REVEALED: How to wear your mask correctly so your glasses don't fog up, you can breathe and keep yourself and others safe - so are you doing it right?

  •  Experts have weighed in on how to make wearing a mask comfortable and safe
  •  The two women, from different backgrounds, have shared their top tips
  •  Choosing the fabric and shape of the mask is important as is the overall fit

By Belinda Cleary For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Wearing a face mask is now part of everyday life for millions, but it can be an uncomfortable experience leading to breakouts, fogged glasses and sore ears. 

With the World Health Orgainsation advising that everyone should 'make wearing a mask a normal part of being around other people' amid the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems like mask waering will remain the norm for the forseeable future.  

But how do you prevent common problems bad skin, smudged make-up and fogged up glasses as a result of their masks, and what's the safest way to remove your face covering?

Femail spoke to a range of experts including Ceri Smith-Jaynes, from the Association of Optometrists, hygiene expert Lisa Ackerley, who is a trustee of The Royal Society for Public Health and face mask designer Celia Li to find out how to tackle common problems. 

Wearing a face mask does not have to be an uncomfortable experience leading to breakouts, fogged glasses and sore ears - experts say

Wearing a face mask does not have to be an uncomfortable experience leading to breakouts, fogged glasses and sore ears - experts say

WHAT ARE THE TOP TIPS TO KEEPING MYSELF AND OTHERS SAFE WHILE WEARING A MASK? 

WEAR IT CORRECTLY

Surgical masks have two sides, a white side and a blue side. The blue side MUST be showing on the outside.

The surgical mask also has a top and a bottom. However, if wearing the mask correctly, you should feel a wire on the top. This is so you can mould the mask to the shape of your nose. 

They should ideally cover as far under your chin as it allows.

DON'T TOUCH 

Try to avoid touching the mask - you are potentially spreading germs to yourself and others. 

Ideally, wear them for a maximum of four hours - If they become wet or dirtied in any way, replace them immediately. 

Throw away disposable masks after every use. Bbut you may have only used it for a few minutes, in which case you could remove carefully and keep out of the way for 72 hours before using again. Don’t re-use if dirty or damaged.  Even the washable masks need to be swapped if they have been removed. As touching them has the potential to spread any virus on the mask elsewhere.

REMOVE CAREFULLY

When taking of masks, perform hand hygiene before and take off from the straps (the off from the back of your ears) and then immediately dispose of mask. Then perform hand hygiene immediately afterwards. It seems much easier pulling from the front, but then you are spreading germs.

STORE SAFELY 

Keep the covering in a bag folded over so the inside surfaces touch each other, and the straps are at the top. then when you get it out again, pull it out by the straps. 

WASH REGULARLY  

If you have a number of coverings, you could keep them for 72 hours before laundering normally, or if you want to wash daily, then wash at 60C.

You may want to use a saucepan and some detergent rather than use the washing machine for just a small wash. A food thermometer would tell you when your water temperature is 60C. 

Advertisement

HOW TO WEAR MY MASK TO MAKE IT MORE COMFORTABLE? 

If you have trouble breathing with a mask on?

1. Choose a mask made from breathable fabrics such as good quality 100% cotton, bamboo or performance polyester which is more breathable.

2. Use essential oils such as peppermint or lavender oil at the base of the mask to help with comfort and ease your breathing.

If it is too hot to wear a mask?

1. Choose masks that are made from cooling moisture wicking fabrics that are suitable for Australian weather - cotton is breathable but is not quick drying so can create extra heat after wearing for a long time.

3. Choose breathable fabrics that allow for better airflow.

4. If you have long hair, tie it back in a ponytail.

5. Wear the correct sized mask for your face shape. 

What if my ears hurt because of the loops?

1. Instead of the more common elastic ear loops, use a mask that has adjustable ear straps.

2. Choose a mask with soft flexible and thinner elastic straps.

What if wearing a mask is causing me to break out?

1. Avoid use of heavy foundation which can clog your pores.

2. Moisturise your skin, especially in the areas prone to irritation from the mask rubbing against your skin.

3. Choose a mask that sits away from your nose and cheeks to minimise the fabric rubbing against your face.

4. Choose a mask that has antibacterial properties such as nanosilver to minimise bacterial growth on the surface.

5. Wash your face before and after wearing a mask.

SOURCE: Cecilia Li Novw Masks 

Advertisement

HOW CAN I STOP MY GLASSES FOGGING WHILE WEARING A MASK? 

Ensure the mask is well-fitted

Take a little time to shape the nose wire on your face mask so that it closely follows the contours of your nose and cheeks, and secure the top strap well.

If your mask has no wire, you can insert a twist tie or pipe cleaner into the top edge of the mask. You could secure the top edge with micro-pore tape, if necessary.

Alternatively, fold a tissue until it forms a strip and place it along the top edge of the mask before you put it on.

Adjust the loops

If you have a small head, you may find you need to twist the loops before putting them around your ears to get a snugger fit.

If the mask has tapes to tie it, tie the top one high on the back of your head after putting on your glasses.

Keep your glasses warm

Your lenses will fog up more if they are cold, so wear your glasses or put them in your pocket to warm them a little before you need to put on your mask.

Have your glasses professionally fitted

Ring your optician and book an appointment, remembering to take your mask with you (and your face-shield if you need to work in one).

They can adjust the nose-pads or sides to fit properly with your PPE. Varifocals will need to sit exactly right to ensure optimum performance.

Consider contact lenses

If you've never worn them before, now is a great time to try them. If it's been years since you wore contact lenses, ask the practice about the new options.

You'll need a professional fitting by an optometrist or contact lens optician. The range of prescriptions is vast; even if you wear varifocal glasses, there are options for you.

Invest in anti-fogging spray 

Good quality anti-fog sprays can work well and can be purchased from most opticians.

Never use washing up liquid on glass lenses. It can break down the anti-reflection lens coating gradually over the years, resulting in a crazy-paving effect for which there is only one cure – replacement lenses.

Advertisement

Most watched News videos

Comments 1127

Share what you think

  View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

  View all

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.