your nose and mouth properly.

Precautions

Since now you have worn the mask securely, it is necessary to take certain precautions to ensure that the pathogens do not travel from your hand to face by any chance. Just note them down.

• Do not touch the mask while it is on your face.
• Do not tie the mask loosely or hang it from one ear.
• Do not wear the mask on your neck.
• Do not use a non-disposable or non-washable mask.
• Do not crisscross the ties if you are using a mask that has ties.

However, if you still need to touch the face for any reason, you must wash your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water to ensure 100% safety.

5 Tips on how to remove a face mask safely

1. Before you remove the mask from your face, wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Remove the mask holding the loops, ties, or bands around the ears. Make sure you don’t touch the mask itself, as it might be contaminated.
3. If the mask has ear loops, unhook the ear loops first.
   If the mask has ties, untie the bottom bow first, followed by the top one.
   If the mask has dual elastic bands, remove the bottom band over the head, followed by the top band.
4. Avoid holding the mask itself. Hold the loops or bands and discard it by placing it in a trash or soak it in soap water for a wash.
5. Finally, wash your hands again using hand sanitizer or soap and water and make yourself germ-free.

Conclusion

Disposable masks are now easily found in the market. But the main concern should be to find the best face mask that fits your face correctly. Try out the N95 respirators. They are designed to filter out the small harmful particles and protect the wearers from respiratory diseases.

N95 respirators are tested and certified from the National Institute For Occupational Safety And Health (NIOSH). As per their certification, they come with a protection factor 5 which implies that 95% of the fine particulates can be blocked using this mask.

No matter where you go, wear the right face mask and protect yourself from the novel coronavirus.

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