Everything You Need to Know About Masks

Wearing a mask is one of many ways we can help limit the spread of germs, bacteria and viruses, like COVID-19. Masks are used as a barrier to stop the spread of respiratory droplets that can be produced when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks(main way COVID-19 is transmitted). In Saskatchewan, healthcare professionals are required to wear masks when working with patients. Depending on your line of work and the population you work with, the type of mask varies. For example, here at Donald Physiotherapy we must wear either a surgical or certified reusable mask while providing treatment to our clients. You may notice that in hospital settings, some healthcare professionals are required to wear what is called an N95 respirator which provides more protection and has a more appropriate fit than a surgical mask. The population you are working with, the nature of your job, and the potential risk for generating airborne particles determines the type of mask you are required to wear. In a community setting the government of Canada recommends wearing a mask when unable to maintain 2-meter social distancing from others (ex. Grocery shopping, stores, public transportation, etc.). Whether or not you choose to wear a mask while out in the community, it is important that you continue social distancing and adhere to proper hand hygiene recommendations.

Differences between a surgical mask, respirators and cloth/homemade masks
Medical or Surgical Mask

• Made from at least 3 layers of synthetic woven materials with a filtration layer in the middle.
• Reduces transfer of saliva or respiratory droplets from the wearer to others and vice versa.
• Effective barrier against large droplets released when talking, coughing or sneezing.

Respirators

• Types/levels: N95, N99, FFP2, FFP3
• Respirators come in different sizes to ensure a proper seal and fit around the face. Healthcare professionals must undergo fit testing to determine the proper size of mask, unlike surgical masks which have a looser fit and do not require fit testing.
• Filters at least 95% of airborne particles if fitted and worn properly.
• Protects the wearer from both large and smaller airborne aerosol particles. Certain medical procedures (ex. Inserting a breathing tube) may create smaller airborne aerosol particles which is why working in these settings require the use of N95 masks to provide the greatest amount of protection. 

Cloth /Homemade Mask

• Offer less protection and are not made from the same fabrics compared to surgical masks and respirators.
• Do not have to be tested to recognized standards.
• Sufficient to protect people in a public setting.

How to wear a mask
Before:

• Clean hands with hand sanitizer or soap and water prior to putting your mask on.
• Open your mask fully to cover from your nose to just below your chin.
• Pinch the nose bar to ensure your mask fits snug to your face.

During:

• Avoid touching your mask or face under the mask.
• If you do touch your face or mask, be sure to properly clean your hands.

Removing the Mask

• Clean hands with hand sanitizer or soap and water.
• Remove using the ties or elastic loops. Do not touch the front of your mask.
• If wearing a single use mask, do not reuse, dispose of the mask in the garbage. If reusable, ensure mask is washed prior to wearing again.
• After discarding your mask clean your hands once again with hand sanitizer or soap and water.
  
  

Although face masks are a helpful protective barrier, a mask alone is not sufficient enough to provide adequate protection. It is important that we continue to social distance, avoid contact with people who are sick, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

​~ Alex, Physiotherapist
 
References:
Government of Canada – Non-medical Masks and Face Coveringshttps://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/about-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html
CBC – Masks and COVID-19: When, how and why you’d wear them https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/masks-coronavirus-1.5507186
World Health Organization – Masks and COVID-19 https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-on-covid-19-and-masks
Alberta Health Services – When and How to Wear a Maskhttps://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/ppih/if-ppih-covid-19-patients-masks.pdf

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