How to Wear A Face Mask – All the Practical Tips You Need
Date : Jul 21, 2020
Author : DR A Zayed
Categories : Health Care
Soon there won’t be any reasons left not to wear a face mask when shopping. They have become a necessity regardless if you need to take some cash from the ATM or buy food from the grocery store. For those who’ve been avoiding them, it’s vital to learn how to wear a face mask properly. Here, we will answer all your facial covering dilemmas, including how to pick the right size, tricks to avoid fogging glasses, and more.
How to Wear Face Mask the Right Way?
Many people are wondering how to wear a face mask. But, this is one of the key factors you have to get right. Otherwise, you risk exposing yourself and other people around you to the COVID-19 pathogens.
First, wash your hands thoroughly before putting the mask on. Another thing to pay attention to is fit.
READ ALSO: Hand Hygiene Steps You Must Follow
For the mask to be able to protect you, the material has to wrap around your face in a perfect fit. Your nose, mouth, and chin have to be covered from top to bottom. The cloth shouldn’t reveal any gaps or openings that might expose the skin.
If the mask is not a snug fit, you can tie it up or readjust it until you get proper coverage. Tie the mask behind the head or the ears, whichever fits the material best.
Which Face Mask Is the Best Pick?
If you’ve been to the shops lately, you probably noticed there are different types of masks for sale. Experts suggest that the respirators and surgical masks are best reserved for medical personnel or people who are constantly working with COVID-19 patients.
Everyone else can use reusable cloth (non-medical) facial coverings. As a quick alternative, people can rely on bandanas and scarves to keep them safe. Cloth masks are a great choice since you can wash them and wear them again.
But, if you are interested in a single-use mask, you can get that too. If you are wondering how long do disposable face masks last, the answer is pretty straight forward. The moment the elastic becomes too loose or the fabric starts to tear, it’s time to throw it away. Don’t wait for gaps or tears to show. Replace the mask as soon as you notice there is something wrong with it.
How to Pick the Right Face Mask Size?
For those wondering how to determine face mask size, the steps listed below can help. Remember, the goal is to have a facial covering that will be a perfect fit for your facial structure. Here is how you can determine the proper measurements.
- Start measuring from the mouth at the centerline of the face. Position the measuring tape at a minimum of 2.5 cm (1 inch) towards the outer corner of the mouth. The exterior edge of the facial covering needs to be positioned from 2.5-3.8 cm (1-1.5 inches) on the outer corner of the mouth.
- Double the final results and match them with the sizing below. Pick the measurements that suit you best.
- Small mask – 10.2 cm (4 inches)
- Medium mask – 11.4 cm (4.5 inches)
- Large mask – 12.7 cm (5 inches)
Once you’ve matched the measurements to the mask size, you will have the perfect facial covering to use.
How to Wear a Face Mask Without Fogging Glasses?
A lot of people who wear glasses have trouble seeing with the mask on. That’s because the material traps the moisture and warmth, which is why people’s glasses start to fog. But, instead of having to pick between seeing or breathing, you can use a handy tactic to avoid this problem altogether. Here are a few methods that can help.
- Position the mask over the glasses. This will seal all the gaps and cover the bridge of the nose. The warmth and moisture can circulate and you won’t have to deal with the fogging glasses.
- Line the top of the facial covering with tissue paper. Before you put the mask on, line it with paper to stop the fog from forming completely.
- Tie the mask with a string. The goal is to create a snug fit. By tying it up, you will be pushing away all the air from your glasses, which will give you enough visibility.
Where to Buy Face Masks?
Many shop owners and employees are urging clients to cover their faces. That’s why owning at least one facial covering is critical.
Every pharmacy or high street chains like Lloyds, Boots, and Superdrug have many face masks in stock. They can also be purchased online from various websites like Amazon, Wish, AliExpress, etc.
Don’t Want to Buy? Why Don’t You Make Your Own?
If you are skilled at sewing, you can always make your own facial covering. It’s possible to use anything, from new materials to old t-shirts. But, if you want to create effective protection, you need to add more layers to the mask and create a tight fit.
READ ALSO: How To Make a DIY Medical Face Mask
Also, don’t forget to leave enough room for breathability. The perfect materials for a homemade face mask are natural silk, twill, or cotton.
When to Wash the Face Mask?
Just like any piece of clothing you wear, you have to wash the face mask. But, it has to be cleaned after each use. It does sound too much, but it is the most efficient way to protect yourself from invading pathogens. That’s why using a washable fabric covering can come in handy. Pick the warmest water setting or scrub it by hand for a 20-sec minimum.
Conclusion
A lot of people would like to go to the shop without a mask, buy whatever they need, and leave. But, that’s impossible now, and wearing these coverings has become essential. If you want to know the right way of wearing them, this guide can help.
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