Buzz
Currently, numerous fake and low-quality face masks are flooding the market, posing serious health risks. Hence, users must be familiar with standards to choose the right type and use them correctly. Parents should instill the habit of having their children wear masks when going out and in crowded public places to limit respiratory infections.
Here are insights to help you easily purchase a high-quality medical face mask and use it properly.
Where to Buy Reliable Face Masks?
It's advisable to buy face masks from reputable pharmacies or large convenience stores to ensure clear origins. Avoid purchasing masks displayed along sidewalks. Trustworthy brands and manufacturers choose large pharmacies for distributing their products. Masks sold along sidewalks are often counterfeit, handmade with low-quality materials by small, unreliable units. Don't compromise health for convenience and risk exposure to harmful substances.
Tips for Choosing Face Masks for Kids
For single-use face masks, the production process demands strict management of manufacturing conditions to ensure product hygiene. Not every facility meets clean production conditions with stringent standards. Therefore, when purchasing masks, thoroughly check the information on the packaging, including: brand; place of manufacture (or importing/packaging unit); ingredients; lot number; production date; expiration date.
Product Features
The market offers numerous types of masks with various purposes such as sun protection, regular dust protection, and bacterial or viral prevention. Choose the appropriate type for your needs. When selecting, also pay attention to the quality of the materials, opt for a mask with a soft surface to avoid discomfort and friction with facial skin. Note the stitching or connections; genuine products will have sharp and well-defined seams.
Mask Size
The appearance of a mask determines its quality. Choose a mask that fits well, neither too tight nor too loose, covering both the mouth and nose securely. Avoid wearing a mask to cover only the mouth or pulling it down occasionally to talk.
Especially for disposable masks, ensure that the mask fits snugly on the nose, cheeks, and chin. These are areas where dust can easily infiltrate. Therefore, choose masks that fit well with the face shape and have no gaps in these areas to prevent dust and bacteria.
Regularly Change Face Masks and Proper Storage
For fabric masks, wash them daily. After each use, bacteria and dust adhere to the mask. If not replaced regularly, the mask becomes a source of bacteria and viruses, posing a health risk to the user. If you can't wash fabric masks daily, consider using disposable ones.
Disposable or medical masks are for one-time use or a maximum of one day. Similarly, reusing masks by storing them in bags or hanging them in the car allows bacteria on the mask to come into direct contact with the face, causing harm. Change masks daily. Choosing disposable masks in white or light colors makes it easier to detect dirt and know when to replace them.
Proper Way to Put a Mask on a Child
- Wear the mask tightly, covering the nose and mouth, to prevent inhaling external germs and prevent the spread of germs from the wearer.
- Ensure the metal strip is placed on the top of the nose. Use your fingers to press the metal strip tightly against the nose. The mask edges should seal around the cheeks and chin for a snug fit. Adjust the straps to fit securely, making sure not to wear the mask inside out.
- Replace a dirty or yellowed mask immediately. For regular medical masks (light blue), use them for a maximum of one day. Avoid using a sweaty mask.
- After returning from an outbreak area, replace the mask. Avoid putting the mask in clothing pockets.
