Face masks have no doubt become an essential accessory in the effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
Wearing one protects those around you and protects the wearer as well.
But it’s integral to wear and handle face masks correctly to protect yourself and others. Face masks are designed to provide a barrier between your airways and the outside world.
We have listed some important tips on how to wear a black face
mask properly:
- Choose the Right Mask
Wear a black face mask which is either made of cotton or similar material that is made of two or more layers.
Surgical masks, also called medical masks, are also a good option.
Both types of mask will provide a physical barrier that will help in reducing the spread of the virus via droplets from your mouth and nose but allow breathing through the fabric.
Cloth masks can be purchased or made at home. Medical masks are commonly seen with doctors, nurses, dentists, and symptomatic patients to prevent the spread of the disease via droplets.
The N 95 respirator mask is most protective and prevents
inhalation of tiny airborne particles, but it should be reserved for healthcare
workers because they have close contact while treating patients.
- Ensure
its Comfortable and Breathable
While choosing the black mask it is extremely important to pick one that you can wear for an extended time without getting uncomfortable.
By definition, wearing a mask will to some extent impact the flow of air, so make sure you can breathe and talk without any kind of difficulty.
Surgical masks have several layers to block droplet transmission but are designed to remain readable, as well as design cotton masks.
They are Both good choices. Stay away from material that will irritate your skin. Make sure that the mask is a good fit.
Straps that are too tight will bother you, given that you will
constantly have to adjust them.
- Don’t
Touch Your Mask After It’s On
Ensuring your mask fits properly means you won’t have to adjust later – you could contaminate your mask if you fiddle with it when your hands are not clean, and you could contaminate your hands as well.
Resist the temptation to touch your face or mask if your skin feels easy. Most of the time, that it will go away even if you don’t scratch. If you inadvertently touch your face mask, immediately clean your hands with the sanitiser or so.
Having a small bottle of hand sanitiser in your pocket of small
help, in case you absolutely have to touch your face.
- Wash
Your Cloth Face Mask
Ideally as a healthy habit you should wash your face mask frequently, every day because you wear it.
Masks should be washed and dried at high-temperature.
Boiling them separately only for 10 minutes with some detergent can be a very useful option. Using bleach to decontaminate them can also be a good idea.
Before washing them, masks should be stored inside a zip close plastic bag and not mixed together with your other laundry or with your clean mask.
It is advisable to have at least five masks so that you can wash them properly between uses.
Also make sure that you do not share your masks with other household members.
Medical masks are disposable and designed to be discarded after
use.
- Wear
a Mask At Your Home
Lastly for people who are not showing symptoms, there generally is no reason to wear a mask in the home.
However, if a household member has either confirmed COVID-19 infection or has classic symptoms of the disease. The effective person should self isolate within the room as much as possible, using a separate room or bathroom, if available.
When interacting with other members of the house, such as providing care or bringing food, masks should be worn by both the affected and non-effected household members.
Remember, if you have typical symptoms of the infection, you must quarantine at home, and you must not go out in public at all.