Medical masks (also known as surgical masks) are:
composed of 3 layers of synthetic nonwoven materials
configured to have filtration layers sandwiched in the middle
available in different thicknesses
have various levels of fluid-resistance and filtration
Respirators (also known as filtering facepiece respirators – FFP) are available at
different performance levels such as FFP2, FFP3, N95, N99.
Medical masks and respirator masks are similar in their protection value. However,
respirators are specific for certain procedures and instances because they have a
tightly fitted component to them. Respirator masks are designed to protect
healthcare workers who provide care to COVID-19 patients in settings and areas
where aerosol generating procedures are undertaken. Healthcare workers should be
fit tested before using a respirator to ensure that they are wearing the correct size.
Wearing a loose-fitting respirator will not offer the same protection to the wearer and
may allow small particles to get inside the mask through the sides.
Check for filtration, breathability and fit when choosing a fabric mask. It should be
held in place comfortably with little adjustment using elastic bands or ties. There are
different mask shapes such as flat-fold or duckbill – find the one that fits closely over
your nose, cheeks and chin. When the edges of the mask are not close to the face
and shift, such as when speaking, air penetrates through the edges of the mask
rather than being filtered through the fabric. Masks with vents or exhalation valves
are not advised because they allow unfiltered breath to escape the mask.
Fabric masks should be made of three layers of fabric:
Inner layer of absorbent material, such as cotton.
Middle layer of non-woven non-absorbent material, such as polypropylene.
Outer layer of non-absorbent material, such as polyester or polyester blend.
If purchasing a fabric mask from a store, check to make sure it meets national
performance standards.
How to put on and wear a fabric mask:
Before touching the mask, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub
or soap and water.
Inspect the mask for tears or holes, do not use a mask that is damaged.
Adjust the mask to cover your mouth, nose, and chin, leaving no gaps on the
sides.
Place the straps behind your head or ears. Do not cross the straps because
this can cause gaps on the side of your face.
Avoid touching the mask while wearing it. If you touch it, clean your hands.
Change your mask if it gets dirty or wet.
How to take off and store a fabric mask:
Clean your hands before taking off the mask.
Take off the mask by removing it from the ear loops, without touching the front
of the mask.
If your fabric mask is not dirty or wet and you plan to reuse it, put it in a clean
plastic, resealable bag. If you need to use it again, hold the mask at the
elastic loops when removing it from the bag. Clean your mask once a day.
Clean your hands after removing the mask.
How to clean a fabric mask:
Wash fabric masks in soap or detergent and preferably hot water (at least 60
degrees Centigrade/140 degrees Fahrenheit) at least once a day.
If it is not possible to wash the mask in hot water, then wash it in
soap/detergent and room temperature water, followed by boiling the mask for
1 minute.
General tips:
Make sure to clean your hands before touching your mask.
Make sure you have your own mask and do not share it with others.
Resist the temptation to pull down your mask to your chin or take if off when
speaking to other people.
Do not store your mask around your arm or wrist or pull it down to rest around
your chin or neck. Instead, store it in a clean plastic bag.
Watch our ‘How to wear a fabric mask’ video for a demonstration.
