How to wear your mask correctly – So are you doing it right? 

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REVEALED: How to wear your mask correctly so your glasses don’t fog up, you can breathe and keep yourself and others safe – so are you doing it right?

  •  Experts have weighed in on how to make wearing a mask comfortable and safe
  •  The two women, from different backgrounds, have shared their top tips
  •  Choosing the fabric and shape of the mask is important as is the overall fit

By Belinda Cleary For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Wearing a face mask is now part of everyday life for millions, but it can be an uncomfortable experience leading to breakouts, fogged glasses and sore ears. 

With the World Health Orgainsation advising that everyone should ‘make wearing a mask a normal part of being around other people’ amid the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems like mask waering will remain the norm for the forseeable future.  

But how do you prevent common problems bad skin, smudged make-up and fogged up glasses as a result of their masks, and what’s the safest way to remove your face covering?

Femail spoke to a range of experts including Ceri Smith-Jaynes, from the Association of Optometrists, hygiene expert Lisa Ackerley, who is a trustee of The Royal Society for Public Health and face mask designer Celia Li to find out how to tackle common problems. 

Wearing a face mask does not have to be an uncomfortable experience leading to breakouts, fogged glasses and sore ears – experts say

WHAT ARE THE TOP TIPS TO KEEPING MYSELF AND OTHERS SAFE WHILE WEARING A MASK? 

WEAR IT CORRECTLY

Surgical masks have two sides, a white side and a blue side. The blue side MUST be showing on the outside.

The surgical mask also has a top and a bottom. However, if wearing the mask correctly, you should feel a wire on the top. This is so you can mould the mask to the shape of your nose. 

They should ideally cover as far under your chin as it allows.

DON’T TOUCH 

Try to avoid touching the mask – you are potentially spreading germs to yourself and others. 

Ideally, wear them for a maximum of four hours – If they become wet or dirtied in any way, replace them immediately. 

Throw away disposable masks after every use. Bbut you may have only used it for a few minutes, in which case you could remove carefully and keep out of the way for 72 hours before using again. Don’t re-use if dirty or damaged.  

REMOVE CAREFULLY

When taking of masks, perform hand hygiene before and take off from the straps (the off from the back of your ears) and then immediately dispose of mask. Then perform hand hygiene immediately afterwards. It seems much easier pulling from the front, but then you are spreading germs.

STORE SAFELY 

Keep the covering in a bag folded over so the inside surfaces touch each other, and the straps are at the top. then when you get it out again, pull it out by the straps. 

WASH REGULARLY  

If you have a number of coverings, you could keep them for 72 hours before laundering normally, or if you want to wash daily, then wash at 60C.

You may want to use a saucepan and some detergent rather than use the washing machine for just a small wash. A food thermometer would tell you when your water temperature is 60C. 

 

 

HOW TO WEAR MY MASK TO MAKE IT MORE COMFORTABLE? 

If you have trouble breathing with a mask on?

1. Choose a mask made from breathable fabrics such as good quality 100% cotton, bamboo or performance polyester which is more breathable.

2. Use essential oils such as peppermint or lavender oil at the base of the mask to help with comfort and ease your breathing.

If it is too hot to wear a mask?

1. Choose masks that are made from cooling moisture wicking fabrics that are suitable for Australian weather – cotton is breathable but is not quick drying so can create extra heat after wearing for a long time.

3. Choose breathable fabrics that allow for better airflow.

4. If you have long hair, tie it back in a ponytail.

5. Wear the correct sized mask for your face shape. 

What if my ears hurt because of the loops?

1. Instead of the more common elastic ear loops, use a mask that has adjustable ear straps.

2. Choose a mask with soft flexible and thinner elastic straps.

 What if wearing a mask makes my glasses fog up?

1. Choose a mask that is the correct size for your face shape. A loose-fitting mask lets more of your warmed breath escape from the top of the mask, fogging up your glasses.

2. For a snug fit, try a mask with both adjustable ear loops and a bendable nose piece.

3. Place a facial tissue inside your mask to absorb some of the moisture from your warm breath and reduce the fog.

4. Try anti-fog sprays of your lenses.

What if wearing a mask is causing me to break out?

1. Avoid use of heavy foundation which can clog your pores.

2. Moisturise your skin, especially in the areas prone to irritation from the mask rubbing against your skin.

3. Choose a mask that sits away from your nose and cheeks to minimise the fabric rubbing against your face.

4. Choose a mask that has antibacterial properties such as nanosilver to minimise bacterial growth on the surface.

5. Wash your face before and after wearing a mask.

SOURCE: Cecilia Li Novw Masks 

‘It is so important that we emphasise social distancing and hand hygiene. Masks have been introduced as an additional measure,’ she said.

She said that the way the mask fits is imperative, and explained it should go from the bridge of your nose all the way under your chin. 

She added that masks need to be changed every four hours, if they are wet or ‘soiled’ or if you take them off for any reason.

Even the washable masks need to be swapped if they have been removed. As touching them has the potential to spread any virus on the mask elsewhere.

This could infect you if it is on the outside, or lead to you infecting others if you have the disease.