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A Guide to Selecting and Wearing Face Mask
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]People wearing face masks have become ubiquitous sight. They’ve become a sign of safety and social responsibility. And they’re not wringing as a growing body of evidence supports that wearing face masks in public spaces can prevent the spread of coronavirus. So when you wear a mask, you not only protect yourself but also protect others.
Though no mask can offer 100% protection but wearing them reduces the probability of getting infected. When you combine them with other measures such as hand washing and avoiding crowds, it makes a big difference.
Approximately, 25 percent of people are not even aware that they are infected and could become a career of coronavirus which can be dangerous. Wearing a face mask can vastly reduce such unintended communication of disease.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Why wearing a mask is necessary
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Even wearing a low-quality synergetic mask is better than not wearing masks at all. Wearing a mask of high-quality fabric such as hemp or to certain extent cotton can make a big difference as they are very effective in trapping droplets from cough and sneezes. As per a recent study conducted by the University of Hong Kong and the University of Maryland confirmed that without a mask infected people exhaled contagious droplets containing aerosols carrying carriers of the various flu virus. Wearing a mask, however, blocked nearly 100% of viral droplets.
So experts are of opinion that even if you’re not wearing a super-efficient mask N99 masks, but you’re practicing social distancing and other hygiene practices, you’re saved.
And if you use a fabric of decent quality with good filtration quality with 2 layers of flannel and wear it properly, the chances of avoiding virus contamination increase further.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
What kind of masks you should use
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When choosing a mask, experts say focus on the fabric, comfortability, and breathability. The choice of cloth mask should depend on these three factors. If a face mask fails on any of these criteria, you should not choose it. If you select a mask that looks stylish but if it’s not breathable, it will not serve the purpose.
A team of researchers found that a sheet of cotton of 600 threads per inch seemed to make an effective combination and it prevented a majority of particles. Their performance was comparable to N95 masks. However, they didn’t take into account various other problems associated with the cotton masks.
You should also look for masks which can be washed away easily which lasts longer. If you cannot wear it longer if they are not comfortable and breathable. Another factor I would like to advise you is to consider whether the mask surface has chemical dye. Most of the cotton masks have this problem and this poses a serious health threat when aerosols enter into your body when we inhale. The face part of the body is more sensitive than other parts and that is why you cannot overlook these factors.
This is one reason I never advise anyone to buy a cotton or synthetic mask. The solution is to wear a mask that doesn’t have any artificial dye on its surface.
So what is the solution? You can try out a hemp mask which passes on all criteria: comfortable, stylish, and breathable. And apart from this, hemp cloth masks don’t have any dye or color so it doesn’t suffer from the problem of cotton and synthetic masks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Tips to Wear a Face Mask
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]WHO suggests the following tips before wearing a face mask:
- It is advisable to clean your hands with soap or sanitizer before touching your face mask.
- Ensure your mouth and nose are properly covered with masks. There should not be any gap between your face and mask.
- Avoid touching your face mask while wearing it.
- Must clean it when it’s damp.
- Always remove the mask from behind and discard it immediately in a bin.
People wearing face masks have become a common sight after the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world. This led to a huge spurt in the demand for cloth masks to protect from coronavirus. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention in the USA suggested covering their face with face masks as a part of preventive measures. Many countries made wearing cloth masks mandatory. Still, misconceptions and myths surrounding face masks have not ended.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Wearing masks offer no protection at all
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Many people wrongly believe that wearing masks is not necessary at all as it offers no protection from deadly coronavirus. They, rather, believe that thrust should be on how to prevent the release of virus-loaded droplets in the air surrounding the person. Various research studies have proved that even simple face covering can reduce the probability of transmission of coronavirus to people.
These studies clearly prove that public mask-wearing is the most effective tool to break the chain of corona and it can decrease the transmission resulting in a reduced death toll. And another factor is the low economic cost of the intervention.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
There is no solid scientific evidence about effectiveness of face masks.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Many studies have proved the efficiency of face masks in containing the spread of viruses. Prof. Trisha Greenhalgh said that mathematical modeling confirmed a face covering can reduce the flow of transmission of virus drastically.
Another study done by BMJ Global Health on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in 124 showed that face masks were “79% effective in reducing transmission.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Wearing a mask may increase the amount of carbon dioxide and will be dangerous for your health.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Many masks available in the market are of high quality and they are breathable. Hemp mask, for example, is highly breathable with almost zero risks of hypoxia which is caused by a low level of Oxygen. Carbon Di Oxide is easily diffused through the mask you breathe. Carbon dioxide poisoning is very rare and it happens only in confined spaces, such as in mines.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Masks can be dangerous for people suffering from Asthama or COPD.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]World Health Organization acknowledges that people with serious respiratory ailments such as asthma should avoid wearing masks.
Some of the masks available in the market are not breathable. However, if it’s breathable, there is no problem in wearing the mask, especially for short period.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The way you wear a face mask doesn’t matter
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It’s a mistaken notion. CDC has provided a guideline to wear a face mask:
- Properly cover your nose and mouth
- Earloop should be comfortably tight
- Should have multiple layers of fabric
- Breathing should be proper
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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]You should always wear masks and maintain social distancing. Wearing a mask is even more important. The point to understand is all guidelines are not mutually exclusive. You’ve to practice them together.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Type of face mask doesn’t matter
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Though wearing a face mask is in any case better than not wearing a face mask. But the type of face mask certainly matters. Synthetic and plastic made face masks are not good in the medium and long term. A face mask made up of organic material such as hemp or cotton can be a better substitute. The best mask is one you can wear comfortably and consistently. And this is where hemp mask scores over other masks even cotton. Hemp made masks also kill surface bacteria present in the air.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]