“..The holster is a mask pulled down and resting on the neck. The flapjack happens when a person takes one ear loop off to talk on the phone. And then there’s the low rider. This is when you pretend that you are obeying the rules, but actually tug the mask down so that your nostrils are uncovered…”
Peter Hessler, Life in Lockdown China, The New Yorker 2020
Choosing the right mask for your team can be tricky. We put some tips together to make it a bit easier:
- What are you going to be using it for? For most of the public and for employees of businesses, the use of masks is really about protecting others by stopping the spread of droplets when sneezing, coughing etc. So, a surgical mask, or home-made with 3 layers, is your best choice. For medical staff and testers undertaking aerosol generating tasks a N95 or FP95 mask is appropriate.
- How long will you be using it for? Will you be wearing your mask for protracted periods of time, or just a short time a day while in public? Surgical Masks can be worn until they are damp and at the most for 4 hours. N95 masks can be worn for a maximum of 8 hours.
- Avoid masks with valves: The problem with valved masks is that they filter incoming air but do not filter it on the way out. This means that the wearer of the masks would have some protection from infection from others, but if the wearer has Influenza and doesn’t realise it, they will still be spreading the germs into the open and to others unknowingly.
- Know how to don and doff your mask properly: Make sure you wash your hands before donning and doffing your mask. Don the mask then fit to cover nose and chin, pinching the nose to fit correctly to the nose and cheeks. Ensure a comfortable fit, if you wear glasses this is very important to avoid your glasses fogging up. Doff the mask by hooking the elastic or ties off avoiding touching the mask itself or your face. Dispose of in a biohazard or closed bin
- Know how to wear it properly: Don’t touch and adjust your mask when you are wearing it, and ensure the mask covers your nose mouth and chin.
Want more information?
For useful tips on masks and how to wear them, check out the following instructional videos on donning and doffing.
Or check out our range at https://www.nxp.nz/solutions/ppe
