Masks are supposed to protect you from infectious diseases such as Covid-19. It prevents respiratory droplets which may contain the virus from getting into your mouth or nose. But have you ever asked yourself if your mask offers maximum protection? Maybe it does or does not. If it does not, you need to think about how you will improve its fit and filtration. Below is a discussion on this.
Masks Should Have a Nose Wire or use a Mask Brace
When wearing a mask, there should be no gaps between your mask and face. If they are there, unfiltered air will pass through them and get into your mouth or nose. To avoid this, use masks with nose wires or wear mask braces.
A nose wire is found on the top edge of a mask. It should prevent unfiltered air from entering into your nostrils through the top edge of the mask. It will also prevent the fogging of eyeglasses. However, you have to bend it so that it conforms to the shape of your face.
If your mask does not have a nose wire, sew one on the mask. However, ensure that the wire is flexible and durable. It should also be made from a material that can withstand soap, water, and high heat since you will need to wash your mask often.
You can also improve the fit of your mask by using a mask brace. Such a brace is made from silicon, and it will prevent unfiltered air from entering your nose or mouth through the edges of your mask. However, you have to wear it on top of your mask. You want to make sure your mask is comfortable since you will be most likely wearing it for long periods of time. You do not want it to be too tight or too loose. You also do not want to have to adjust your mask when you are out.
Wear Two Masks
When you wear two masks, you will get a combination that is more effective than one mask. Also, the inner mask will be pressed closer to your face, thereby minimizing the unfiltered air that leaks via the edges of the mask. You can wear a surgical mask beneath a cloth mask.
You should, however, avoid wearing two surgical masks since the design of these masks does not allow them to fit tightly. You should not also wear any mask beneath or on top of a kn95 mask since it is very effective. However, ensure that you wear a CE-certified kn95 mask. You can use the internet to find the best kn95 mask for sale.
Add a Filter To Your Cloth Masks
If you do not want to wear two masks, you can add a filter to your two-layer cloth mask. Before adding the filter, ensure that the mask has a filter pocket. Also, ensure that the mask’s outer layer is made with a fabric that has a tight-weave like cotton.
You can use a surgical mask as your cloth mask’s filter. In this case, cut the surgical mask until it can fit in your mask filter pocket perfectly. You can also use HEPA, carbon, or propylene filters if you do not want to use a surgical mask. In case you want to further increase the filtration of the mask, use a two-layered filter. You should not notice the filter in your cloth mask. It is there solely to protect you and others.
Practice Mask Tightening Hacks
You can do various things to make your mask fit snugly over your nose and mouth. For instance, you can tie the ear loops of your mask into a knot. Gaps are likely to appear along the edges of the mask after tying the ear loop. To minimize these gaps, tuck in the unneeded material on the edges of the mask.
You can also use a hair clip to improve the fit and filtration of your mask. In this case, tightly hold the mask’s ear loops together at the back of your head using the hair clip. If you find this technique uncomfortable, cover your mask using hosiery.
It is important to improve your mask fit and filtration. Be it through mask tightening hacks, double masking, or the use of mask fitters; ensure that your mask offers maximum protection. However, ensure that your breathing and vision are not interfered with. You can try the mask tightening technique that you choose at home first before going outdoors to check if you can see and breathe comfortably. If you can breathe comfortably and see without any difficulties after employing a certain technique, settle for it. Masks are not ideal, but they are not part of our daily lives due to health concerns. We can make our mask-wearing experience more comfortable by purchasing masks that fit us correctly.
