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The appropriate use, storage and cleaning or disposal of masks are essential to make them as effective as possible. Here are the basics of how to wear a mask : Clean your hands before you put your mask on, as well as before and after you take it off, and after you touch it at any time.
- Overview
- What is a surgical face mask?
- When should you wear a face mask?
- How to put on a surgical mask
- What not to do when wearing a surgical mask
- How to remove and discard a surgical mask
- What is an N95 respirator?
- What works best to limit infection?
- The bottom line
Wearing a face mask often helps people feel protected and reassured. But can a surgical face mask keep you from being exposed to or transmitting certain infectious diseases?
And, if face masks do shield you from infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, is there a proper way to put them on, take them off, and discard them? Keep reading to find out.
A surgical mask is a loose-fitting, disposable mask that’s rectangular in shape. The mask has elastic bands or ties that can be looped behind your ears or tied behind your head to hold it in place. A metal strip may be present at the top of the mask and can be pinched to fit the mask around your nose.
A properly worn three-ply surgical mask may help block transmission of large-particle microorganisms from droplets, sprays, splatters, and splashes. The mask may also reduce the likelihood of hand-to-face contact.
The surgical mask’s three-ply layers work as follows:
•The outer layer repels water, blood, and other body fluids.
•The middle layer filters certain pathogens.
•The inner layer absorbs moisture and sweat from exhaled air.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using surgical masks only if you:
•have a fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms
•are well but caring for someone with a respiratory illness — in this case, wear a mask when you’re within 6 feet or closer to the person who is ill
Although a surgical mask helps trap larger respiratory droplets, it can’t protect you from contracting the novel coronavirus, which is known as SARS-CoV-2. That’s because surgical masks:
•don’t filter out smaller airborne particles
•don’t fit snugly on your face, so airborne particles can leak in through the sides of the mask
Steps to putting on a face mask
1.Before putting on the mask, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or rub your hands together thoroughly with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 2.Check for defects in the face mask, such as tears or broken loops. 3.Position the colored side of the mask outward. 4.If present, make sure the metallic strip is at the top of the mask and positioned against the bridge of your nose. 5.If the mask has: •Ear loops: Hold the mask by both ear loops and place one loop over each ear. •Ties: Hold the mask by the upper strings. Tie the upper strings in a secure bow near the crown of your head. Tie the bottom strings securely in a bow near the nape of your neck. •Dual elastic bands: Pull the top band over your head and position it against the crown of your head. Pull the bottom band over your head and position it against the nape of your neck. 6.Mold the bendable metallic upper strip to the shape of your nose by pinching and pressing down on it with your fingers. 7.Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin. 8.Be sure the mask fits snugly. 9.Don’t touch the mask once in position. 10.If the mask gets soiled or damp, replace it with a new one. Was this helpful?
Do not:
•touch the mask once it’s secured on your face, as it might have pathogens on it •dangle the mask from one ear •hang the mask around your neck •crisscross the ties •reuse single-use masks If you have to touch the face mask while you’re wearing it, wash your hands first. Be sure to also wash your hands afterward, or use hand sanitizer. Was this helpful?
Steps to taking off a face mask
1.Before you take off the mask, wash your hands well or use hand sanitizer. 2.Avoid touching the mask itself, as it could be contaminated. Hold it by the loops, ties, or bands only. 3.Carefully remove the mask from your face once you: •unhook both ear loops, or •untie the bottom bow first, followed by the top one, or •remove the bottom band first by lifting it over your head, then do the same with the top band 4.Holding the mask loops, ties, or bands, discard the mask by placing it in a covered trash bin. 5.After removing the mask, wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer. Was this helpful?
N95 respirators are form-fitted to the size and shape of your face. Because they fit your face more snugly, there’s less opportunity for airborne particles to leak in around the sides of the mask.
N95s can also filtrate small airborne particles more effectively.
The key to an effective N95 is to ensure that it fits your face correctly. Healthcare practitioners who provide direct patient care are fit-tested annually by a qualified professional to be sure their N95 fits them snugly.
A properly fitted N95 respirator usually filtrates pathogens in the air much better than a surgical mask. Respirators that have been carefully tested and certified to carry the N95 designation can block up to 95 percent of tiny (0.3 micron) test particles. But they also have their limitations.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t recommend that the general public use N95 respirators to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19. If worn without a snug fit, they can’t filter out small airborne particles that cause illnesses.
According to the FDA, the best way to prevent an infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. It recommends practicing social distancing and frequent handwashing.
If you have a respiratory illness, the best way to minimize transmission is to avoid other people. The same applies if you want to avoid contracting a virus.
To reduce your risk of transmitting the virus, or coming into contact with it, the WHO recommends the following:
•Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
•Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if you don’t have access to soap and water.
•Avoid touching your face, mouth, and eyes.
•Keep a safe distance from others. The CDC recommends at least 6 feet.
Surgical masks may protect against larger airborne particles, while N95 respirators provide better protection against smaller particles.
Putting on and taking off these face masks correctly may help protect you and the health of those around you from transmitting or contracting pathogens.
Although face masks may help reduce the spread of some disease-causing organisms, evidence suggests that using face masks may not always protect you or others from exposure to certain pathogens.
Read this article in Spanish.
Oct 5, 2020 · A panel of doctors and infectious disease specialists walk us through the proper way to wear a medical mask, and answer top questions like which side of a medical mask is supposed to be worn on ...
- zee.krstic@hearst.com
- 5 min
- Content Strategy Manager, Hearst Magazines
How to Properly Wear a Face Mask: Infographic. Wearing a face mask in public helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 — but only if worn properly, covering both your nose and mouth. Read our mask-wearing tips to get the maximum protection for yourself and others.
Jan 11, 2024 · A simple “knot and tuck” technique can be used to improve the fit of rectangular surgical or procedural masks. N95s and Other Respirators. N95 respirators offer a higher level of filtration than cloth, surgical or procedural masks. However, they are not necessary to protect people from viruses under normal circumstances.
Nov 8, 2022 · Putting it on is just one step. A face mask must be worn, washed and stored properly for it to be the most effective against COVID-19. Infectious Disease Specialist Mary Beth Graham, MD, explains how. Last updated: Nov. 8, 2022. 5 minute read. Note: This article was written during the pandemic.
Mar 1, 2024 · Individuals can. When choosing to wear a mask, choose the most protective type you can. Determine how well it fits. Gaps can let air leak in and out. Check for gaps by cupping your hands around the outside edges of the mask.
