The mask requirement is an integral part of our public life. However, protective masks can only reduce the risk of infection if they are used correctly. We reveal very typical mistakes that you should avoid when wearing a protective mask.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s an FFP mask, a simple surgical mask or a self-sewn fabric mask – it doesn’t matter what you wear, but how you wear it. Because only the correct use of the mouth-nose mask can protect you and those around you from the corona virus.
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Table of Contents
1. The mask fits the face incorrectly
If the mask is too loose on the face, viruses can escape through the openings on the sides. The protective effect for strangers is reduced. The risk of infection increases if the mask slips and pinches. You often touch your face to correct the fit.
2. Simply remove the mask after use
After use, the mask should not be easily removed. Viruses that are otherwise spread through the hands may have collected on the outside of the fabric. Wash your hands first before removing the mask. Then just hold the straps of the mask and pull the mask off your face so that neither the outside nor the inside touches your face. Then wash your hands again!
3. Store the mask closed
To prevent the virus from multiplying in the fabric, you should hang the mask up to dry and not put it in a closed container. The protective mask should also not be lying around loosely in your handbag, as it is often full of dirt and bacteria. It is better to park your mask on the upper arm. This is still the most hygienic of all variants.
4. Leave the mask wet
If the mask is soaked, the protection is no longer given. Therefore, always allow the mask to dry thoroughly. It is advisable to have a second mask to change into. However, if you want to dry your mask at home, you should never use a hair dryer. The hot air destroys the sterility of the protective mask.
5. Relying on the protection of the mask
Protective masks are designed to stop the majority of viruses from breathing and speaking, but do not offer the reliability to fully protect against infection. That’s why the usual hygiene regulations, the minimum distance of 1.5 meters and the ban on contact still apply!
6. Forgetting to properly clean the mask
A protective mask can be cleaned either by drying or by washing. However, the first method has not been studied enough, since the viruses survive on different surfaces for different lengths of time. It is better to clean the mask in the washing machine at 60 degrees or higher with a heavy-duty detergent. Aggressive cleaners or disinfectants are not necessary and could damage the fabric of the mask!
Also interesting: How to properly clean and disinfect fabric masks >>
7. Wearing a defective mask
If the mask is already cracked or even defective in some places due to frequent wearing and washing, it should no longer be worn! Due to the fine damage, droplets can escape to the outside.
8. The mask covers the nose little or not at all
Again and again you see people wearing their masks under their noses or just covering them. However, this renders the mask useless as viruses can no longer be caught! Therefore, also wear the mask over your nose. A mask with sewn-in wire is recommended for people who wear glasses. As a result, they sit closer to the face, the glasses can be worn over the fabric and the lenses do not fog up.
9. Nose clip is not adjusted
Many face masks have a built-in nose clip. This is important so that the mask can adapt closely to the shape of the face and thus sit correctly. In addition, the closer the mask sits on the nose, the less foggy the exhaled air causes glasses to fog up.
10. Wear a mask on your neck
Often you can also see how the mouth and nose protection is pulled down and worn around the neck. What seems practical is anything but healthy and correct: A contaminated mask comes into contact with the neck and chin.
11. FFP2 mask: Adjust and wear the retaining straps correctly
If you wear an FFP2 protective mask , you must make sure that the straps are adjusted correctly – this is the only way to guarantee all-round protection.
- Incorrect positioning of the retaining straps: The elastic straps must lie on the top and back of the head. If you push up both straps on the top of the head, the mask can slip more easily and the sealing protection is not given.
- Loose hair: If you wear an FFP2 mask, you should tie your hair up in a ponytail and not wear it open. Loose hair falls in the face and covers the cheek area. The mask does not fit snugly enough and does not protect you adequately.
- Twisted straps or straps over the ears: If you wear the FFP2 mask, you should no longer touch it. However, twisted straps or straps that press on the ears tempt you to correct the fit of the mask. Since Corona can also be transmitted via smear infections, you should definitely wash your hands before touching your mask.
