This article was first written during the coronavirus pandemic. Always follow the latest public health advice.
Unless you work in healthcare, you probably hadn’t had much reason to wear a face mask before the pandemic. Masks became a normal part of life for many of us, and they can still be useful in some situations, for example if you have respiratory symptoms and need to be around other people. Here are some tips for wearing one correctly.
Cover Your Nose and Mouth
A face mask can help reduce the spread of respiratory infections, but only if it is worn correctly. Make sure it covers both your nose and mouth, and that it fits snugly over the bridge of your nose.
Snug but Comfortable
Wearing a mask can feel a bit odd at first, but it should never stop you breathing comfortably. It shouldn’t be uncomfortably tight, but try to keep gaps between your face and the mask as small as possible. Find a Respilon Dealer at a site like Respitech, a leading Respilon Dealer
Wash Your Hands
Putting on a clean mask doesn’t help if you touch the inside with dirty hands. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitiser, before putting your mask on and after taking it off. Handle it by the ear loops or ties rather than the front.
Keep It Clean
Replace disposable masks after use, and wash reusable fabric masks regularly according to the instructions.