How to wear a medical mask correctly

As reportedA new type of coronavirus can remain in the air for up to 30 minutes TASS, the new coronavirus can remain in the air for up to 30 minutes. Masks greatly reduce the risk of catching an infection and infecting others.

When exactly should you wear a medical mask

World Health Organization experts recommendWhen and how to use masks wear a mask in two cases:

• If you are healthy but have close contact with someone who has signs of a respiratory infection: cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat…
• If you yourself have these symptoms.

The Medical Division of the Hong Kong Government Portal rounds out this list. Experts insistFacemasksthat a person must be protected with a mask if:

• You were in close (up to 2 meters) contact with people who at that time had or soon appeared signs ARVI. In this case, you must wear a mask for at least 10 days after this contact.
• You visit or work in hospitals or clinics.
• You have to spend time in crowded and poorly ventilated places: subway, crowded office, supermarket, small classroom.
• Your job is related to food or passenger service in public transport.

Which of the options to choose - from WHO or from the Chinese, decide for yourself, depending on the current situation.

Why is it better to wear disposable masks

Disposable masks are used for several hours, and then they must be thrown away. You cannot take off and then put on again such a mask. Otherwise, you risk spreading the infection to your face and surrounding objects with your hands.

Reusable masks are made of thick washable fabric, which manufacturers recommend washing in hot water according to the instructions. These models look more profitable, because you don't need to stock up on a whole stack of accessories - just one is enough. But in practice, reusable masks are a bad option.

A 2015 study foundA cluster randomized trial of cloth masks compared with medical masks in healthcare workersthat healthcare workers who prefer reusable masks are more likely to suffer from ARVI than their colleagues who use disposable options. The reason is precisely the complexity of cleaning.

Let us separately mention such a fruit of progress as respirators. They are also disposable and reusable, and are generally more reliable (albeit expensive) protection than conventional medical masks. But Consumer Reports, an American consumer advocacy nonprofit, warnsDo You Need a Mask to Prevent Coronavirus?: respirator is difficult to put on so as to avoid leaks. For example, American healthcare workers are required to take an annual testSummary of Respirator Fit Test Requirementsto prove they know how to use the device correctly.

Therefore, we will focus on disposable medical masks that everyone can cope with.

What to do before putting on a medical mask

1. Wash your hands thoroughly

WHO remindsWhen and how to use masks: The mask will be effective only if you combine its use with thorough hand washing. This is how it should be act:

• wet your hands with warm water;
• apply soap to your palms;
• rub the brushes thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds;
• rinse your hands with water to remove any soap residue;
• dry with a paper towel;
• then close the tap with the same towel so as not to touch it with clean hands;
• throw the towel into the trash can.

If there is no water or soap nearby, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or thoroughly wipe your palms and fingers with alcohol wipes.

2. Check the mask for defects

After removing the mask from the package, make sureHow to Put on and Remove a Face Maskthat there are no holes or other damage on it.

3. Determine where is up and where is down

The upper part of the mask has a rigid, easily bendable edge. It is necessary for the mask to repeat the shape of your nose as closely as possible.

4. Determine which is the inside and which is the outside

As a rule, masks are made in two colors. The interior is pure white. And the outer one can be painted in any color - light gray, blue, greenish ...

How to properly wear a medical mask

1. With clean hands, bring the inside of the mask to your face

It should cover the chin with the lower edge, and the nostrils and the tip of the nose with the upper edge. The nostrils must be closed by all means!

2. Fasten the mask on your face

How exactly depends on the type of accessory.

• Mask with ear loops. Simply slide each loop over your ear.
• Mask with elastic loops. Put on the mask so that the lower loop is at the back of your head or neck, and the upper loop is at the crown.
• Mask with ties. Some masks come with strips of fabric on the top and bottom. Pull up the mask by the top ties and secure them with a bow just below the crown. Leave the lower ones free for now: they will need to be tied at the back of the head, but only after the next step.

3. Adjust the bow

Shape your nose with your thumb and forefinger.

4. Spread the mask on your face

It should completely cover the chin and the bottom of the nose. Use your fingers to press the mask firmly against your face and make sure there are no gaps between it and your skin.

For clarity, WHO presented a short video on how to put on a mask with ear loops correctly (other models are worn in the same way). Here it is:

How long can a disposable mask be worn

There are only two rulesFacemasks:

• Do not wear the same mask for more than a day.
• Replace it immediately if it is damaged or dirty (you actively touched it with unwashed hands, were in it in a close, crowded room).

Try not to touch the mask while it is on your face. If you have to do this, be sure to wash your hands before and after touching.

How to remove the mask correctly and what to do with it after

It is also important to release the face from the mask according to a certain algorithm.

• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Avoid touching the front of the mask: it is likely to have viruses or bacteria on it.
• When removing the mask, hold only to its loops or ties.
• Place the used mask in a plastic bag, tie it up and throw it into the trash can. Hospitals usually have special waste bins for disposing of biohazardous items such as used masks and gloves.
• Wash your hands again with warm water and soap or use a hand sanitizer.