The correct way to put on and take off a face mask
How to put on and wear a face mask for prevention of spread of COVID
In this video I will demonstrate how to put on and wear a disposable facemask for prevention and spread of COVID or other infectious organisms. These masks can also be useful a DIY where dust is a problem. Trust me on this one, I used to wear these for a living.
The first thing to understand is the object of wearing a mask is to filter infectious particles from the air that you breathe in and from your exhaled air. So it is imperative that you breathe through the mask and not around it. Adapting the mask to fit closely to your face is therefore imperative. The second point is that after a while the mask may become contaminated so it is advisable to change it periodically for a fresh one. It is important to dispose of used masks safely as they are a potential source of contamination. So do not leave them laying around.
Right let’s get on with it .
How to put on and wear a face mask for prevention of spread of COVID
- Identify the outside and inside of the mask. Shinny side (darker) out porous (lighter) side in.
- Identify top and bottom, top has soft metal strip usually seen from the outside.
- Right half the task is done
- The job of the metal strip is to shape the mask around the bridge of your nose to reduce leakage around the mask. So to start bend it double in the centre and towards the inside at about the same angle as your nose. Next estimate the size of your nose and bend the ends of the metal strip outwards again at about the same angle that your cheek makes with your nose. Finally place the centre bend high up over the bridge of your nose and shape the metal to your nose and cheeks.
- Place the ear elastics around each ear.
- Pull the lower edge of the mask under the nose, the pleats in the mask allow material to do this.
- If the mask has tie-backs, tie one pair above the ear with a bow at the back of the skull and the other pair below the ears around the base of the skull.
- Check for gaps where air could escape around the mask and adjust the mask to try and close these.
- If you wear glasses and you find them fogging up it means air is escaping so further adapt metal strip around nose and push mask up to seal around your glasses or even slightly under the glasses.
- Finally some ways not to wear a mask
- Nose out
- Under chin
- Hanging off one ear
Removing the mask is the reverse of putting it on. Simply unhook the elastic loops and remove it. If possible try not to touch the front of the mask because it may be contaminated Drop the used mask directly in the waste receptacle. Wash or sanitise hands immediately, do not touch your face and do not put the mask on any surfaces or leave it where it can contaminate others. If you cannot dispose of it immediately seal it in a plastic bag an put it in your pocket. Remember to dispose of it safely as soon as you can. If you are putting on a fresh mask it is good practice to wash or sanitise hands before handling the new mask.
This video is not intended to be a directive of when or where to wear a mask or which type of mask to wear or even if you should be wearing a face mask at all. That information should be obtained from your local health authority and I strongly recommend you follow their advice.
Here is a link to the video demonstration of how to wear a face mask for the prevention and spread of COVID and other pathogens:
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