How to use a Surgical Mask

The use of a surgical mask is very important nowadays to prevent the spreading of diseases. The most common ones are white and blue color variants.

There are many different brands available and it can come in different colors too. It is important to use a face mask approved by the FDA.

A surgical mask will help limit the spread of germs I instances when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes and they may release tiny drops into the air that can infect others.

On the other hand,  if someone is ill a surgical mask can reduce the number of germs that the wearer releases and can protect other people from becoming sick. 

It will also protect the user’s nose and mouth from splashes or sprays of body fluids.

Please check this video to see how to use and put on a surgical mask properly.

This is the proper and best way to use a surgical mask.

You have to clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer to disinfect your hands before touching the mask

Remove a mask from the packaging and make sure there are no damages or holes in all the sides of the mask

Check which side of the mask is the top and it should be the side of the mask that has a stiff bendable edge on the top since it is meant to be molded to the shape of your nose

See and check which side of the mask is the front. The colored side of the mask is usually the front side and it should face away from you, while the white side will be the one that should touch your face

If it’s a mask with ear loops, just hold the mask by the ear loops and place a loop around each ear

With a mask with ties, you need to put your mask by your nose level and place the ties over the crown of your head and secure with a bow

If it’s a surgical mask with bands, just hold the mask in your hand with the nosepiece or top of the mask with your fingertips that will the headbands to hang freely below your hands. Then, bring the mask to your nose level and pull the top strap over your head so that it rests over the crown of your head.  Lastly, pull the bottom strap over your head so that it rests at the nape of your neck

Next, you have to mold or pinch the stiff edge to the shape of your nose

You need to secure your mask by pulling the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin

There is also a proper way to remove a surgical mask.

How to remove a face mask

Always clean your hands with soap and water or use a 70% proof alcohol or hand sanitizer before you touch the mask

Always avoid touching the front of the mask since the front of the mask is contaminated and infected

You only touch the ear loops,ties, and the band part of the mask

Face Mask with Earloops – Just hold both of the ear loops and gently lift and remove the mask

Face Mask with Ties - Untie the bottom bow first then untie the top bow and pull the mask away from you as the ties are loosened

Face Mask with Bands - Lift the bottom strap over your head first then pull the top strap over your head

Always dispose of and throw the mask in the trash

You then need to clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer again.