2020 has been a year full of unexpected events and changes. Whether you are still working from home or you have returned to the semi-normality of office life, we all have one new thing in common: a face mask. In most countries, they are now mandatory to be worn in closed public spaces, such as supermarkets, shops, some workplaces and on public transport. We, at iD, always care for your well-being, so in this article, we explain how to use face masks and we introduce you to our iD Care masks.

When and how do you wear a face mask?

Depending on the country you live in, there may be different regulations on when to wear a face mask. As a general rule, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends different types of masks including surgical face masks which may be used in the following situations:

• You are a healthcare worker.
• You have COVID-19 symptoms.
• You are caring for someone who has a suspected case of COVID-19.(1)

The WHO also recommends that, as a minimum, fabric face masks be worn by those who do not have COVID-19 symptoms within locations where social distancing cannot be achieved.(2) iD recommends that you follow the government guidelines for the country you live in.

To put on your mask correctly you should:

• Wash with water and soap or sanitise your hands beforehand.
• Put it on, ensuring it covers your mouth and nose and is secured under your chin.
• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face.
• If the mask has a nose-wire, use it to squeeze the mask close to the face.
• Ensure it is not restricting your breathing.
• Avoid touching your mask while wearing and remove it using the ties or ear loops, then wash or sanitise your hands.(3)

Which type of face mask should you use?

There are three main types of mask:

• Fabric masks: Also known as barrier, comfort or community masks; these include homemade masks, scarves or other face coverings. These offer a minimal protection, but when combined with social distancing, they could help to prevent the spread of droplets from the wearer. They trap droplets that are released when the wearer sneezes, coughs or talks. When the mask becomes wet or dirty, you should swap it for a clean one.(4) Follow the washing instructions from the manufacturers to ensure this is correctly done.

• Medical face masks: Also known as surgical face masks. They are single use, loose-fitting and disposable. They should be worn for no more than four hours. They protect the wearer from splashes (when type IIR), sprays and large-particle droplets. They also prevent the spread of droplets from the wearer. There are three levels of protection: Type I, Type II and Type IIR in ascending order.(5)

• Respiratory masks: The most common masks of this type are the N95 and FFPII masks. They offer a higher degree of protection than a surgical or cloth mask, because they can filter out both large and small particles. They are single use and can be worn for about 24 hours. They’re designed to block 95% of particles or liquids that may come into contact with your face. They are not for public use and should be reserved for healthcare workers.(6)

The most commonly recommended mask is the surgical/medical mask. It is especially advised for hospital and nursing home workers, though it is also suitable to be used by the general public. With this in mind, iD has designed the iD Care Mask.

Why choose iD Care masks?

iD Care designed its iD Care mask with your comfort and safety in mind. The key benefits for you are:

• iD Care masks are latex free and tested and approved by dermatologists.
• They are produced in Belgium, ensuring a high level of quality, service and delivery.
• It has a larger surface to ensure you a wider protected area
• The masks are disposable type IIR medical masks that provide you a maximum safety that a surgical mask can offer. They create a barrier against tiny droplets and splashes and are typically used in challenging healthcare environments, such as surgical rooms.
• Instead of ear loops, which can become uncomfortable behind the ears, iD Care masks have two large, flat, elastic headbands that fit around the head and neck. This ensures a close snug fit to the mouth and the nose providing a maximum protection and comfort.

The masks are hygienically packaged in a box of 50 pieces of which the top can be closed after taking a piece out.

At iD, we are committed to providing you with high quality, comfortable and dermatologically approved solutions for your medical needs. To shop our iD Care masks, click here.

In order to download the instructions of use click here.

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(1) “Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks”, World Health Organization, 5 August 2020, Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks

(2) Ibid.

(3) “How to Wear Masks”, CDC, 7 August 2020, Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html

(4) “Which type of face mask is most effective against COVID-19?”, Janelle Ringer, 11 August 2020, Source: https://news.llu.edu/health-wellness/which-type-of-face-mask-most-effective-against-covid-19

(5) Ibid. Additional information taken from iD’s presentation: “iD Care Masks: Type of Masks”

(6) Ibid.