Can 3-Ply Face Masks help slow the spread of the COVID-19?

Yes, yes, and, yes! 3-Ply Face Masks combined with other preventive measures, such as frequent hand-washing, using hand sanitizers and social distancing, do help slow the spread of the virus.

Why weren't Disposable Face Masks recommended at the start of the pandemic?

In the beginning, experts didn't know the extent to which people with COVID-19 could spread the virus before symptoms appeared. Nor was it known that some people who have COVID-19 do not show any symptoms. Both groups can unknowingly spread the virus to others.

These discoveries led public health groups to do a complete 360 on Disposable Face Masks. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now include using Disposable Face Masks in their recommendations for slowing the spread of the virus. 

How do Surgical Face Masks work?

Surgical Disposable Face Masks, also known as the 3-Ply Medical Face Mask, is a loose-fitting, Disposable Face Mask that protects the wearer's nose and mouth from contact with virus droplets, splashes and sprays that may contain germs. A surgical Disposable Face Mask also filters out large particles in the air. A Surgical 3-Ply Face Masks may protect others by reducing exposure to the saliva and respiratory secretions of the Disposable Face Mask wearer.

At this time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any type of surgical Disposable Face Mask specifically for protection against the Corona-Virus, but these Disposable Face Masks may provide some protection when KN95 Masks or FFP2 Masks are not available.

Here are a few pointers for putting on and taking off a Cloth Face Mask:

• Wash or sanitize your hands before and after putting on and taking off your Face Mask.
• Place your Face Mask over your mouth and nose.
• Tie behind your head or use the Face Mask's ear loops to make sure it's snug.
• Don't touch your Face Mask while wearing it.
• If you accidentally touch your Face Mask, wash or sanitize your hands.
• If your Face Mask becomes wet or dirty, switch it to a clean Face Mask. 
• Remove the Face Mask by untying it or lifting off by the ear loops without touching the front of the Face Mask, or your face.
• Wash your hands immediately after removing your Face Mask.

And, here are a few Face Mask precautions:

• Don't put a Face Mask on anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or otherwise unable to remove the Face Mask without help.
• Do not put Face Masks on children under 2 years of age.
• Don't use Face Masks as a substitute for social distancing.

Tips for adjusting to wearing a Face Mask:

Here are some tips for making the transition:

• Start slow. Wear your Face Mask at home for a short period of time, such as while watching television. Then wear it during a short walk. Slowly increase the time until you start to feel more comfortable.

• Find your fit. If your Face Mask isn't comfortable or is too difficult to breathe through, consider some other options. Face Masks come in a variety of styles and sizes.

      Adult's 3-Ply Face Masks           Children's 3-Ply Face Masks

If these tips don't help or you have concerns about wearing a Face Mask, talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself and others during the pandemic.