The mask appeared a long time ago, even at a time when the "Spanish flu" raged around the world. At that time, the device looked intimidating - like the beak of a huge crow, in the bowels of which a bag of medicinal herbs was inserted.
In our time, a nonwoven rectangle is worn by both medical staff and those who care about their own he alth. How to wear a medical mask to protect yourself from infections? Let's figure it out together.
Who should wear a mask during infections
There is a lot of controversy on this score: during the period of the spread of infections, both those who are sick and those who do not want to get sick try to wear protection. And who should put it on in the first place? After many studies, epidemiologists came to the conclusion that a medical mask worn by a sick person will not affect the rate of infection in public places. From this we concludethat he althy people need protection in order not to catch the virus while in public places. So if you do not want to get infected, there is nothing left but to wear a medical mask for the sake of your own he alth.
Which side to wear a medical mask
Disposable products are divided by purpose: for dentists, surgeons, procedures and for general use. In order to make it more comfortable to wear, mask manufacturers provide their products with a nasal retainer, thanks to which it fits more tightly to the face, thereby ensuring maximum blocking of the exit of microbes from a sick person.
The essence of the application is clear, but the question remains: which side and how to wear a medical mask to the patient. After all, it is usually two-color. It turns out that there is no significant difference in color. The main landmark is the nasal fixator. Its manufacturers sew it inside the product. That is, on the side that should be adjacent to the face. Usually this is the white side, and the color comes out. In addition to these definitions, the manufacturer indicates important information on the product packaging. That is, if the manufacturer made, for example, the inner layer absorbent, and the outer layer water-repellent, then he will definitely indicate this on the packaging of the product. If these characteristics are indicated, then the mask will be effective only if it is correctly positioned on the face.
Why wear a medical mask if you don't know how to put it on properly? If you fix the product on the face incorrectly, it will not be able to perform its task and will be completely useless.
How long should I wear a mask
Medical masks differ in the components that were used in the production. Some manufacturers supplement them with properties such as a water-repellent layer, antibacterial or moisture absorbent. But even these modifications do not allow you to wear the product for longer than the allotted time. So how long can you wear a medical mask?
Manufacturers, based on calculations, summing up humidity, cleanliness and physical activity, voiced the following requirements:
- mask treated with an antibacterial agent can be worn for up to five hours;
- equipped with a simple paper filter, change every two hours.
But if your mask gets wet from breathing, coughing or sneezing, then it should be changed immediately, no matter what filter or layer it is with. During epidemics, it needs to be changed every hour for both those who are sick and those who do not want to get infected. It is very important not to touch the used mask with your hands. If you need to change it, take only the ear loops, but in no case the protective layer in which germs and viruses have accumulated.
What is a disposable medical mask made of
Modern medical mask is very different from those used just fifteen years ago. Previously, they were a gauze rectangle folded in several layers and fixed at the top with four ties.
These impractical masks have been replaced by more effective and lightweight disposable ones made from polymer,hypoallergenic materials. They are very comfortable to wear and also the absence of foreign smell. Such a medical mask can be worn as long as you like, without fear of allergies or shortness of breath. A modern product usually consists of three layers, the middle layer is filtering. It is fastened thanks to thin ear rubber bands very simply. Products are produced both in adult size (175 x 95) and in children (140 x 80).
How to wear a mask: doctor's advice
Medical mask for single use only.
- The mask is placed on the face so that it covers the nose, chin and mouth.
- The plastic attachment sewn into the product is tightly adjusted to the shape of the nose until it fits perfectly.
- The folds on the mask must be straightened in order to give a streamlined shape that does not allow infection to enter from the outside.
- After you have fixed the product on your face, it is not recommended to touch it with your hands.
- During the spread of infection, the mask should be worn continuously in crowded places.
- After touching the product on your face, wash your hands with antibacterial soap.
- It is strictly forbidden to move the mask to the chin or neck while wearing it.
- If the product gets blood, mucus or something else, it should be disposed of immediately and put on a new one.
- Remove the used mask only by the ear loops or ties, not by the protective layer.
- It is necessary to change the product every two hours.
Forewarned is forearmed
Despite the fact that many are skeptical about the effectiveness of medical masks, practice has shown that the competent use of this protective agent helps to slow the spread of the epidemic.
Now you know how many medical masks are worn, how they are changed and what they consist of. This knowledge will help you minimize the risks of infection during a rampage of epidemics and infections.
