In the era of the new coronavirus, face masks have become an everyday occurrence. And for good reason: wearing a mask is the most effective tactic to block the spread of COVID-19, according to a June 2020 analysis in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Although non-medical grade masks are a viable option, you may be considering investing in a reusable fabric cover (or making your own). That way, you can wear a mask that suits your style, as well as avoid making the environment worse.
But not all masks are created equally. With a lot of recent options on the market (Mango to Victoria's Secret have started making them), how do you know which fabric face mask will offer the best protection for you?
What should a cloth mask have?
Remember, COVID-19 is spread mainly through respiratory droplets (produced when you speak, cough, sneeze, and breathe) that get into the mouth or nose of others nearby. Wearing a face mask helps protect the people around you. But they are not a replacement for social distancing.
Whether you plan to buy a reusable face cover or make your own, it's important to consider fabric type, durability, and fit, as these factors will affect how well a mask will contain the transmission of these disease-carrying droplets. Keep these considerations in mind.
What fabric is it made with?
Look for masks made of tightly woven fabrics, such as cotton. This allows the mask to better inhibit both large and small drops so they do not cover the face. In addition, cotton is also easy to clean.
Does it have layers?
Masks made of several layers of fabric are also recommended. Multiple layers are more likely to be more effective in containing droplet spread. The fabric ones must contain at least three layers , according to the provisional guidance of June 2020 of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Some masks even have small pockets where you can fit a filter for an additional barrier protection. If you choose this route, you can buy a filter online or use basic household products such as coffee filters and paper towels, which can serve as face filters. Just remember to discard and replace the filters after each use.
How does the mask fit on your face?
Prioritizing the right fit is also important when buying or making a home. Your mask should fit snugly around your face and provide complete coverage over your nose and mouth.
Please note that those with ties around the head may slip over time and cause gaps in the fit. And while ear hook masks are convenient for quick removal, they can cause pain behind the ears after prolonged use.
You'll also want to make sure you can breathe easily while using it, according to the WHO. If you can't, you may be tempted to take it off.
How to wash and disinfect the mask?
Once you no longer need to use the mask, remove it carefully with clean hands, touching only the ties, according to the WHO. Wash your hands again after taking it off.
Try to wash the fabric covers daily [ie after each use] with normal detergent in a washing machine . If you don't plan on doing laundry more than once a week, you'll want to stock up or make enough masks to use a clean one for each outing.
And, in case you're wondering, it's okay to pack it in with a load of your normal clothes; just make sure you're using the warmest water settings possible so you don't ruin the fabric.
If you choose to hand wash , soak, scrub [for at least 20 seconds] and rinse the cloth mask thoroughly with hot soapy water.
Alternatively, you can disinfect by soaking it with a bleach solution . Mix 5 tablespoons of household bleach for every 4 liters of water at room temperature or 4 teaspoons per liter. Soak for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Another way to wash your mask by hand is to soak it for one minute in 0.1 percent chlorine , according to the WHO. After it has been soaked, use room temperature water to rinse off all the chlorine.
To dry them, use the highest dryer setting, or if air drying, place it in direct sunlight, which can also help disinfect viral particles.
