LibGuides: COVID-19 (retired 3/10/2023): Masks (CDC) October 25, 2021

This libguide/pages will cease to be updated after March 10, 2023

As of March 10, 2023 this libguide/pages will cease to be updated.

Improve How Your Mask Protects You (CDC October 25, 2021)

Correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. Masks work best when everyone wears them, but not all masks provide the same protection. When choosing a mask, look at how well it fits, how well it filters the air, and how many layers it has.

Two important ways to make sure your mask works the best it can

Make sure your mask fits snugly against your face. Gaps can let air with respiratory droplets leak in and out around the edges of the mask

Pick a mask with layers to keep your respiratory droplets in and others’ out. A mask with layers will stop more respiratory droplets getting inside your mask or escaping from your mask if you are sick.

For more information on science behind improving how your mask protects you, see Improve the Fit and Filtration of Your Mask to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19.

For more information on wearing a mask and personal protective equipment in healthcare workplaces, see Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

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.

Use a mask fitter or brace

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.

illustration of person cupping hands on the sides of mask

Add layers of material

2 ways to layer

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.

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
For instructions, see the following https://youtu.be/GzTAZDsNBe0external icon.

Other things to consider

Certain types of facial hair, like beards, can make mask fitting difficult. People with beards can do one or more of the following:

Shave their beards.
Trim their beards close to the face.
Use a mask fitter or brace.
Wear one disposable mask underneath a cloth mask that has multiple layers of fabric. The second mask should push the edges of the inner mask snugly against the face and beard.

Masks designed for people with beards are being evaluated, and information will be provided when it becomes available.