TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Masks are now one of the things you need to defend during a pandemic. It is impossible to leave the house without wearing a mask. Recent studies have shown that cloth mask surgery is quite effective in reducing the risk of transmission by up to 70 percent.
Many people are also investing in comfortable and fashionable cloth masks, which are also affordable to use. Surgical masks and cloths are good enough to protect infectious virus particles from coming near you when you are in public. It’s also good to use when you show symptoms yourself.
But, when is a good time to throw away your old mask and get a new one?
According to the most common medical guidelines, using a three-layer mask that fits the face, which has breathable material in it is the best form of protection at the moment, as reported by the Times of India website. As it can be washed and reused for future use, it also makes for an economical purchase. But, because most fabrics are prone to deterioration from washing and wear and carry out their natural life cycle, doing so can also degrade the quality of the mask and make it less useful against Covid-19.
Because wearing a mask is a mandatory habit for pandemic that we face today, it is important to take care of it and store it in the right way. Masks tend to be less effective if the quality of the cloth meant to cover the mouth and nose deteriorates. Harsh washing and chemicals can also affect their use.
If you don’t store it the right way, especially a mask that has a nose clip, this can also make room for loose gaps for germs to crawl around at next time. Therefore, practice proper mask hygiene and care is as important as wearing it.
Ideally, reusable cloths should be soaked in hot water and a disinfectant solution and allowed to dry. At the same time, you need to be very diligent about throwing it away after several washes.
Nonetheless, even with proper care and storage, masks have an expiration date. While it may not be possible to establish a timeline of when someone can safely dispose of a mask, much of it depends on the type of mask you have – cloth, number of washes done. It also depends on how many times you put on and take off your mask.
For example, if you are someone who travels more often and faces more exposure to the virus, the schedule for changing masks will also be different, and you will need to change more frequently than others.
Another great move to replace face mask You are thinking about getting a new mask when the seasons change. Ensuring the cleanliness and care of masks is also important given the changing seasons and polluted weather we are experiencing today. Bad, damaged masks, which are of poor quality, make it harder for you to avoid germs and pollutants and offer little protection. If you are wondering what is the best mask to buy that can protect you from pollution and Covid-19 here is a guide.
Apart from the aforementioned instructions, the following indicators can also help you to know if it is time for you to get a new mask.
-If you have to keep touching and adjusting the mask to fully cover the mask and your nose. A mask that fits snugly shouldn’t leave gaps or require minor adjustments.
-Check the elastic ties and knots on your mask. If the strap loosens or falls off repeatedly, it could be another sign that the mask doesn’t fit you anymore. It could also be a sign that the fabric has started to erode.
-If the fabric appears porous, or is light and thin after repeated washing.
-If you see any holes or tears in your mask. This is one of the most worrying mistakes that can be bad for you. Change your mask immediately, no matter how small or big the hole is.
Most importantly, if you want to be safe and doubt whether the mask makes you feel uncomfortable, replace it with a new one.
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