Can you wash it? Or should you just throw it away? Along with the pandemic has come an array of doubts plaguing people’s minds about what to do with the face masks. And whether you’ve recently purchased Australian made face masks or a regular cover to keep germs at bay, knowing about its aftercare and reusability is a must.
So, if you’ve purchased a pretty face mask online, but can’t decide how to maintain and care for it, keep reading!
What Does Your Mask Require for Its Aftercare?
Face masks have become the potent tools for limiting the spread of airborne infections in every corner of the world, including Australia.
From standing guard against microorganisms in Marrickville farmers’ market to stopping sneeze droplets enter the atmosphere, these face covers are a must-wear accessory. However, while protecting yourself and others, you might end up confused about what to do with your own protective cover after usage. And today, you’ll get to learn all about the different types of masks and what they need post-usage.
Usage
Type 1: Cloth Masks
Your routine, easy-to-pick-and-use fabric mask is convenient to use. Even though the filtering efficiency is much less compared to other varieties, these covers are the everyday choice of most people. However, you must know that they don’t block out all microscopic germs.
Type 2: Layered Surgical Cover
The layered polypropylene masks are capable of blocking air, particle droplets, germ sprays etc. But, they can’t restrict infected aerosol from transmitting and reaching the person using the mask.
Type 3: N95 Respirator
Made of polypropylene, these masks come with respirators that allow easy breathability and protection against 0.3-micron germs. These face covers are a must if you work in a medical facility in Australia or around patients infected with diseases that spread through the air.
Post-Usage
Usually, most of the masks are single-use only. However, you can still utilise them if you know which ones you should keep or dispose of.
Type 1: Cloth Masks
It’s one of the best qualities of a fabric mask that it can be reused. But, you need to exercise proper caution to avoid the spread of germs from their surfaces to people around you. And that’s why you must ensure that you wash your face masks properly after every use and wear them only after drying correctly. Also, let the sunlight in be of some help for effectively cleaning and drying your face masks.
Type 2: Layered Surgical Cover
The surgical masks come in the category of use-fold-and-dispose. And after using your protective face mask, take it out using the ear loops and carefully fold it without touching the outside surface. Also, ensure that you dispose of these in an airtight polybag.
Type 3: N95 Respirator
The N95 variants are one of the most convenient and effective mask models. And you can reuse them by neatly placing them in a zip-lock bag after use. But, you can wear the same mask after every 4th day of usage to ensure that no virus comes in contact with you.
Most of the face masks are for single use only. However, some covers like N95 respirators from Australian made face mask suppliers can be reused with proper caution. So don’t wait up; go and find yourself a suitable mask that lets you safely breathe while remaining lazy!
Also visit ibomma