Proper and efficient mask use

During the COVID-19 epidemic, correct and consistent mask use is one of the most important precautions that everyone is able to follow to prevent the spread of more infectious versions of the virus. Masks work effectively when everyone wears them, but not all masks offer the same protection. When choosing a mask, you should pay attention to how well it fits your face, how it filters out air and how many layers it made of.

How can you make sure that your mask works properly?
Make sure that the mask fits snugly on your face! Droplets of mucus and saliva may escape and infiltrate through the gaps on the sides while breathing.
Choose a mask with multiple layers, which is able to stop respiratory dorplets, thus preventing them from entering and causing infection. They also prevent your own respiratory droplets from getting out and infecting others if you are sick.

What mask to choose?
It should be made of two or more washable layers, and it should allow breathing.
It sould completely cover your nose and mouth.
The edges should fit snugly on your face without gaps.
It should have a nose clip.

What mask NOT to choose?
Masks made of materials, such as plastic coated textile, that make breathing difficult.
Masks that have an exhalation valve or vent that could allow virus particles to escape.

How to wear the mask?
Wash or disinfect your hands before putting the mask on!
While wearing the mask, do not touch it! If it needs frequent adjustment becuse it does not fit snugly on your face, choose another mask that does not need adjustment while wearing it.

Tips for wearing a mask
Choose a mask with a nose clip. A metal strip on the upper part of the mask may prevent the air from entering and escaping at the top of the mask. Bend the clip onto your nose so that it fits snugly on your face.
Make sure the mask fits snugly on your nose, mouth and chin! If the mask fits properly, you should feel warm air coming through the front of the mask and the mask should move in and out when breathing in and exhaling.
Tie the ear loop of the disposable mask! Tie a knot on the ear loop directly where it is attaced to the mask and fold the tightened corners of the mask under the edges. This way, the mask fits on the face much better. Instrucional video in English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UANi8Cc71A0
Use multi-layer protection! Wear a textile mask that is made of multiple layers and additional filters can be inserted between the layers. You can make your own textile mask following the guide on our website.

Advice for special circumstances
Children For proper fit, children should use small masks specifically made for them. Make sure that the mask fits snugly on the nose, mouth and chin of the child and there are no gaps on the sides. Children under 2 years of age should not wear a mask.
In cold weather Wear your scarf or ski mask over your face mask. Scarves and ski masks cannot replace face masks.

Advice for special circumstances

Children

For proper fit, children should use small masks specifically made for them.

Make sure that the mask fits snugly on the nose, mouth and chin of the child and there are no gaps on the sides.

Children under 2 years of age should not wear a mask.

In cold weather

Wear your scarf or ski mask over your face mask.

Scarves and ski masks cannot replace face masks.

How to take off your maskt?
Carefully loosen the string of the mask or take the loop off your ear. Do not touch anything else than the string ot the ear loop. Fold the outer corners of the mask carefully. Make sure that you do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth when you take off your mask. Afterwards, wash or disinfect your hands immediately.

How to clean the mask?
Reusable masks should be washed regularly, which you can do together with other clothes as part of your ordinary laundry. Use the detergent you usually do and the warmest possible water setting. Wash your mask at the highest possible temperature and let it dry completely.