How to Properly Wear a Facemask for COVID-19 Protection

How to Properly Wear a Facemask for Infection Protection

A facemask after removal When you have symptoms of cold, flu, COVID-19 (coronavirus) or other viruses and infections, properly wearing a surgical facemask can help protect others from getting sick. It is important that you follow infection prevention precautions when putting the mask on and taking the mask off. If you are one of those people who need to wear a facemask, follow these instructions for how to put on and take off a surgical mask.

There are several types of facemasks. The most common are:

Cloth masks (especially double-layered) – for general public use
Medical (or surgical) masks
KN95, KF94, or other NIOSH approved respirators
N95 filtering face piece respirator masks

Today we're going to talk about using cloth masks and how to properly put them on and take them off.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are using a cloth mask, it's important to do it properly so that you're using it in the safest way possible. So first let's talk about putting on the mask.

The first step is always to use hand sanitizer or wash your hands. Make sure they are good and clean.

And then, you can take your mask. Now our masks here have this design with a loop that goes behind the head, and an obvious side that faces out from your face as well as into your face. And, the way that we put these on is put this on like this, put the loop behind the head, and then you can tighten these side straps and get a nice fit.

And then, I'll turn sideways so you can see, you take it behind the neck and tie it tightly. And then at the end, so that's how that looks, and you can adjust up here if you need to when it's loose.

And at the end, you want to make sure that the nasal bridge wire is fitting nice and close to your face.

When you're done, of course, make sure you use hand sanitizer or wash your hands.

And that is how you properly place the mask.

Now at the end, when you want to go and take the mask off, it's the end of the day, or you're going to eat lunch, that's also important to follow certain directions.

So, you want to stay away from your face, and away from the front of the mask, and just remove the mask by lifting this off and untying from behind the neck, and there you have your mask.

If I'm home at the end of the day, I just put it into a laundry bag or a pillow case, and throw it into the washing machine for a hot water wash with a hot air dry.

If it's the middle of the day, and I'm having lunch, I take care in terms of where I place the mask. So I tend to hang it somewhere away from people. Obviously, we are socially distancing, so that's not difficult.

Or maybe set it on a piece of paper that I'll then throw away later. So that I can then go back and pick it up and easily replace it when need be.

And, that's how you properly take on and take off the mask.

How to Put the Mask On

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel and throw the paper towel away.
Check the mask for any defects such as a tear or missing tie or ear loop. Throw away any that are defective.
Make sure the exterior (usually yellow or blue) side of the mask is facing out, away from your face.
Place the mask on your face with the blue side facing out and the stiff, bendable edge at the top by your nose.
If the mask has ear loops, put one loop around each ear.
If the mask has ties, pick up the mask by the ties and tie the upper ties behind your head with a bow.
Once the mask is in place, use your index finger and thumb to pinch the bendable top edge of the mask around the bridge of your nose.
If the mask has a lower tie, then once the mask is fitted to the bridge of your nose, tie the lower ties behind your head with a bow.
Make sure the mask is completely secure. Make sure it covers your nose and mouth so that the bottom edge is under your chin.
Wash your hands.

Removing the Mask

Wash your hands before removing the mask.
Do not touch the inside of the mask (the part over nose and mouth). It may be contaminated from your breathing, coughing or sneezing.
Untie or remove the ear loops and remove the mask by the straps.
Throw the mask in the trash (if it’s a disposable mask; some respirators, like N95s, can be reused). You should also try to recycle your mask, if possible.
Wash your hands.

Please Note: If you are using a reusable cloth mask, at the end of the day, take the mask off from the straps (not touching the front), place in a pillowcase to keep the ties with the mask. Wash it in the washing machine with hot water and completely dry on medium or high heat.

This information has been reviewed and approved by Infection Preventionist Rosine Angbanzan, MPH (February 2022)

The information on our website is medically reviewed and accurate at the time of publication. Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, information may have since changed. CDC.gov and your state’s health department may offer additional guidance.

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