Masks are effective in mitigating the spread of the coronavirus, but people are becoming lax about using them as the pandemic drags on. With infections surging again, experts recommend wearing a nonwoven mask fit properly on the face.
-- The right mask
The importance of masks has been recognized since the early stages of the pandemic last year.
"As infections rise, people should wear nonwoven masks to protect themselves and those around them," said Koji Wada, a professor of public health at the International University of Health and Welfare.
Experts recommend nonwoven masks over ones made with urethane.
A research team from Riken, Kobe University and other institutes found that the droplet permeability rate is higher with urethane masks than with nonwoven products when both inhaling and exhaling.
"Some people used urethane masks when it was difficult to find nonwoven products, but there no longer is any shortage," Wada said. "Avoid urethane even if the mask is more fashionable or for other reasons."
Experts also recommend not using face and mouth shields because they are less effective at stopping droplets.
-- The right fit
Even nonwoven masks are less effective when worn incorrectly.
According to the Japan Hygiene Products Industry Association, wearing a mask correctly increases its effectiveness in preventing infections.
The correct way to wear a nonwoven mask is as follows.
With a pleated mask, ascertain the front from the back as they may be made from different materials that have distinctive effects.
Check the packaging to determine the front from the back. If unclear, grab the top and bottom of the mask and pull. The concave side goes against the face.
If the mask has wire, bend it to fit the shape of the nose before putting on the mask.
"The nose is at the center of the face. First shaping the wire to the nose will make the mask fit snugly," a representative of the hygiene association said.
Then, pull the loops around the ears, spread the pleats and make sure the face is fully covered from nose to chin.
Finally, press the wire firmly against the nose and check for gaps.
"The key is not to have any gaps," the representative said. "Also, choose a mask that is the right size for your face."
Do not lower the mask under the nose even if it is difficult to breathe or hot.
-- 'Be smart'
"The loss of a sense of urgency due to the prolonged pandemic is one of the reasons why cases are now increasing," said Hidekazu Nishimura, director of the Virus Research Center at the Sendai Medical Center.
Nishimura advises people to wear nonwoven masks and emphasizes the importance of knowing when it is necessary to use one.
"There's no point in wearing a mask in places where there are no people. But it's essential to wear one indoors or when talking to people," Nishimura said. "It's important to be smart."
It is also important to be thorough about other infection control measures, such as handwashing, ventilation and social distancing.
Yoshiro Hayashi, director of the intensive care unit at Kameda Medical Center in Chiba Prefecture, which treats COVID-19 patients, said people need to undertake multiple infection control measures simultaneously.
"For example, even if you're wearing a mask, you're at risk of infection if you talk for a long time in an unventilated room. Just like risk control in crime prevention and other fields, it's important to take a variety of measures," Hayashi said. "I want people to implement various measures to bring their risk of infection closer to zero."
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
