8 common mistakes to avoid when wearing a face mask
Are you guilty of these?
Are you guilty of these?
Are you guilty of these?
Face masks are only effective if you wear them properly, so it's important you know how to put them on, take them off and care for them after use.
Many major retailers have begun requiring face masks and states have continued to issue individual mandates, meaning we will all be wearing them more frequently. When it comes to wearing masks, some simple errors – such as mask size or cleanliness — can be easily avoided.
Take a look at the most common mistakes that can be made while wearing face masks.
1. Touching the mask with dirty hands
Always put on your mask with clean hands. The same goes for taking your mask off — use sanitiser or wash your hands before doing so. Touching it with dirty hands could potentially spread the virus and bacteria more.
2. Not wearing the mask properly
It seems simple enough, but not actually wearing your mask properly will defeat the point of wearing one. The mask shouldn't slip below your nose or hover around your chin; it needs to cover your nose, mouth, and chin fully. Don't take the mask off to speak, eat, or touch your face unless you have cleaned your hands and can socially distance.
3. Putting the mask on too late
Always put it on before you head out. If you struggle to remember to put it on, set an alarm on your phone or write yourself a reminder by the front door.
4. Thinking you don't need to social distance
You may be wearing a face mask, but you still need to social distance yourself from others. "The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
5. Getting the face mask wet
Try to keep your face mask dry at all times. The CDC advises people not to wear cloth face coverings while engaged in activities that may cause the cloth face covering to become wet, like when . A wet cloth face covering may make it difficult to breathe.
6. Wearing your face mask upside down
If you are wearing a bandana-style mask, then you won't need to worry about which way round it goes. However, other surgical-style masks have pliable metal parts that go across the bridge of your nose, so it's important you wear yours the right way. Not only will this ensure it's more comfortable, but it will also allow it to do its job properly.
7. Wearing your mask inside out
The same goes for making sure you don't wear your mask inside out: a simple mistake to make, yes, but some masks won't function if they are worn inside out. With fabric masks, the printed side will be outward facing, while the plain side will be touching your face. If you are unsure, it's always best to check with the retailer where you purchased the mask.
8. Wearing a dirty mask
A dirty face mask will heighten the chance of an outbreak on your skin due to a build-up of bacteria. If you are using a fabric mask, wash yours after every use.
Not sure how to clean your mask? The CDC on how to clean and dry face coverings.
