Improve how your mask protects you

Even with the vaccine, correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. It’s important to continue wearing masks while in public because it’s still possible to contract the virus, and even if you don’t feel sick, you could still spread the virus to others.

Masks work best when everyone is wearing them, but not all masks provide the same protection. When choosing a mask, look at how well it fits, how well it filters the air, and how many layers it has.

Two important ways to make sure your mask works the best it can:

• Make sure it fits snugly against your face. Gaps can let air with respiratory droplets leak in and out around the edges of the mask.

• Pick one with layers to keep your respiratory droplets in and others’ out. A mask with layers will stop more respiratory droplets from getting inside your mask or escaping from your mask if you are sick.

Do consider the following when choosing a mask:

• Choose a mask with a nose wire. A nose wire is a metal strip along the top of the mask that will prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. Bend the nose wire over your nose to fit close to your face.

• Use a mask fitter or brace. Use a mask fitter or brace over a disposable mask or a cloth mask to prevent air from leaking around the edges of the mask.

• Check that it fits snugly over your nose, mouth and chin.

Check for gaps by cupping your hands around the outside edges of the mask. Make sure no air is flowing from the area near your eyes or from the sides of the mask. If the mask has a good fit, you will feel warm air come through the front of the mask and may be able to see the mask material move in and out with each breath.

• Add layers of material. You can use a cloth mask that has multiple layers of fabric, or you can wear one disposable mask underneath a cloth mask. The second mask should push the edges of the inner mask against your face.

• Make sure you can see and breathe easily.

Do not combine two disposable masks, which are not designed to fit tightly, or combine aKN95maskwithanyothermask. —National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases