Wearing masks can protect you and those around you, but they can come with frustrations. Here are some tips on making them work better for you.
Wearing masks can protect you and those around you, but they can come with frustrations. Here are some tips on making them work better for you.
Tips for Making Your Mask Work
ByTara Parker-PopeJune 25, 2020
Tips for Making Your Mask Work
Tips for Making Your Mask Work
Wearing a mask protects you and others from Covid-19. Here are some tips to get the most out of your mask →
Tips for Making Your Mask Work
Exercise care when donning your mask
Always wash your hands first.
Don’t touch the fabric part of the mask. Use the ear loops or ties to secure your mask and to remove it.
If your mask has pleats, the folded side should be down.
Tips for Making Your Mask Work
Choose the right mask for you
Pick a mask with at least two layers.
Hold your mask up to the light to see how much light gets through. The less light, the better.
Skip masks with respirator valves. It won’t protect others and it may not protect you.
Shop around to find a comfortable, breathable mask. The best mask is the one that you will wear.
Tips for Making Your Mask Work
Fit your mask properly
The mask should cover your face from the bridge of your nose to under your chin. It should stretch about halfway or more toward your ears with no gaps.
Pull the ties and loops so that it fits as snugly as possible against your face.
Tips for Making Your Mask Work
Keep your glasses clear
Try to seal the top of your mask. Some masks have built-in, bendable metal strips that you can mold to the bridge of your nose. Medical tape can also help.
Try an anti-fog treatment for lenses. A wash with soapy water has also been shown to help.
Pull your mask up under your glasses, so the weight of the frames holds it down.
Learn more tips for preventing foggy glasses
Tips for Making Your Mask Work
Prevent skin irritation
My colleague Courtney Rubin suggests:
Consider the type of mask you wear. Cotton masks may be a bit more breathable.
Stop using makeup under the mask. No one sees your skin under there anyway.
Learn more about treating mask acne
Tips for Making Your Mask Work
Care for your mask
Medical masks were designed for one-time use, but if you let them air dry for 24 hours you can re-use them.
Wash fabric masks with soap and water. Keep a few fabric masks handy and rotate them so you only have to wash them once a week. Detergents and bleach may degrade your mask.
If the elastic stretches, the fabric starts wearing thin or the mask stops fitting properly, it’s time for a new mask.
Everything you need to know about mask use
For more news, resources and tips visit ourCoronavirus Outbreak page.