How do I use the protective mask correctly?

How do I use the protective mask correctly? Read on!

In a general rush, many people bought protective masks even before the declaration of the epidemic in Slovenia. One must be aware that protective masks are in short supply these days, so they must be dealt with rationally. They should never be used just for a photo on social networks, it is the mask is useless after the first wear and must be thrown away. However, anyone who uses it for a reason (is infected or cares for someone who is infected) must know how to handle it.

How is the virus transmitted?

Like most germs that cause respiratory illnesses, the new coronavirus is contagious drop by drop. We can blow up a few drops just by talking, because people unconsciously spit during speech. By far the largest number of drops are released into the air with coughing and sneezing. Another person can these drops or he inhales or them transferred to oneself from an infected surface, where the drops landed.

How do protective masks work?

Ordinary masks consist of three layers. External repels water, which prevents it from getting wet too quickly. Middle layer retains small microbes, i.e. bacteria and viruses. The interior is good absorbs moisture. It depends on the mask how long it will be able to hold germs. Normal masks only last about 4 hours of use or until they become significantly moist. Some more expensive masks also last longer. The time must be written on the box. They must have masks the N95 mark, which means that they filter around 95 percent of fine particles.

How to use a protective mask correctly?

We handle the mask only after you are let's disinfect our hands honestly. Only then can we take it out of the box and we don't touch anything other than strings or tapes, depending on the mask type. The inner side is, as a rule white color, and the outer side painted (blue, orange, green...). The upper part of the mask has sewn metal thread, with which we adjust it more tightly around the nose when it is installed. These instructions would it should already be written on the packaging.

Once we figure out where the upper part of it is placed on the upper part of the nose and we stick the elastics behind the ears. With your fingers we seal the wire next to the nose, that the mask adapts nicely to the face. At the end, we hold the lower part of the mask with our fingers and ga pull under the chin. This way, both our nose and our entire mouth are covered.

There are also different types of masks where the straps are tied behind the head. Here, too, we must adhere to the rules of where the outer and upper part of the mask is. The upper part of the mask then placed next to the nose, slightly seal the wire around the nose and we first bind together upper strap and only then the lower one. We press the wire by the nose with our fingers and pull the lower part of the mask over the chin.

We must hold on while wearing the mask of a single rule: we don't touch the mask! Unfortunately, many people make this mistake, transferring the accumulated germs from in front of the mask to their fingers. No matter how difficult it is to speak while wearing a mask, you he doesn't take it off his mouth and then use it again!

How do I remove the protective mask correctly?

As said, we never touch the front of the mask, nor when we have to remove it. We simply repeat the process of installing the mask, only in the opposite order. Mask with elastic hold the elastic behind the ears and carefully remove it. We hold it by the elastic all the time and throw in basket with lid. After that, too it is essential to wash your hands again. As for the mask with strips first untie the lower straps and only then the upper one. We throw the mask in the same way covered basket and we wash our hands.