Improve How Your Mask Protects You
Many now believe that wearing two masks is better than one to protect themselves and others from spreading COVID-19. However, the CDC says it is more important to wear masks correctly. What really matters is how the mask fits, the number of layers it has, and how well it filters air.
- Your mask should fit snugly against your face, as gaps let in air with respiratory droplets leak in around the mask’s edges. A mask with a good fit allows you to feel warm air coming through the front of the mask and see the mask material move in and out with each breath.
- Wearing a mask with a nose wire and bending the nose wire over your nose to fit close to your face prevents air from leaking out. Cup your hands around the outside edges of the mask and make sure no air is flowing from the area near your eyes or from the sides of the mask.
- Use a cloth mask that has multiple layers of fabric or wear one disposable mask underneath a cloth mask. The second mask should push the edges of the inner mask against your face. You should be able to see and breathe easily.
- Knot the ear loops of a 3-ply face mask where they join the edge of the mask. Fold and tuck the unneeded material under the edges. See https://youtu.be/UANi8Cc71A0external.
- Do not wear two disposable masks, as they are not designed to fit tightly, and wearing more than one will not improve fit. However, use only one KN95 mask at a time.
Article Source: CDC.gov
