Tips for living with the masks
Based on national guidelines, Nova Scotia Health, within the last six weeks, has updated its recommendations for masking.
In a recent press conference, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Strang says they are now recommending a properly fitting, three-layered non-medical mask or cloth mask, or a properly fitted medical mask.
“Regardless of what mask you choose, it needs to be three-ply. The fit and wearing are equally as important as the type,” says Strang.
Although the masking requirements are not new, the idea of the three-ply may be for some, especially given that most cloth masks may be only two-ply.
Nancy O’Halloran, owner of Kentville-based BraveHeart First Aid, which sells first-aid equipment across Canada, echoes Strang.
“It’s important to note we have not changed any of our information about masking, it’s just that COVID is now faster spread,” she says, “…it’s just that it is being suggested that we wear better protection.”
THE RIGHT FIT
A mask needs to fit properly. There should be no gaps or loose spaces. You should not be able to blow out a candle. If you are in a compromised place, where the potential to catch COVID is high, it’s even more important to make sure it fits snugly, says O’Halloran.
Be careful if you cross or twist the straps of the mask, because with some face shapes, this can cause gaps to occur on the cheeks, she says.
THINK ABOUT PROTECTION
O’Halloran says to think about wearing a mask like getting dressed for the weather.
For example, if it’s raining you would probably put on a raincoat instead of a cotton coat.
Masks are like this. Some provide better protection, while others are also water resistant. The disposable or medical masks often have this waterresistant repellant at the front.
KNOW YOUR SIUATION
We should consider having different masks for various locations or situations.
For example, O’Halloran says when she goes to the grocery store, she usually wears a three-ply cloth mask as she mostly stays by herself while shopping.
But, with medical appointments, she would pick a mask that has a higher filtration, like KN-95 or N-95.
Regardless, we need to ensure the mask is properly fitting. When you are at risk, you should level up your mask, says O’Halloran.
GET YOUR PLIES STRAIGHT
“Three-ply is not the same as three layers,” she says.
Three-ply material is made from a melt-blown material placed between non-woven fabric. In contrast, three layers usually means material or fibre and is homemade.
A ply can be made from any material, so factory plies might be thinner than three or four layers of cotton you are sewing together.
When you buy a disposable three-ply mask, or a washable one, sometimes they have been made by different materials.
The three-ply mask, like the disposable ones, often have a non-woven fabric. This allows you to breathe cleaner air. These are thinner and offer more protection than the cloth masks.
A three-ply nonsurgical or surgical disposable mask will always offer more protection than a homemade three layer one, she says.
There is a four-ply medical grade mask that adds even extra filtration and protection. They have a high fluid resistance.
Some people are making three-layer with the filter in the middle. It’s important not just to sew that in but to make sure the mask fits.
KN-95 VS. N95 MASKS
Originally, N-95 meant that it was NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety) certified in the United States to be a proper mask.
This is similar to CSA approval in Canada. The 95 means that it has a 95 per cent filtration rate.
The KN-95 also has 95 per cent filtration. The K originally stood for Korean, but now, O’Halloran says many other countries are making similar masks.
There is not a huge difference between these in terms of safety, says O’Halloran.
To offer the best protection with these masks, they should have the straps around the back of the head.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WEAR A MASK?
It depends on the oil level of the skin, sweat, beard, make up, what environment you are in.
Unless you work in health care, they can be worn until they look or feel dirty, she says.
REBUILDING YOUR MASKS
If you still have a two-ply cloth mask left over from the first of COVID, she doesn’t recommend rebuilding them and adding more material layers to them. They are usually only good for 40 to 50 washes, anyway, as the material gets thinner.
KEEP YOUR MASK CLEAN
To help keep them clean, use the ear loops to take them off and don’t touch the front of the masks. Put it in a paper bag and do not stuff them into purses or pockets because that compromises the mask. Wash your hands before and after taking off the mask, says O’Halloran.
SHOULD WE GO DOUBLE-DOUBLE?
You don’t need to double up your masks if you are wearing a KN-95 or an N-95 mask. You could wear a disposable mask with a cloth mask over that if you were somewhere compromised.
There has been some research that shows that if you do double up on your masks, the disposable one should go on first, she says.