You may have washed your hands. To prevent the growth of bacteria and help your mask work, please wash your hands or use a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer before putting on the mask and whenever you need to make adjustments to your face. Handle your mask with a ring or strap-do not touch the front or your face. To remove it, grab the earrings or untie the rope, and tie the bottom first. Then clean your hands again. 

It may be brand new, but many things have touched your latest mask before you get it, especially if it is handmade. Therefore, please use non-residual detergent or soap to wash in hot water (160 F). Rinse with clean water. Then hang it up to dry. Alternatively, soak the mask in a quart of water containing 2 tablespoons of bleach or a gallon of water containing one-third cup of bleach for 5 minutes.

When getting in the car, it is easy to throw the mask on the dashboard or seat. But when your mask is not on your face, it needs a clean place. If it is not wet or dirty, put it in a dry paper or mesh bag to avoid mold or acid. If you go out to eat, you can hide it in a clean pocket or wallet in a pinch-but never put it on the table. Wash your hands after a meal, and then put on a mask, facing out. 

Masks are a magnet for bacteria and viruses. If they stay on your face for a long time, they can cause infection. After each wearing, throw your mask with hot water (160 F) into the ordinary laundry room. Or hand wash with steam soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Dry in high places or air-dry in direct sunlight. At the same time, put on a clean spare.

Maybe it is a special letter combination. Or it is your favorite cat print. Nonetheless, if your mask has tears, holes, or is worn, bounced or soiled and cannot help, it is time to scrap it. To make your masks more durable, don't let them get wet with saliva, sweat, makeup, or other things-if you don't wash them as soon as possible, the fabrics will become moldy. (Also, damp masks will not work.) Store dirty or damp masks in a plastic bag until you can wash them. 

Disposable masks are a "one-time-for-all" transaction. Make sure it fits, just like reusable. It should cover your nose and mouth without large side gaps. The colored (usually blue) side should face outwards. Be sure to pack extra things to go. After wearing a disposable mask, please safely throw it into the trash can. Take off the mask when eating and replace it with a new one after eating

If your mask is too big, please don't cross the earrings behind your head. Instead, tie a knot on each knot to shorten it a bit. Tie the knot behind the ear so that the mask does not tighten and split on the sides. If the loops are too short, stretch them with rope or shoelaces. If you wear a headscarf, put a face mask on it and use a safety pin or paper clip to secure the ring behind it. (If your mask also puts pressure on your ears, this method is effective.) 

Sometimes, more is better. Adding a filter to the mask can really protect you better. Look for a filter rated for PM (for "particulate matter") 2.5. The tight weave can block tiny droplets and particles. The paper coffee filter has a pore size of 20 microns-too large to be an effective barrier. If your mask does not have a filter bag, use a mask with more than one layer of fabric or wear two masks.  

It felt strange to speak while wearing a mask at first. Therefore, touching or pulling on your mask to ensure that your voice is heard may be a natural reflection. Others can understand you, but if you wear a sufficiently loose mask, you can breathe freely and move your mouth to speak. 

The reason you wear a mask is to ensure that mucus and saliva do not escape from your nose and mouth and spread to other people. It also protects you from droplets that other people may infect you. If your glasses are fogging, make your own nose pads to prevent warm breath from escaping from the top of the mask. Twist several wires together. Cut a small slit on the top strap of the mask, insert the cable tie, and shape it to fit your nose.

Your mask should fit snugly on the entire lower part of your face and chin. When your chin is not exposed, the virus will infiltrate and reach your mouth, nose, and eyes. They can also escape from your mouth and pass on to others. It can also make your mask stick to your face, which can fog your glasses and even block your view.

To keep your face free of acne and rash, please wash your face with a mild cleanser. Follow up with moisturizer-it adds an extra layer of protection. (If your skin is oily, use gel.) Your dermatologist can help you choose products that contain ingredients that best suit your skin. For example, simethicone can form a barrier to help calm irritated skin. Wear a mask every 4 hours for 15 minutes, at which time you can walk away or go out. 

Source | Medically reviewed on 02/08/2021 Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on February 8, 2021

Johns Hopkins University: "Coronavirus: How to Care for Your Mask", "How to Wear a Mask Correctly: Infographic", "Coronavirus Masks and Protection Frequently Asked Questions".

American Academy of Dermatology: "9 ways to prevent skin problems with facial masks."

Hackensack Meridian Health: "5 mask mistakes that people often make."

CDC: "How to store and clean masks", "Precautions for wearing masks", "Guide to your masks".

Nebraska Medicine: "15 mask techniques to make your mask fit better."

Consumer Reports: "The most pressing questions about masks are answered by the chief scientist of CR."

University of Utah Health: "Guide to Mask Coverage."

Cedars-Sinai: "COVID-19 Update: Should you wear a mask?"

NHS Oxford University Hospital: "FAQ for COVID-19 employees: Wear a mask in our hospital.

Commented by Brunilda Nazario, MD, February 8, 2021

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