Simple Ways To Improve Mask Protection Against COVID-19

People are looking for more ways to protect themselves against COVID-19 amid concerns about the new strains. In fact, many have been so vigilant even when it comes to mask-wearing, which is considered as one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the virus.

Just last Feb. 10, Canada-based London Drugs conducted an "urgent" recall of its KN95 mask sets because about 18% of them were found to have small holes. Apparently, these tiny holes could affect the masks' efficacy to filter out particles.

The recall comes at a time when many are looking for extra protection because of the new COVID-19 variants spreading in many parts of the world, and mask-wearing remains to be one of the critical ways people can protect themselves.

Here are some of the simple ways people can improve the protection their masks can provide, courtesy of the CDC and the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC).

Ensure Proper Mask Fit

A mask with the right fit can prevent potentially contaminated air from going in or out. This means that the mask can protect not only the wearer but also those around them from the risks of infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends choosing a mask with a nose wire so that the air won't leak out from the top of the mask. A mask fitter over a disposable mask can also give the mask a more snug fit. People using a disposable mask may opt to "knot and tuck" the earloops of the mask to improve the fit, too.

To check whether your mask has a good fit, one simply has to cup the hands around the outside edges of the mask.

"Make sure no air is flowing from the area near your eyes or from the sides of the mask," the CDC said. "If the mask has a good fit, you will feel warm air come through the front of the mask and may be able to see the mask material move in and out with each breath."

Wear The Mask Properly

Some people wear masks below their noses or just over the chin. Unfortunately, such habits are dangerous as they do not provide wearers ample protection from the virus.

According to the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC), the top part of the mask should extend to the bridge of the nose, while the bottom part should extend below the chin. Simply put, the mask should properly cover both the nose and the mouth to be effective.

Double Mask The Right Way

Double masking has been discussed a lot lately. The CDC even cited a new study, which found that wearing two masks at once is more effective at protecting oneself and others against COVID-19 better than wearing a cloth mask or a medical mask alone does. But just because one is double masking does not mean they are already fully protected. It turns out that there are also wrong ways of doing it.

According to the CDC, people shouldn't combine two disposable masks. Since disposable masks don't fit tight, wearing two of them won't do anything to improve the fit. The agency also advised the public against wearing a KN95 mask with another mask. Instead, people should just wear one KN95 mask at a time.

Those who would like to double mask may do so by wearing a disposable mask under the cloth mask. They can also add layers of protection by using a cloth mask with multiple layers.

It's important, however, to make sure that they can still breathe and see properly. A good tip, the CDC said, would be to try an improved mask or technique at home before using it to go out.

Remember To Practice Good Mask Hygiene

Some people may be tired of this by now, but practicing good hand and mask hygiene is important in proper mask usage.

It's important to remember not to touch the mask too much, UIHC noted, as this may contaminate either the hands or the mask itself. When wearing or removing the mask, one should only touch it by the loops and not the surface of the mask itself.

It's also important to remember to wash the hands before and after putting on a mask and removing it. If water and soap are not available, then an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will do.