{"id":27739,"date":"2020-07-23T15:46:19","date_gmt":"2020-07-23T20:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ipromo.com\/blog\/?p=27739"},"modified":"2020-07-23T15:51:59","modified_gmt":"2020-07-23T20:51:59","slug":"your-guide-to-face-coverings-mask-selection-and-use","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.ipromo.com\/your-guide-to-face-coverings-mask-selection-and-use\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Face Coverings & Mask Selection and Use"},"content":{"rendered":"

Masks and other face coverings have become commonplace and oftentimes mandatory for just about everyone protecting themselves from COVID-19. While most understand that science suggests wearing a mask lowers transmission, anything beyond that is the subject of a lot of questions. In what settings is a mask most necessary? Is there a best practice for using a mask? Are some masks better than others?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These questions are especially important for business owners and working professionals, as using masks to lower transmission risk is a matter of both their health and livelihoods. With the stakes this high, it\u2019s essential to know all there is to know about masks before you decide to purchase PPE.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\"Masks<\/p>\n

Why Use Face Coverings\/Masks?<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

The first topic to cover is exactly why a mask is so essential for lowering the risk of infection in the first place. COVID-19, like many other viruses, is transferred mainly through microscopic particles. These can travel through the air, but also on various surfaces. Normally, our skin serves as a natural barrier against the different particles. However, other body parts like the eyes, nose, and mouth aren\u2019t nearly as secure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many may think that someone needs to sneeze, cough, or breathe heavily on you to expose you to the virus. This isn\u2019t the case.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Say that you work in an office with someone that was infected and no one was wearing a mask. If the infected person <\/span>coughs on a surface<\/span><\/a> like the copy machine and you touch the copy machine later in the day and then absentmindedly touch your face, you\u2019ve now been exposed to the virus without even realizing it. Situations like this could easily lead to infection. This is the same way that colds, the flu, and other illnesses are passed around a workplace, but COVID-19 is proving to be a lot deadlier.<\/span><\/p>\n

This combination of reasons is what makes masks essential for COVID-19. Masks will reduce your chances of transmission from direct contact from an infected person. However, they also deter you from touching your face, one of the easiest ways to get infected from a shared surface. In addition, we know that <\/span>asymptomatic spread<\/span><\/a> has been a major factor throughout the pandemic. People who feel well should still be wearing masks not just to protect themselves, but those around them in case they are an asymptomatic carrier. This way, any particles they expel through breathing will not end up on shared surfaces or circulating in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"KN95<\/a>A side note we should talk about is making sure your masks are authentic. Part of the reason a lot of myths take hold (KN95 isn\u2019t as effective as N95, etc.) is due to false masks being provided by malicious actors wanting to make a quick buck. KN95 masks are popular options because they provide similar protection to the N95 mask, but have a lot more availability. <\/span>With this said<\/span><\/a>, here are some ways you can test your KN95 masks.<\/span><\/p>\n

The sweetener test<\/b>: This entails wearing the mask and putting a packet of Sweet and Low on a flat surface or spoon. You want to compare the smell with the mask on and off. If you have a good mask, there should be a marked difference, where you get only a slight hint of the fragrance with the mask on. This is due to the filtration of the mask.<\/span><\/p>\n

The water test<\/b>: Here, you need to hold your mask by the elastic bands and fill it with water. A good mask should be able to hold the water with no leakage, as official masks are all waterproof. This protects against biological fluids, like a sudden sneeze.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n