Masks are a care provider item used to act as a facial barrier in preventing possible transmission of diseases and infections between the care provider or healthcare professionals and the patient. Some types can also help protect the person wearing it from potential harm caused by particulates present in the air.
This item comes in a few different styles, including reusable and disposable masks, earloop and tie-on masks, pleated, and N95 molded masks. Each style has its own specific purpose and level of comfortability.
Why Wearing a Mask is Important
In these times, it is imperative to be wearing a mask to not only protect yourself but the people around you. By wearing a mask and asking others to do the same, the chances of a virus, like COVID-19, transferring from one person to another are drastically decreased to almost nothing. Apart from wearing the mask, wearing it properly will also matter in your protection from germs and bacteria.
How to Wear a Face Mask Properly
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wear your face properly every time:
Wash hands with water and soap before touching the mask
Remove mask from box or container. Inspect for any holes or tears.
Determine which side of the mask is the front and which is the back.
If the mask has ear loops, hold by the loops and each around the respective ear.
If the mask has ties, bring the mask to the nose and then place the ties over the head and secure.
If the mask has bands, hold the mask to the nose and pull the top strap over the crown of the head and then pull the bottom strap over the head until it is on the nape of the neck.
Pull the mask down over the mouth and chin.
You are now wearing the mask properly!
DOs and DON’Ts
Apart from wearing the mask properly, here are some things to remember when wearing a mask:
DOs
Do wear the mask when out in public or when planning to visit someone.
Do make sure your mask is fitted well onto the face and securely covers both the nose and mouth.
Do ensure that the mask you are wearing is made of multiple layers of tightly-woven fabric and that you can breathe through it
Do learn the proper way on how to put on a mask
Do practice physical distancing when necessary, avoid contact with others, and stay at least 6 feet away from others when in public
Do consider wearing a mask when you have an older adult or someone who is immunocompromised in your house
Do wash cloth masks after every use.
DON’Ts
Don’t use medical-grade masks if not necessary. These should be reserved for healthcare workers and medical responders as per the CDC.
Don’t push the mask down to your chin when eating. Remove it entirely and then wash hands before wearing the mask again.
Don’t put on a mask on a child under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing.
Don’t wear a mask that hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned or has any damage on it.
Don’t go out when you are feeling sick, feverish, or are sneezing or coughing.
Masks are important now than ever for protecting us against infection, and finding the right one for you will make the process of remembering to wear it a whole lot easier. At the end it all, these are only a part of the protective measures we can take to limit any viruses or germs from spreading.
