We all know that wearing a mask will help prevent the spread of virus. But did you know there is a correct way to wear them? We have some tips for you on how to make sure they are as comfortable as they are safe.
To begin, it’s important your mask fits snugly on your face to prevent germs from entering and leaving as you breathe in and out. To help make sure you are wearing your mask properly, we’ve put together some tips we use in the hospital to help you make sure you get the full benefits of wearing a mask.
1. Never criss-cross your ear loops
When you criss-cross your ear loops you may feel like the mask fits you better, but when you do this the sides of the mask where the ear loops are joined are pulled together and it results in a gap along your cheeks that germs can enter. Remember, air will go in and out through the path of least resistance. If your mask is too big, follow the next tip
2. How to adjust your mask to fit better
If your mask is too big, you can shorten the ear loops to make it fit closer. Do this by tying a knot in each ear loop. Make sure the knot sits behind your ear and doesn’t pull the top and bottom of the sides together, as this will open up a space for air to flow in and out.
3. How your mask should be worn
To get the most protection from your mask, it should be worn from the bridge of your nose to under your chin. The sides should sit flat against your cheeks with no gaps that will allow air to enter.
4. To alleviate pressure on the ears
Attach a paper clip or other type of clip to the ends of each loop. Then pull the loops to the back of your head and fasten together with the clips so the loops never wrap around your ears. Just make sure the straps are securing the mask to your face in the proper position. For example, if you use a device to fasten your straps together that sits on the nape of your neck, it will pull your mask downwards and away from your nose where you need the protection.
Another trick: Sew two large buttons onto the side of a cloth headband. Put on the cloth headband first. Then attach your mask loops around the buttons rather than around your ears. Just make sure the buttons are in line with your ears.
5. To prevent your glasses from fogging up
Mold the fabric up around your nose and then put your glasses over the mask.
Take some dish soap and rub it onto both sides of each lens. Then rinse off. This will leave a transparent layer that will reduce temperature changes to your lenses that cause clouding.
6. To determine if your DIY mask is effective
Hold the mask up to a light. If you can see spaces where the light shines through the fibers, it will allow particles to pass through, so it won’t be effective.
7. If you can’t attach the mask loops behind your ears because you wear a hijab, try one of these three mask modifications
- Put the mask on over the hijab and attach the loops together in the back with a safety pin or paper clip.
- Loop an additional string through the loops and tie together in the back.
- Sew two large buttons onto the side of a cloth headband. Put on the cloth headband first. Then attach your mask loops around the buttons rather than around your ears.
8. If you don’t have a child’s mask for your child
Follow tip #2 to shorten the straps to make the mask. It is okay if the mask covers more of their face, as long as it is sitting snug and not interfering with their vision.
9. If your cloth mask does not include a metal nose piece
One thing you can do is to make your own nose piece by joining several wire twist ties. Then cut a small slit on top of the band of your cloth mask and insert the ties through the small hole. When you put on your mask, adjust the wire ties so they bend to the contours of your nose.
Don’t do these things while wearing a mask
- Don’t touch the outside of the mask because this can cause your hands to get contaminated, or you may carry germs to your mask by your hands
- Don’t wear your mask under your chin for two reasons. First, you may cause germs from the outside of your mask to get onto your skin. And second, if your mask has germs on it, you will be breathing air that is close to your mask
- Don’t move your mask away from your mouth to talk because this will cause you to breathe in and out unprotected
- Don’t move your mask to drink or eat unless you have removed your mask properly and put it somewhere safe
source: nebraskamed
