A disposable face mask is also known as a medical mask, a surgical mask, or a dental mask. They are mostly recommended for use by health care providers as Personal Protective Equipment. The major aim of wearing a face mask is to protect oneself and others from diseases, particulate matter, and body fluids.
In certain dire situations, especially when there is an outbreak of diseases, specifications of use may change. In such cases, medical departments recommend that other members of the general public wear face masks. The masks are loose-fitting so they act mainly as a barrier covering the nose and mouth.
If the masks are worn wrongly then no protection is offered. We will show you how to put on a mask properly in this post. (Learn More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgical_mask)
How to wear disposable face masks
It is very important that you learn how to wear a disposable face mask. This because wearing it wrongly may be more dangerous than not wearing one at all. To make it easy for you to understand, we have split the process into two stages. After reading through these, you should be able to wear a face mask and also guide others as well. 
Stage One – Understanding the mask
It is imperative that before you wear a mask, you are sure what it was designed to do. There are different types of masks, each one with a specific purpose. Surgical masks were designed to cover your nose and mouth to protect you and others around you.
The material used in making these masks can block splashes, aerosols, large-particles, etc. All of these substances may contain bacteria or viruses which can cause harm to the human body. It is important to note that a small-size particle can still penetrate surgical masks. Also, since the masks are loose-fitting, there is a probability that particles pass through the openings to the skin.
Part of understanding the mask is knowing the difference between medical masks and N95 respirators. The latter was designed to block very minute particles and also fit more tightly to the skin. This means that they can filter the air you breathe to eliminate airborne particles. Nevertheless, there is a 5% chance that harmful particles can pass through.
Before using any face mask, make sure that you read the manufacturer’s instructions properly. This will guide you to the proper use of the equipment.
Stage Two – Putting on the mask
The CDC has a set of guidelines that govern how masks should be worn. It is wise to follow these instructions to ensure that you do not get contaminated while trying to protect yourself. We have put together these guidelines in an easy to comprehend format below:
- Wash your hands. Before you pick up a new medical mask, it is advised that you thoroughly wash your hands. Do this with some soap or liquid wash and clean water. First of all, you need to wet your hands before applying the soap. Rub the hands against each other for a minimum of 20 seconds before you rinse with clean water.
When washing, make sure that you reach all the crevices of the hand and the fingernails too. After rinsing, wipe your hands clean with a clean towel. You should use a paper towel so that you can trash it immediately after wiping.
- Always check your mask for any defects before wearing it. Immediately you pick up a new mask from its pack, check it closely to ascertain that there are no defects. If there are holes, tears, or any other defects, they could put you at risk of contamination.
This is why we advise that you discard any such face masks once there are defects. Discard the disposable face mask by throwing it in the trash can. Pick up a new mask and carry out the checking process all over.
- Place the mask over your nose bridge properly. Even though the mask is loose-fitting, you must make it fit as much as you can. To do this, you have to focus on the top part of the mask which has a bendable yet stiff edge.
This edge should be molded over your nose bridge. Before you wear the mask, always check to be sure that this bendable edge is at the top.
- Be sure which side of the mask should face outwards. Many people make this mistake and it leaves them open to contamination. In most masks, there is a different color theme to decipher which part should be inside and outside. Many medical masks today have a white inner side, check to be sure this is the part facing inwards.
- Place your mask over your face. There are different styles of medical masks. These different styles have different attachment methods. The different styles and how to place them are described below:
- Ear loops. These are the most common and they have 2 loops to hold the mask to each ear. The loops are made of elastic material, as a result, they can stretch. To place this type of mask, you pick it by its loops. Place each loop over each of your ears.
- Straps or ties. In this case, there are pieces of material that you should tie around your head. There are usually lower and upper straps or ties. In this case, you begin with the upper ties by attaching them behind the head in a bow.
- This style has two elastic bands. You are to place the bands behind your head, not around the ears.
- Adjust your nose piece. To do this, pinch the top bendable part of the mask with your thumb and index finger. This ensures that the edge bends around the nose bridge properly.
- Ensure the mask covers your face properly. After wearing the mask and it is secured, adjust it properly so that it covers your nose and mouth. It should also cover a large portion of your face including just beneath your chin.
Conclusion
We hope with these steps you can wear your disposable face mask properly? It is not so difficult but it is important if you will be safe from contamination. Stay safe. (For more information , visit https://www.trendebut.com .)
