Prolonged Facemask Use: A Guide

Kevin Cleary Article published Jul 11, 2020 Article updated Jan 04, 2023

Introduction | Buy Masks | Mask Tips

The current coronavirus pandemic has forced us to change our behavior in public. Social distancing and minimizing large gatherings are a crucial tool in minimizing the spread of this virus. If we want to get back to the way things were pre-coronavirus, the use of facemasks can be a useful tool, but do we truly understand what prolonged facemask use means and the benefits of it? Since airborne particles are how the virus spreads, this might be our best weapon in the fight against this pandemic. We here at HPFY can give you a useful guide detailing the prolonged use of a facemask.

How Protected Are You?

Unsure About Actually Wearing a Face Mask?

A close up of an object Description automatically generated. In order to slow the spread of coronavirus, health officials have suggested that those who can’t be socially distant from each other (approximately 6 feet) wear a facemask or covering. This edict has been met with mixed reactions, some valid some not. Yes, prolonged use of a facemask can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but do the pros outweigh the cons? One concern of prolonged facemask use is difficulty breathing. Particularly that masks force the user to inhale dangerous levels of CO2. While a N95 mask may restrict your breathing, there is minimal risk of CO2 danger. Also, everyday John q. Public should probably not be wearing this type of mask designed for healthcare workers or their patients. This leaves cloth masks for the rest of us and they present and even lower risk of breathing issues. The important thing to know about wearing face masks is that it minimizes the airborne particulates that can pass along the virus from person to person. While you may be healthy, your grandparents may be susceptible, so coughing or even singing could get them sick.

Mask Wearing Tips and Tricks

When wearing your face covering or mask, be sure that it covers both your mouth and nose and fits snugly. So, if wearing a mask or face covering has benefits that outweigh any potential or even imagined downside, are there ways to make extended use easier? Turns out there are some simple tips that can make prolonged mask use more bearable. Steps to help with prolonged mask use that experts recommend often include:

Take Five Breaths: By taking five breaths before putting on your mask, right after you put your mask on, and after removal of your mask can stop your nervous system from developing an incorrect breathing pattern. This entails inhaling through your nose for 4 seconds and exhaling through your mouth for 6 seconds. Take a two-second break and repeat five times.
Breathe Deep: As some people wear their masks, they actually change the way they breathe. In order to avoid this, make a concerted effort to breathe slower and longer when wearing your face covering.
Take a Break: When possible, try to take a break from wearing your mask or face covering. It is these little respites that can make prolonged mask use bearable. Again, take five deep breaths during these breaks and be sure that during a break you are mindful of social distancing.
Train Yourself: The use of respiratory training can have a couple of benefits. First, it can make breathing through a mask or face covering easier, and secondly it improves the respiratory muscles which is important when dealing with issues such as Covid-19.

5 Best Facemasks to Fight COVID-19 for 2023

1. Gen 3-Ply Protective Pleated Face Mask With Earloops

Gen 3-Ply Protective Pleated Face Mask is comfortable and made with high quality breathable material. It is an anti-droplet face mask that comes with a pleated and 3d design. This protective mask features adjustable earloops, an adjustable nose bridge, and seamless crimping. This pleated blue mask protects the user from bacteria and viruses.

8 Reasons to Choose Gen Three Ply Ear Loop Face Mask

Earloops with wide ear band for comfort
Universal size
Fluid resistance
Made with high quality non-woven fiber fabric
3 layers polypropylene face mask
Filters over 95% of air particles
Provides full protection by covering nose, mouth and chin
FDA Approved

Features of Gen 3-Ply Pleated Earloop Face Mask

Disposable Mask For Teenagers And Adults - Stay healthy and safe when you are out or at work by wearing one among our disposable face masks. Keeping you faraway from pollutants and allergens, also great for pet allergens. Three layers of protection assist you purify every breath.
3 Layer Design - Thick 3-layer masks have extra-soft ear loops to eliminate pressure to the ears. Inner layer is formed of sentimental facial tissue, no dye, gentle to the skin.
One Size Fits Most - These face masks are suitable for adults and youngsters making them ideal to keep in your range in case of an emergency.
High Quality - Disposable elastic surgical mask is made of non-woven fiber fabric, comfortable and breathable, soft and skin-friendly, and simple to use.
Gives comfort fitting and soft earloops are skin friendly
Earloops helps prevent presure to the outer ear

Gen 3-Ply Protective Pleated Face Mask With Earloops

2. N95 Particulate Respirator Mask

N95 Particulate Respirator Mask has a lightweight construction that feels comfortable and helps provide respiratory protection against certain non-oil-based particles. This Respirator Mask is NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) approved for environments containing certain non-oil-based particles and provides at least 95 percent filter efficiency. The respirator incorporates advanced electrostatically charged microfiber filter media designed for ease of breathing and is compatible with a variety of protective eyewear and hearing protection.

Features of N95 Face Mask

Features an adjustable nose clip and soft nose foam for security and comfort
Lightweight construction helps increase wear time
Two-strap design with welded dual point attachment helps provide a secure seal
Compatible with a variety of protective eyewear
Advanced electrostatic media is designed for ease of breathing

How to wear N95 Respirator Mask?

Pre-stretch the straps before wearing. Place the respirator over your nose and mouth. Be sure the metal nose clip is on top.
Pull the top strap over your head until it rests on the crown of your head above your ears.
Pull the bottom strap over your head until it rests just below your ears.
Place your fingertips from both hands at the top of the metal nosepiece. Using two hands, mold the nose area to the shape of your nose by pushing inward while moving your fingertips down both sides of the nosepiece.
Place both hands completely over the respirator. Be careful not to disturb the position of the respirator. Inhale and exhale sharply. If air leaks around nose, readjust the nosepiece.

When to use N95 Particulate Respirator Mask?

N95 Face Mask can be used in the following conditions:

Commercial Buildings
During Construction
Food Processing
General Manufacturing
Heavy Infrastructure
Mining, Oil & Gas
Transportation

N95 Particulate Respirator Mask - 20/Pack

3. 3M Tie-On Surgical Mask

3M Tie-On Surgical Mask is preferred for comfort and breathability. A tie-on surgical mask with horizontal ties, is ideal for surgical and general-purpose use. The mask has 99 percent bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) and is designed to fit a variety of facial shapes and sizes.

Features of 3M 1818 Tie-On Surgical Mask

3M Tie-On Surgical Face Mask is lightweight
Non-fiberglass
3-layer construction is comfortable to wear
Does not contain either natural rubber latex or dry natural rubber
Flat, with bi-directional pleats and horizontal ties for largely increased facial comfort and fit
Soft breathable inner lining
Convenient ear loop design allows you to slip on and remove the mask quickly and easily
Ear loop mask is soft and lightweight for comfortable wear

When 3M Tie on Surgical Face Mask can be used?

COVID Protection
Operating Room
Labor and Delivery
Patient Care
Isolation (including patient and visitor use)
Cardiac Cath Laboratory
Endoscopy
Laboratory/Pathology
Clinics and Physician Offices
Housekeeping and Other Non-Patient Care Service

3M Tie-On Surgical Mask

4. Cypress Earloops Procedure Face Mask

Cypress Earloops Procedure Face Mask allows for quick and easy application. It's a multi-layer design, fluid-resistant, adjustable nose piece, wrap-around visor, sonic weld to the front of the mask. With a soft and smooth innermost layer of comfort, it gives protection and comfort, provides a barrier against contaminating, and eliminates eye-glass fogging.

Features of Cypress Earloops Disposable Face Mask

Secures to face for a custom fit, provides full facial coverage, provides greater strength
Stretchable earloops provide a personalized fit and make it more convenient to use
Single-Use disposable face mask
Disposable
Latex-Free

What Cypress Earloop Face Mask made of?

Outer: Spunbond Non-Woven Polypropylene, 25±2g/m2
Middle: Melt-Blown Non-Woven Polypropylene, 25±2g/m2
Inner: Spunbond Non-Woven Polypropylene, 25±2g/m2
Nose Bridge Bar: 0.5mm Width Metal Clip
Earloop: Single Strand Width of Spandex Core Wire

How long can you wear Disposable Mask?

The disposable mask should never be worn for more than one day. Cloth facemasks may be washed in hot water, but disposable facemasks can only be used once before being discarded.

Cypress Earloops Procedure Face Mask

5. KN95 Filtering Face Mask- 20/Pack

KN95 Filtering Face Mask is suitable for protection against powder, PM2.5 smog, particulates, flu, bacteria, saliva, dust etc. This mask is good for wind proof and protection the face against cold weather. It features an ear loop closure design and comes in white color. The bacteria and particulate filtering efficiency is greater than or equal to 95%.

How to wear KN95 Filtering Face Mask?

Open the mask and place the bridge of the nose on it.
After wearing the mask, press the bridge of the nose to close it.

Storage of the KN95 Filtering Face Mask

Store in clean and cool place, Humidity <80%, Temperature: 10°C - 40°C

Cautions with the KN95 Filtering Face Mask

Keep the face mask clean before use. Do not touch the rear side of face mask
Ensure the face mask fit to face, by adjusting the nose piece, keeping mask edge close to face
Check the air sealing of mask. Do not use if the face mask is broken or with hole or leakage.
Do not wash the face mask with water. Water will destroy filtering ability and protection.
Do not steam the face mask, and do not put it in micro-woven
Keep the face mask away from vapor, oils, chemicals, paints, liquid, acid, alkaline objects
Discard the face mask when it gets quite dirty or breathing resistance increase remarkably

KN95 Filtering Face Mask- 20/Pack

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.

Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.

In 2006, ...