Wearing a mask is crucial for stopping the spread of COVID-19. Some people may find the masks to be uncomfortable with extended wear. With masks being mandated, it’s important to figure out ways to help you do your part in flattening the curve. We aren’t medical professionals so our tips shouldn’t be taken as such, but here are some simple mask hacks we like, for increased comfort.
Correct Fit
Gaps in your masks may create access for germs to travel in and out of the mask. If your mask feels loose, try crisscrossing the ear loops. This will help tighten the mask and prevent it from slipping. Surgical masks can be folded and taped to fit children’s smaller faces. Make sure the edges of the mask are folded inward for optimal protection.
Prevent Ear Pain
To prevent pain from the loops, you can use a headband with buttons, string, or a paper clip to attach the loops to the back of your head. If those options don’t work for you, you can try using double-sided body tape or buying masks that feature ties instead of loops. By lifting the loops away from the back of your ears, you’ll experience less irritation and discomfort.
Eliminate Fogging
Your breath can rise up through the mask and fog your glasses, which can make it difficult to see. You can block fogging by pinching the fabric around your nose before putting on your glasses. The nosepiece can hold the mask’s material in place to eliminate gaps for your breath to escape. A folded facial tissue, tucked along the top inside edge of the mask can help to reduce fogging, and medical tape can be helpful for securing the mask in place.
Another of the most popular masks hacks you can try is wiping your lenses with a drop of dish soap or shaving cream. The protective layer can prevent the effects of temperature changes that cause fogging. Adjust your glasses to the bridge of your nose to increase better air circulation. Practice breathing downward to help reduce the chance of your breath fogging up your glasses.
Reduce Skin Irritation
To help prevent irritation, clean and moisturize your skin approximately 30 minutes before wearing a mask. The moisturizer can form a protective barrier to reduce friction from the cloth. Makeup can also irritate the skin while wearing a mask. If you wear a mask frequently, aim to give your skin a break once every two hours.
If you’re wearing a homemade mask, use breathable materials that can absorb sweat on hot summer days or in heated indoor spaces. Cotton can be an ideal material for breathability over polyester material that can trap moisture. Wear lighter colored masks on hot days, and darker masks in cool weather. Launder masks daily to prevent the growth of bacteria. If your mask becomes wet while wearing, change into a fresh mask.
Help Prevent the Spread
To fight this virus effectively, we all need to do our part by wearing masks. These mask hacks for safety and comfort will help you navigate safely outdoors and prevent the spread. Help keep yourself and others safe while we see this pandemic through the changing seasons, by making your own mask wearing more comfortable.
Come see us again soon and never forget to…
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Mickey