Wearing a mask has become a part of what people are calling the “new normal.” Masks aren’t just a means of protection against the novel corona virus, but a symbol of stepping up in hard times to support your coworkers, neighbors, friends and especially those who are most vulnerable. Although many of us are wearing our masks, we may not be wearing them properly. Sometimes our execution is a little off.
Make sure you are wearing your mask properly to not only ensure everyone’s safety, but to prevent you from sticking out like a sore thumb.
DOs:
Buy a Mask that Fits!
Carefully measure your face! When buying online, read the measurements of the mask thoroughly. It’s also good to have your measurements handy for in-store shopping since trying on a mask is a sanitary issue.
How to Measure your face for a mask?
- For Height: You want to use flexible measuring tape or even a piece of string & a rule to measure the length between the bridge of your nose to directly under your chin.
- For Width: Use the same materials to measure the length from your right cheek bone, going along the bridge of your nose, to your left cheek bone.
Our masks are made with two-ply 100% polyester material. It fits and secures to your face based on your mask size. You can check this first DO off the checklist!
If you measure for approximately 7″ x 4.75″ in you fit into a large
If you are measure for approximately 6.375” x 4.25″ you fit into a small size
Wear Your Mask Anytime You Go Out in Public
Now that you have a mask that fits, remember that you bought it so that you would actually wear it! Always bring your mask with you, and wear your mask especially indoors.
In indoor spaces (places that are enclosed by walls or windows), wear your mask
In outdoor spaces (places that are fully open to the outside), wear your mask
Whether you are going to your local supermarket this evening, or you are going to your local park, you never know who you may encounter and what may be in the air, so it is always a good idea to wear a mask everywhere you go. The equation is quite simple: Going anywhere outside of the security of your own home = wear your mask!
Put On Your Mask the Right Way
How to put on your mask properly:
- Grab the straps of your mask
- Pull & latch each strap to the back of each of your ears, one at a time
- Adjust with the edges of the mask so it is secured under your chin and sits directly on the bridge of your nose*
*If you have to adjust your mask after putting it on, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly
Wash or Dispose of Your Mask After Each Use
It is super important that after every use of your mask, that you either dispose of it, or (if you know that it can be used again) that you wash it properly.
Tips for Washing your Mask:
- Make sure that you mask is actually washable (if you are unsure either contact wherever you bought it or just dispose of it and get a new one)
- “Warm water and any detergent at home should work great” – Dr Gabriela Andujar Vazquez in her interview with Medical Xpress
- Don’t forget to wash the filter in your mask as well to prevent build-up of trapped air particles
Make sure to get a face mask that you know you can wash so that you don’t have to continue buying new ones. For example, our masks are 100% washable as you can either throw it in with your laundry or just use soap and warm water.
DON’TS
DO NOT continuously adjust or move your mask
Once your mask is on, try to avoid the urge to adjust or move it unless it is falling off of your face. Make sure that you have a mask that you don’t need to adjust or move in the first place.
DO NOT pull your mask off of your mouth to talk to people
The point of the mask is to protect you from other people and to protect other people from you. When you pull off your mask it completely defeats the exact purpose of why we wear it. Don’t worry, the other person knows how happy you are to see them and you don’t need to pull off your mask to show them your glowing smile.
DO NOT do any of the following:
- Wear your mask under your chin
- Wear your mask under your nose
- Wear your mask above your chin
DO NOT think you are invincible with your mask
A mask is just one precaution of many that you must take.
Never forget to also:
- Stay 6 feet apart from people
- Be careful of what you are touching with your hands
- Wash your hands frequently & have hand sanitizer at your ready
DO NOT put a mask on babies or children under 2 years old
DO NOT share your mask with others
Your mask is yours and yours only. It is one thing that you don’t have to share with others and that no one else probably wants to share with you!
Resources:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-reusable-mask.html
https://www.facebook.com/The-Man-Cave-1852177261746451/
https://www.umass.edu/newsoffice/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/mask.png?itok=Vpqs699E
