HOW TO WEAR A FABRIC FACE MASK & PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST COVID-19
As wearing a face mask becomes an increasingly ‘normal’ part of everyday living, knowing exactly how to apply a mask, and what steps you should take to optimise their effectiveness is vital.
Following advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Scottish Government on how to wear a fabric face mask correctly, we’ve put together some top tips to help you control the spread of COVID-19 and stay safe over the coming months.
WHAT TYPE OF FACE MASK SHOULD YOU WEAR?
Before we dive into the specific details of how to wear a face mask, it’s important to understand the difference between fabric face masks and medical masks. While both will help to protect you from COVID-19, the WHO recommends different masks depending on your circumstances.
MEDICAL MASKS
Medical masks should be worn by health workers, COVID-19 caregivers, individuals above the age of 60, anyone with pre-existing medical conditions, and people showing symptoms of the virus.
Medical masks are in short demand across many areas of the world and should be reserved for those with the greatest risk of contracting COVID-19.
FABRIC MASKS
Often referred to as non-medical masks, fabric face masks provide a comfortable solution to protect you and others against the transmission of coronavirus through water droplets in the air.
The WHO recommends the use of fabric masks by the general public in areas with high infection rates. Fabric masks should also be used when physical distancing of more than one metre is not possible.
4 STEPS ON HOW TO WEAR A FACE MASK
-
Clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or wash thoroughly with soap and water for 40-60 seconds (roughly the length of the song Happy Birthday.)
-
Pick up your clean fabric mask and inspect it for any signs of damage or dirt. If you suspect your mask is contaminated, do not wear it.
-
Place the mask on your face to cover your nose, mouth, and chin. Ensure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
-
While you are wearing your face mask, avoid touching the mask with your hands to reduce the chance of contaminating people around you. If you do touch your mask, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
HOW TO REMOVE A FACE MASK
While lots of people are careful when applying their fabric face mask, it’s equally important to take precautions when removing it.
Remember to wash your hands with hand sanitizers or soap and water before handling your mask. Next, remove the mask without touching the front.
Once you’ve successfully removed your face covering, carefully fold the outward-facing surface against itself. We recommend storing your fabric mask in a clean paper bag and remembering to wash your hands afterwards.
HOW TO WEAR A FACE MASK WITH GLASSES
It’s important to know how to wear a face mask without fogging your glasses for maximum comfort and avoid the temptation to readjust your mask in public spaces.
The best way to prevent your glasses from fogging is by making sure your mask has a tight fit around your nose to avoid warm air escaping through the top of your mask and reaching your glasses. It can also be helpful to push your glasses towards the tip of your nose to allow air to circulate freely between your face and the inside of your lenses.
Another useful tip is to put a tissue on the inside of the mask to absorb excess escaping moisture. If you’re still having difficulty with fogging, try washing your glasses with soapy water and let them air dry. The soap will leave behind a film that prevents your glasses from fogging, although it’s best to avoid soaps that are made with lotion.
STAY SAFE WITH KALOPSIA COLLECTIVE
Protect yourself with our exclusive range of designer fabric barrier masks to keep your community safe and comfortable in the coming months.
Browse our collection today to learn more.
