Common, Face Mask Mistakes, and How to Fix Them.
According to a 2020 study by Signs.com, people are making the same mistakes when wearing their face masks.
Here are six common mask mistakes and advice from experts on how to fix them.
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1.
You aren’t washing your hands before and after putting on and taking off your mask.
Washing hands prior to putting a mask on avoids any contaminants to get on the mask.
When removing a mask, and putting it in the laundry after one use, it is important to wash hands to assure that no contaminants or infections are transferred to the hands, Rashid Chotani, Epidemiologist, via Huffpost.
2.
You’re reusing a disposable mask.
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Disposable masks should be worn for a single day, and then tossed, as they quickly break down the ability to filter particles, carry microorganisms and become soiled, Jagdish Khubchandani, Public Health Professor at New Mexico State University, via Huffpost.
3.
You’re washing your disposable mask.
Disposable masks are intended for single use … Once they get wet, or have moisture, their effectiveness to protect you is diminished.
The fibers break down and will not be able to protect you as much, Teresa Bartlett, Sedgwick Senior Medical Adviser, via Huffpost.
4.
You aren’t washing your reusable mask.
Washing will ensure that the mask remains hygienic and functional in preventing us from spreading our fluids … not washing reusable masks will diminish their functionality, Gan Eng Cern, Physician and ENT Surgeon, via Huffpost.
5.
You aren’t covering your nose and mouth with your mask.
A lot of people will wear their masks pulled down, exposing either their nose, or their entire face … This completely takes away the benefits of wearing a mask, Dr. Mark Fischer, via Huffpost.
6.
You’re not storing your mask correctly.
Have a safe spot that’s far from other people in your home, and be deliberate with how you put a mask on ― wash your hands or sanitize, only touch the straps.
The same goes for removing your mask, Chris Xu, Immunologist, via Huffpost