How should I wear a face mask?
Your face mask should fit snuggly from the bridge of your nose to below your chin—it’s all about ensuring a good seal around your mouth and your nose (where air is exchanged), explains Dr. Sharkawy. If you’ve popped into a store lately, you’ve likely seen a shopper wearing their mask beneath their nose, or even their chin. Not only is this ineffective, says Dr. Sharkawy, “it’s another visual cue for people that it’s ok to continue with the practice of not wearing a mask properly, and that’s something we don’t want to encourage.”
Where should I wear a face mask?
“Masks are not a substitute for distancing and vice versa,” explains Dr. Sharkawy. “They’re both important parts of a prevention of transmission strategy, so they should both be employed whenever possible, particularly indoors.”
Should I wear a face mask in a relatively empty outdoor space?
“It’s probably quite safe not to wear a mask and to afford yourself that extra bit of comfort to do what you need to do, again trying to maintain distancing,” says Dr. Sharkawy.
Where should I store my face mask when I’m not wearing it?
Dr. Sharkawy dislikes seeing masks hanging from rearview mirrors in cars! Keep your mask in a sealed bag or container to ensure it doesn’t get contaminated—or potentially contaminate the air and surface around it.
How do I wash my face mask?
If you’re wearing a mask for an extended period, especially if you’re sweating or doing something physical, wash your mask daily. “If it’s a mask being used very sparingly, for errands for example, it’s quite reasonable to wash that mask every two or three days,” says Dr. Sharkawy.
While many masks are machine washable, Dr. Sharkawy recommends hand washing to avoid shrinkage or fabric breakdown. He suggests washing masks in hot water, with gloves for added protection, and air- drying.
How can I tell if my face mask works?
Not all face coverings are created equal. Look for masks made of tightly woven cotton or polyester fabrics. If you want to check the effectiveness of your face covering, Dr. Sharkawy recommends trying the below tests (mask on, please):
- Light a candle and try blowing it out while standing a foot away.
- Hold out your arm about half a foot from your face and give a heavy, hot breath. You shouldn’t be able to feel it.