Read current masking policies »
How to wear your mask
- The face covering/mask should fit snugly to cover the wearer’s mouth and nose. Research on mask fitting shows that infectious aerosol exposure decreased by about 95% when masks were tightly fitted, providing roughly the same level of protection as an N95 respirator. CDC guidelines offer tips for tightening the fit of cloth and disposable masks to boost COVID-19 protection.
The recommendations include:- Selecting masks with a nose wire
- Using a mask fitter over a disposable or cloth mask
- Checking that mask fits snugly with no gaps
- Adding layers of material (three or more)
- Knotting and tucking ear loops
- Masks should consist of multiple layers. Disposable isolation masks provided on the Medical Campus are three-ply, ASTM-rated masks.
- To improve fit and protection, a disposable isolation mask can be worn under a cloth mask. Do not double-mask with KN95s or N95s.
Learn more about how to wear and care for masks »
Handle your mask properly
To put on your mask
- First wash your hands before picking it up by the ear loops or ties.
- The mask must cover your nose and mouth at all times.
- Avoid touching the outside of the mask with your hands. Do not adjust it throughout the day or pull it down to talk.
To take off the mask, repeat the process
- Clean your hands first and unfasten the ties or ear loops.
- Do not touch the front of the mask.
- Wash your hands again after handling the mask.
Washing your masks
- Wash cloth masks before first use and after every subsequent use.
Preventing eyeglass fogging
It’s a common problem: Wearing a face mask can make your eyeglasses fog up. Here’s some advice to help avoid that problem. The tips come from two doctors and are published in the journal Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.