The DOs and DON’Ts of mask wearing

DOs

Choose a mask with a nose wire.
A nose wire is a metal strip along the top of the mask. Nose wires prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. Bend the nose wire over your nose to fit close to your face. Some masks use a mask fitter or brace over a disposable mask or a cloth mask to prevent air from leaking around the edges of the mask.

Check that it fits snugly over your nose, mouth, and chin.
Check for gaps by cupping your hands around the outside edges of the mask. Make sure no air is flowing from the area near your eyes or from the sides of the mask. If the mask has a good fit, you will feel warm air come through the front of the mask and may be able to see the mask material move in and out with each breath.

Add layers of material.
Use a cloth mask that has multiple layers of fabric. Wear a disposable mask underneath a cloth mask. The cloth mask should push the edges of the disposable mask against your face, but make sure you can see and breathe easily.

Knot and tuck ear loops of a 3-ply mask.
Knot the ear loops of a 3-ply face mask where they join the edge of the mask. Fold and tuck the unneeded material under the edges. Click to see video instructions.

DON’Ts

Don’t combine two disposable masks.
Disposable masks are not designed to fit tightly and wearing more than one will not improve fit.

Don’t combine a KN95 mask with any other mask.
Only use one KN95 mask at a time.