Wearing medical face mask may not be your favorite thing ever, but since they’re required by local law or store policy, chances are you need one or more. Fortunately, dozens of online stores and popular fashion brand names sell coverings including cloth face mask options so you don’t have to make your own face mask at home.
However, they should follow CDC guidelines about face coverings:
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face. Any space between your face and the mask is a potential spot where a virus could pass through.
- Be secured with ties or ear loops.
- Include multiple layers of fabric.
- Allow for breathing without restriction.
- Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
Some people may find wearing medical face masks uncomfortable. A double-layer tightly woven fabric mask is uncomfortable or makes it hard to breath. Then, we can try a single-layer, lighter weight fabric or stretchier mask. These may offer less protection than a denser mask, but might be more comfortable to wear. If you don’t have access to materials to make your own mask or can’t buy medical face mask (surgical face mask) currently, many household fabric items will offer varying degrees of protection and are better than not wearing a face cover at all.
