How long should a mask be replaced?
All disposable masks are limited to the number of times they can be used. Ordinary people cannot wear a mask continuously for more than 8 hours; people who are occupationally exposed cannot use it for more than 4 hours, especially not repeatedly. Because the protective ability of masks worn for a long time is reduced, especially when worn in high-risk situations and after close contact with the patient, the mask must be thrown into a trash can with a lid. If you wear the mask in places with sparsely populated people such as roads or parks in your daily life, you can take off the mask and dry it in a ventilated environment before continuing to use it.
Under what circumstances should the mask be replaced in time?
Obviously asked about the peculiar smell inside the mask; the mask is damaged or broken; when the mask is damp; the breathing resistance increases significantly; the mask cannot be closely attached to the face; the mask is contaminated by foreign objects such as droplets or blood stains; wearing the mask in close contact with the patient When wearing a mask and staying in the isolation ward, the mask must be replaced in time for the above situations.
What methods will cause the mask to fail?
1. The mask does not fit the face completely
There is a gap between the mask and the face, and the airflow can leave a gap when breathing. The risk of external bacteria intrusion is extremely high, which can reduce the filtering effect of the mask. The correct way is to press your nose a little while putting on the mask so that the mask fits closely to your face. When wearing a mask, you need to completely cover your nose and mouth. The metal strip should be close to the bridge of your nose. The upper part of the mask should be under the eye sockets, and the lower part of the mask should cover the chin.#p##e#
2. Wear the mask reversely
Generally, disposable medical surgical masks are divided into three layers. The functions from the outer layer to the inner layer are to prevent water intrusion, block particles, and absorb moisture. Wear the mask backwards, with the water-blocking outer layer facing inward, and the exhaled water vapor cannot pass through normally. The mask is soaked in about a few minutes, and it is unable to block it at all.
3. Pull the mask to your chin or hang it on your arm
Some people are accustomed to pulling the mask to the chin when going to the mall or eating. However, in this special period, the virus is very likely to be suspended. The chin and neck are the exposed parts of the virus. Pulling the mask to the chin can contaminate the inner layer of the mask. Wearing the nose and mouth back can increase the risk of infection. There are also some people who are used to putting masks on their arms, which is also wrong. When their arms are moving, they may touch things contaminated by viruses. Their arms have a large range of motion, which makes dust and bacteria adhere to the inner layer of the masks, which can`t provide protection at all. effect.
4. Not wearing a mask correctly
Everyone knows that wearing a mask can stop the spread of droplets, but you can remove it directly from the outside of the mask with your hands, which is equivalent to touching the transmission channel. The outside of the mask on the back of the hand is contaminated. If you do not wash your hands in time, rub your eyes or pick your nose, touch your mouth, etc., the virus is likely to invade your body. The mask should be removed through a lanyard, and then washed with soap and running water.
Tips
In this special period, wearing a mask when going out can protect yourself and others. The open air is well ventilated, you are in good health and there are no people gathered, and you don`t need to wear a mask when you keep a distance of more than two meters from others, but you must wear it in a standard manner in public places. In addition, you can choose disposable medical masks or N95 masks, which can better block the invasion of the new crown virus.
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