Protecting your lungs is crucial when you are working or living in an area that has high levels of pollution or has come under a virus outbreak. You can protect your lungs from any harm by wearing an N95 face mask. It has been designed to filter out all kinds of contaminants while you breathe.
However, this mask is effective only when you wear it the right way. In this article, you are going to understand how to wear an N95 mask correctly. Follow the steps mentioned below and learn the sequence of putting it on and adjusting it for full effectiveness.
Steps for wearing an N95 mask
Step 1. Wash your hands with a sanitizer or soap
Make sure you have your hands clean before you touch the mask. Any harmful contaminant remaining in your hand can pass on to the mask.
Step 2. Choose the mask that fits your size
Get a mask that covers your nose and mouth perfectly. Check the material your mask is made out of. Choose one that is well structured and lightweight. You can choose from extra sizes ranging from small to medium to extra large.
Step 3. Hold the mask in your hand
Position the mask holding it in your hand with the nosepiece at the fingertips. Let the straps hang below your hand.
Step 4. Position the mask in place
Set the mask over your mouth and nose with the nosepiece up. The nosepiece should fit over your nose bridge and the bottom should go under your chin.
Step 5. Put the straps in place
There are two straps in most of the N95 masks. Pull the top strap over your head and rest it high on the back of your head. Pull the bottom strap and place it around your neck below your ears.
Step 6. Adjust the nosepiece around the nose bridge
N95 masks have metal nose clips. Use your fingers to adjust the clip to fit your nose bridge. Push them down till they fit perfectly on both sides. Ensure that there is no air leakage.
Step 7. Do a fit check and test for leaks
Place your hands over the mask. Inhale and exhale. Look for leakage from the nosepiece or around the edges. Re-mold the nosepiece if you find a leakage. If you can’t seal your mask, ask for someone to help you with it.
Step 8. Do a fit check after adjustment
Make sure that the mask fits you correctly after you have made adjustments. You must check for seal leaks each time until you get the perfect fit. If you can’t get the right fit, you might consider replacing your mask.
Now that you know the procedure for wearing the mask, take a look at the procedure to remove the mask after using.
Step 1. Take your hand back and pull the bottom strap over your head.
Step 2. Bring the bottom strap overhead while keeping a hold on the top strap.
Step 3. Avoid touching the front surface of the mask.
Step 4. Keep it in a clean container or Ziploc bag for reuse. Discard it in a trash can if used in a medical setting.
Protecting your lungs is crucial when you are working or living in an area that has high levels of pollution or has come under a virus outbreak. You can protect your lungs from any harm by wearing an N95 face mask. It has been designed to filter out all kinds of contaminants while you breathe. However, you have to make sure that you are wearing it the right way. Only then will it be worth it.