Mask Protection
How to correctly put on and remove your mask
Did you know there is a correct way to put on (don) and remove (doff) your mask to reduce any risk of contamination?
The Ministry of Health offers the following guidelines:
How to don a medical mask or P2/N95 particulate respirator safely
- Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser before touching the mask.
- Check there are no obvious tears or holes in either side of the mask.
- Determine which side of the mask is the top. The side of the mask that has a stiff bendable (metallic strip) edge is the top and is m meant to mold to the shape of your nose.
- Determine which side of the mask is the front. The coloured side of the mask is usually the front and should face away from you.
- Follow the instructions below for the type of mask you are using. For P2/N95 particulate respirators, perform a fit test to ensure t there is a good seal around all the edges. Refer below.
- Face mask with ear loops: Hold the mask by the ear loops. Place a loop around each ear. Ensure the ear loops do not cross over over as this widens the gap between the face and mask.
- Face mask with ties: Bring the mask to your nose level and place the ties over the crown of your head and secure with a bow.
- Face mask with bands: Hold the mask in your hand with the nosepiece or top of the mask at fingertips, allowing the headbands to hang freely below hands. Bring the mask to your nose level and pull the top strap over your head so that it rests rests over the crown of your head. Pull the bottom strap over your head so that it rests at the nape of your neck.
- Mold or pinch the stiff edge to the shape of your nose.
- If using a face mask with ties: Take the bottom ties, one in each hand, and secure with a bow at the nape of your neck.
- Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin. Ensure mask fully covers the nose, mouth and is stretched over the chin a and fits snugly over the face. If it fits properly, your eye protection or glasses should not fog.
- Change mask if it becomes damp or damaged.
How to doff a medical mask or P2/N95 particulate respirator safely
- Avoid touching the front of the mask. The front of the mask is contaminated. Only touch the ear loops/ties/band.
- Follow the instructions below for the type of mask you are using.
- Face mask with ear loops: Hold both ear loops and gently lift and remove the mask.
- Face mask with ties: Untie the bottom bow first then untie the top bow and pull the mask away from you as the ties are loosened.
- Face mask with bands: Lift the bottom strap over your head first and then pull the top strap over your head.
- Dispose of mask in a waste bin.
- Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser.
Mask Information
General reminders for safe use of medical masks and particulate respirators
- Ensure you have received training on how to don and doff your mask correctly (and other PPE). Fityaface offers this training at each fit test. Book your test today.
- Always perform hand hygiene before and after removing a mask.
- Do not touch your mask or face while wearing a mask.
- Once the mask is on, only touch loops, ties, or bands to remove.
- Replace a mask if it becomes damp, damaged, or at the end of a session if the mask is being worn continuously for an extended period (up to 4 hours).
- Do not re-use single-use masks. Dispose of immediately after removal.