Fabric or disposable? How often to wash? And other burning questions about masks

Part of an occasional series answering readers’ questions about Maine

Face masks have easily become the most iconic fashion accessory of 2020.

And as coronavirus cases hit record numbers every day, health officials warn of the dangers of Thanksgiving gatherings and the widespread availability of vaccinations in months yet, the ubiquitous face covering has become more necessary. than ever.

It is both the first and the last line of defense against COVOD-19. That’s because scientists now say it protects the carrier from inhaling the virus, in addition to preventing infected people from passing it on to others.

In Maine, people are now required to wear them in public places, regardless of physical distance from other people.

But while many people have been using masks for months – and even more have been doing so as cases increase – questions and doubts persist about the safest ways to use them. Here are the answers to some of those questions.

Why wear a mask?

Health experts say wearing a mask is the best line of defense against the spread of the coronavirus.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised people to wear masks for months because they help prevent those infected – whether they know it or not – from passing the coronavirus to other people. Facial coverings capture at least some of the invisible droplets that escape our nose and mouth when we breathe.

And recently, the agency said studies now show that a mask also helps protect the person wearing it from other infected people nearby. Essentially, the mask can also keep these droplets out.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that masks aren’t perfect, and that there are other important steps people should take to reduce risk: staying away from other people, being out of the way. outdoors or in well-ventilated areas and wash your hands.

Do I really have to wash my sheet mask after each use?

The CDC recommends washing your cloth mask whenever it gets dirty or at least daily.

Dr Dora Anne Mills, head of health improvement at MaineHealth and former director of the Maine CDC, says she treats her fabric coverings like socks and underwear.

“I wear them for a day and then they are thrown in the pile of laundry,” she says.

If your mask is wet or dirty with sweat, saliva, makeup, or other substances, you should keep it in a sealed plastic bag until you can wash it. Damp or dirty masks should be washed off as soon as possible to prevent them from molding.

What’s the best way to clean my sheet mask?

You can throw your mask in the washing machine along with your regular laundry as long as you use laundry detergent and the proper wash settings. If you prefer to hand wash your masks, use laundry detergent or soap and be sure to rinse them well.

Masks can be dried in a warm or hot dryer, hanging them in direct sunlight or laying them flat to dry completely. Just remember that wet masks can be difficult to breathe and are less effective than dry masks, according to the CDC.

Can disposable masks be worn more than once?

The CDC says disposable masks should be discarded after wearing them once. Mills says they should be discarded after being used for a day, which is considered around eight hours. Unlike cloth masks, they cannot be washed off.

Is it better to use cloth or disposable masks?

Either is fine and it may depend on your personal preferences. In the spring, health officials encouraged people to choose fabric headgear because disposables were scarce, which is no longer the case.

Studies show that masks with at least two layers of close-knit fabric, and especially those with different types of fabric, are best, Mills said. She recommends that people avoid fabrics like bandanas and knitted masks because the fabric is not tight enough to prevent viral aerosols from escaping.

People should also avoid any mask with an exhalation valve as they can spread infectious aerosols.

Mills suggests trying different types of masks if you don’t feel comfortable wearing one. To find one she liked, she searched Etsy for “Made in Maine Masks” and ordered a few different types to try.

“I like the ones with stretch bands that go around my head. The earrings are fine, but having the head loops allows me to pull the mask down when I don’t need it so that it fits around my neck, and back up when needed ” , she says. “The ones with a flip-flop are fine too, but probably better for someone without long hair, as I found my hair was caught between it. I also have a two layer mask which is more breathable which I use when I exercise outside. “

What should I do with my mask when I take it off while eating or drinking in a restaurant?

If you take off your mask to eat or drink outside of your home, the CDC recommends placing it in your pocket, purse, or paper bag. You should wash or disinfect your hands after removing your mask. After eating, you can put the mask back on with the same side facing out and wash or disinfect your hands again.

Mills suggests storing your mask in a towel or paper towel until you’re ready to put it back on.

“It’s best to put on and take off (put on and take off) masks while only touching the bands or loops around the head or ears. The main thing is not to touch the tissue that covers your nose and mouth, as it contains germs. It would be like touching your mouth, ”she says.

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