Health Page: How to wear a mask

Shradha Madur, PharmD Candidate, Markland Wood Pharmacy.

Wearing a mask properly can help prevent the spread of certain respiratory diseases. The mask blocks the transfer of wearer’s respiratory droplets created for example by coughing or sneezing, and any dust or organisms in the air (depending on the type of mask). The mask should be large enough for you to wear and breathe comfortably, without requiring frequent adjustments. It should be made of good quality and not shared with others. Single-use masks should not be reused. In addition, Health Canada recommends not using masks on children under 2 years of age. The properties of 2 popular masks are described below.

Surgical or medical face masks are loose fitting, disposable masks (you may recognize the “blue” colour of this mask). The edges do not form a tight seal around the nose and the mouth as an N95, but they are good at blocking out large droplets, splashes and sprays from the wearer. The outer layer is coloured (often blue), and has waterproof properties. The middle layer inside the mask acts as a barrier to droplets. The inner layer that touches the face (white coloured) helps absorb moisture to allow comfortable breathing while wearing the mask. If the mask is worn the wrong way, it can decrease the effectiveness and comfort level.

On the other hand, an N95 mask forms a tight seal around the mouth and the nose, so it fits more tightly compared to a surgical mask. This mask blocks out 95% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size. Individuals with chronic or long-term respiratory, cardiac or any other medical condition that makes breathing difficult should check with a health care professional before using this mask. This mask is not designed for children and people with facial hair because they are not able to achieve a proper fit, thus, risking possibility of inadequate protection. Jewellery and other facial coverings may also compromise the fit.

Lastly, both these masks are tested for fluid repellence, ability to filter various particles including bacteria, flammability and biocompatibility (ability to harm human cells or environment). Normally, the manufacturer’s box should have information on the properties of the mask and its features. As a general tip, if you plan to wear gloves as well, wear the mask before putting on gloves and remove gloves before removing the mask.

Here at Markland Wood Pharmacy, we are taking daily precautions by wearing masks and following several protective measures to ensure safety of our patients and staff. We also thank our customers and patients for their efforts in social distancing and using masks and/or gloves during their visit to our pharmacy.

For your reference, we have listed below a description of the correct way to wear and remove a mask.

How to put on a facemask:

1. Clean hands with soap & water for at least 15 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
2. Remove mask from the box and check for any obvious tears or holes.
3. Hold the ear loops so that the hard edge of the mask (mould for the nose) is at the top when you hold it. (If your mask is a medical mask, the outer side of the mask is the coloured side and should face away from the face.)
4. Place the mask on the nose/mouth level and place the loops behind each ear. The hard edge of the mask should rest on the nose.
5. While holding the nose edge, pull down the bottom edge of the mask gently, so the mask covers the entire area from the nose to beneath the chin.
6. Press the hard edge of the mask to mould it to the shape of your nose.
7. Do not touch the front of your mask while you wear it.

How to remove a facemask:

1. Clean hands with soap & water for at least 15 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
2. It is very important to avoid touching the front of the mask, since it may be contaminated.
3. Only touch ear loops/bands. Gently lift the loops off the ears and hold the mask by the loops only.
4. Dispose of the mask and clean your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
5. If hands get contaminated during removal, immediately wash hands or use hand sanitizer.

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