Your Guide to the Best Face Masks
July 18, 2023
What used to be a recommendation is now a requirement. The new COVID-19 normal has us all wearing a face mask when we’re out in public to protect ourselves and to help stop the spread of germs.
While we’re all adapting, this new normal has come with a learning curve about face masks that’s creating a sense of confusion. The user’s guide is vague and sporadic, from trying to understand which fabric of mask is most effective to know whether to use disposable or a reusable mask, to learning the proper way to actually wear the mask in public for optimal protection against the virus.
It’s enough to make your head spin.
To wear a face mask or not to wear a face mask – that used to be the question.
Do I Need To Wear A Face Mask?
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The number one reason to wear a face mask is to protect you and to protect others. Wearing a face mask prevents you from unknowingly spreading the virus or accidentally catching it from someone else.
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If you think about your proximity to others while in the grocery store, for example, it’s pretty easy for the disease to spread. Research shows that COVID-19 is transportable up to 27 feet through the air in tiny droplets. That distance is much farther than the 6-foot recommendation for social distancing.
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The CDC notes that face coverings are not 100% effective in preventing the transmission of the virus; however, the barrier of it will help slow the community transmission.
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Wearing a face mask will help prevent those airborne particles or droplets from getting into your nose or mouth where the virus is most dangerous.
What Type of Face Mask Should I be Wearing?
In general, masks made from natural materials are a better option than those made from synthetic materials. 100% cotton in multiple layers helps prevent particles from reaching your nose or mouth, while synthetic fibers, like polyester, tend to be smooth and retain germs longer. The tighter the weave the better protection.
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When trying to decide which fabric to use, a great test is to hold the fabric up to the light. If you can see light coming through the fabric, it’s not going to work as an optimal protector against droplets that are lingering in the air.
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The CDC recommends that a double-layer or even multiple layers of material will provide you with the best protection against airborne particles.
Cotton fabrics have been found to block between 10%-60% of airborne particles, while a cotton-poly blend offers a bit more protection.
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Remember to change your mask after each use – don’t wear it all day. Reusable masks offer longevity with the ability to wash them after each use. Disposable mask, on the other hand, are good for a single-use, but may come with the challenge of availability if you run out unexpectedly.
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And while the face masks we are wearing in public serves the purpose of protecting us from spreading or catching the virus, they in no way take the place of N95 masks used by our first responders on the front lines.
Beware of Cross-contamination
How Should My Face Mask Fit?
The fit of your mask is important to ensure it covers your nose and your mouth for optimal protection.
The CDC recommends that your face mask fits snugly again your face, comfortably secured with ties or ear loops. It should always be breathable to allow you to breathe freely while wearing it.
Once you’re wearing your mask, try to refrain from touching it to prevent any cross-contamination with your phone or other items that are around. Also, never touch the front of your mask, or the part covering your mouth, especially if your grocery shopping or at the pharmacy. Wait until you’ve had a chance to wash your hands before touching or removing your mask.
Removing your face mask also takes some finesse. It’s good practice to remove your mask from the earholes or straps to prevent touching the outside of your mask.
Always consider the outside of the face mask contaminated and wash it after each use. If you accidentally do touch it, just wash your hands like you’ve already done 20 times that day.
We’ve Got Your Face Covered
We know that wearing a face mask will be part of our everyday lives for a while.
Our goal is to make sure you have a face mask available whenever you need to leave the house.
Our face mask designs are comfortable, breathable, and reusable, and the perfect way to help protect you from the spread of the virus.
Our designs are made from reusable fabrics and can be customized with your brand or logo to give it personality and style.
We’re all in this together.
The more we practice social distancing and wear our masks in public, the sooner the curve will flatten and we can get back to the normal we remember that doesn’t include wearing a face mask and allows us to share a smile with one another.
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