Masking: How to choose, use and care for masks

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Consider this advice when choosing, using and caring for a mask. This advice is intended for the general public and is not intended for occupational health purposes, including health care settings.

Choose

• Consider the different types of masks available for public use:
  • respirators (like N95)
  • medical masks
  • non-medical masks
• Choose a mask that's most appropriate for your situation.
• Choose a mask that's clean, dry and damage free.
• Choose a mask that fits snugly against your face and has no gaps.
• Choose a mask that fully covers your nose, mouth and chin.
• If you wear a non-medical mask, choose one that's made of multiple breathable layers, including:
  • at least 2 layers of tightly woven fabric and
  • a third middle filter layer

Use

• Use the ties, bands or ear loops to put on and take off your mask.
• Make sure the mask fits snugly against your face by adjusting the:
  • flexible nosepiece
  • ear loops, ties or bands
• Remove the mask if you have trouble breathing for any reason while wearing a mask.
  • If your breathing doesn't improve, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Care

• Store your mask in a clean paper or cloth bag if you plan to wear it again.
  • If reusing a mask, ensure it's clean, dry and free of damage.
• Change your mask when it's dirty, damp or damaged, and keep it out of reach of others.
  • Store soiled reusable non-medical masks in a waterproof bag or container until they can be cleaned.
• Wash reusable non-medical masks with hot, soapy water, either in a washing machine or by hand, and dry completely before wearing again.
  • You can wash non-medical masks with an integrated filter layer.
  • Remove disposable filters in non-medical masks before washing.
  • Change disposable filters as per the manufacturer's instructions.
• Throw dirty, damp or damaged disposable masks and used filters in the garbage or use a mask recycling program if one is available.
• Clean your hands after adjusting or removing a used mask.

Don't

• Don't put a mask on:
  • children under 2 years of age
  • people who live with illnesses or disabilities that make it difficult to put on or take off a mask without assistance
  • if you have trouble breathing while wearing a mask
• Don't use a scarf, bandana, neck gaiter or face shield instead of a mask.
• Don't wash disposable respirators or medical masks.
• Don't touch the front of your mask.
• Don't hang your mask from your neck or ears, or place it under your chin.
• Don't share used masks.

Related links

• Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases