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The surgical mask is still our main tool in the fight against coronavirus (next to distance and hand hygiene). For it to be effective, there is an important rule to remember, especially in winter. Otherwise our mask will not be different “from a dirty handkerchief tied to the face”. What do specialists warn about?
- Wearing face masks is one of the basic ways to reduce the spread of the coronavirus
- Scientists remind that a mask that is exposed to moisture is less effective
- How to increase security? The solution is simple. If the mask becomes wet or wet, it is necessary to replace it with a new one
- For more up-to-date information on the coronavirus epidemic, visit the TvoiLokony home page
A wet mask works worse. It is like a “dirty handkerchief tied to the face”
Wearing face masks is one of the basic ways to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Its effectiveness depends, among others on whether we wear it properly, and therefore above all, whether we cover our nose and mouth with it, and how we care for the cleanliness of our hands and arms.
There is another factor deciding to what extent the mask limits the spread of the pathogen. Experts paid attention to it already in early autumn, but in winter it seems to be even more important. What is it about? Generally, it is about the weather, and more specifically about the fact that in winter, due to rain or snowfall, low temperature and exhaling water vapor, the mask gets wet quickly, and thus ceases to be effective. Coughing or sneezing in a mask also contributes to this.
- Seven myths about masks that you need to forget as soon as possible
Dr. Simon Clarke, professor of cell microbiology at the University of Reading, even said that “a wet mask is no different from a dirty face cloth” (from DailyMail). In the same vein, Dr. James Kravec from Mercy Health Youngstown spoke: “With the advent of winter, mask hygiene is more important than ever,” he reminded.
Why does a wet mask work worse? The reason is simple: moisture / water restricts airflow, and consequently reduces virus filtering, and can also make breathing difficult.
According to Karol Sikora, a former official of the World Health Organization, “all types of masks are basically sensitive to moisture”. This even applies to the N-95 masks, considered to be one of the most effective in preventing infections. The non-woven fabric used in the product is water-repellent, which means that moisture can limit safe and efficient filtering.
To avoid moisture and provide adequate protection, choose masks with proper filtration and capacity. Enter the Medonet Market and learn about the offer of disposable masks. If you prefer reusable masks, we recommend the Cotton reusable protective mask with a filter, available in various colors and at an attractive price.
«Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it becomes wet»
So the most important rule is: for the mask to be effective, it must remain dry. How can this be achieved, especially in winter? The solution is simple. If the mask becomes wet or wet, replace it with a new one.
- You can buy a set of FFP2 filtering masks at an attractive price at medonetmarket.pl
The World Health Organization reminds of this. As he emphasizes, all masks should be changed if they are “wet or visibly soiled”. In addition, you should not wear a wet / damp mask for a long time. “Replace it with a new one that is clean and dry as soon as it becomes wet”. Hence, it is so important to always have at least one spare clean mask with you (it is best to keep it in a zip-up bag).
When changing the cover, we are still bound by the safety rules. Before putting on the mask and after taking it off, wash or disinfect your hands (similarly, if you touch the mask that is already on). Take off the mask without touching its front part (it’s best to hold it by the strings). After taking the photo, we do not touch our eyes or mouth. The used mask is either thrown away – if it is single-use, or hidden in a plastic zip-up bag, when it is reusable and washed in at least 60 degrees C.
Remember that the way the mask is stored is of great importance. – When covering the mouth and nose was obligatory only in shops or public transport, I have often witnessed someone taking a mask out of a pocket or purse and putting it on the face – said pulmonologist Dr. Tadeusz Zielonka in an interview with Medonet. – It’s as if we kept a toothbrush loosely in a purse or pocket and used it to brush our teeth or ate with cutlery taken straight from the street. Would we do it? He asked rhetorically.
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Dr. James Kravec has one more warning for winter: scarves and similar items of clothing cannot replace face masks. If we are cold, we can cover the mask with it, but we must take into account that in this situation it will get wet even faster – he says.
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