How to know if your face mask is as effective as it should be…

 The last two years, we all have been wearing face masks almost everywhere to safeguard ourselves and others from the spread of the Corona Virus.

Within a very short span of time, we have been introduced to various types of masks. We also find a huge variety of face masks online



For eg: Cloth masks, disposable masks, surgical masks, nonsurgical masks, and many more. 

According to the “centres of disease control and prevention”, you should wear masks that fit you well for adequate protection. Respirators such as nonsurgical N95s have been considered most effective. After these, the KN95s and surgical masks provide the next highest level of protection. Cloth masks provide comparatively lesser protection as the air can penetrate through the small openings of the stitches.

The effectiveness of cloth and medical masks can be improved by ensuring that the masks are well fitted to the contours of one’s face to prevent leakage of air around the mask’s edges. Many people also choose to wear two cloth masks for added safety, or a combination of one surgical and one cloth mask for that snug fit.

While wearing your mask, you need to ensure that it sits well on your face, covering the nose, mouth and chin, with no gaps. You should feel warm air coming through the front of the mask when you breathe out. You shouldn't feel air coming out under the edges of the mask.

Choose masks that have bendable nose strips, as they help prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. You can easily find these face masks online. 

Masks with several layers offer more protection. Some people choose to wear a medical mask under their cloth mask. In that case, the cloth mask should press the edges of the medical mask against the face. Do not add layers if they make it hard to breathe or block your vision.

If you wear a KN95 or N95 mask, make sure it fits and seals close to your face.

A child's mask should be specifically made for children in order to fit properly. Make sure it covers the nose, mouth and chin.

Proper use, storage and cleaning of masks also affects how effective they are. Wash or sanitize your hands before and after putting on your mask.  Do not touch your mask while wearing it. If you accidentally touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands. If your mask becomes wet or dirty, switch to a clean one. Put the used mask in a sealable bag until you can get rid of it or wash it. Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask. Regularly wash cloth masks in the washing machine or by hand. Dry them in the sun. This is how you know if your face mask is as effective as it should be. 

As far as buying your masks go, buying them in stores is relatively more expensive than buying face masks online. When you buy face masks online, you can even buy them in bulk, at great discounted rates, and rest assured that they are delivered in completely sealed boxes, so that they remain fresh for a very long time.

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