Staying Safe: How to Wear Your Face Mask

You’ve chosen the mask you need and now you’re ready to wear it. The way you approach the simple task of putting it on, the things you do (and don’t do) while it’s on your face, and how you remove it will affect the level of protection the mask provides.

Technique Matters

No matter what mask you’re using, a few essential rules always apply.

• Wash your hands and face before putting on your mask. Touch only the loops or ties and then the sides of the mask, if needed. And when it comes to gloves, don’t put them on until after your mask is securely in place.
• Proper coverage. Slip on your mask, ensuring it covers your nose and mouth, reaching all the way under your chin. It should fit snugly across the bridge of your nose (preferably with a flexible nose strip), resting smoothly against the sides of your face and around your chin without gaps.
• Hands off! Now that your mask is in place, avoid touching it as much as you can. You don’t want those gloves you’re using to touch surfaces and handle contaminated items to come in contact with your mask. If you must adjust it, grip the sides of your face mask near your ears.
• Taking off your mask. You may be in a hurry to unmask but pause to wash your hands first! Once again, reach for the loops or ties and carefully remove the mask.

Learn More and Watch a Mask Demonstration

Watch this video to see how to properly put on and wear KN95 respirator filtration masks plus when to use different types of masks. Also read “Staying Safe: How Should I Care for My Masks?” or catch up on the first article in this series, “Staying Safe: Which Mask Should You Choose?”.