Reusable masks, though a more cost-effective option in the long run, need to be cared for properly for them to be effective, writes Meera Murugesan
WITH face masks now compulsory in crowded public areas, both the disposable and fabric versions are in demand.
Cloth masks come in a variety of fabrics and styles, from the most basic homemade version to the high-end fashionable designer ones.
Some are too basic to serve any function while others are trendy and aesthetically pleasing but offer nothing else.
Both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of Health recommend that a fabric mask should have a minimum of three layers.
It should include an innermost layer of hydrophilic material, such as cotton or cotton blends; an outermost layer of hydrophobic material such as polypropylene, polyester or their blends; and a middle hydrophobic layer of synthetic non-woven material such as polypropylene or a cotton layer.
Prof Dr James Koh Kwee Choy, who is International Medical University's infectious diseases consultant and associate dean of academic affairs for the school of medicine, says there are many types of cloth masks available in the market.
Some are designed to be fashionable and are usually single-layered. Others may be double or triple-layered, mimicking the medical grade surgical masks worn by healthcare workers.
"Generally, the greater the number of layers, the greater the reduction in respiratory droplets spread. Some face masks have antibacterial properties too, which provide an additional layer of protection. These are usually more expensive," says Dr Koh.
He adds that cloth masks are suitable to be worn for most daily activities. However, they should not be worn in a healthcare setting, where medical grade surgical masks are preferred because they are superior to cloth masks.
"If possible, choose a cloth mask that has more than one layer. Nevertheless, wearing a single-layer mask is still better than not wearing any mask. Choose a mask that fits the face snugly and feels comfortable."
Like surgical masks, fabric masks must cover both the nostrils and mouth. The outer surface of the mask should not be touched and the mask should not be pulled down and placed at the neck or only partially covering the mouth but not the nostrils.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when using fabric masks is how they are going to be washed.
Dr Koh says cloth masks should be washed daily with soap and water and air-dried.
Having more than one mask is a good idea. As far as possible, do not share cloth masks with family members, unless it is totally unavoidable. Even so, only freshly washed and dried cloth masks should be shared.
KEEP IT CLEAN
WHO guidelines indicate that fabric masks should be washed in soap or detergent and preferably in hot water (at least 60 degrees C) at least once a day.
Alternatively, if hot water is not available, the masks can be cleaned using soap/detergent in room-temperature water, followed by either boiling the mask for one minute or by soaking the mask in 0.1 per cent of chlorine for one minute and thoroughly rinsing the mask with room temperature water (to ensure no chlorine residue is left on the mask).
If the mask is not dirty or wet and the wearer plans to reuse it, it needs to be placed in a clean, resealable plastic bag.
Dr Koh says one misconception needs to be addressed where the wearing of masks is concerned.
"Face masks primarily protect others from you and not you from others," he emphasises.
Current evidence suggests the virus responsible for Covid-19 is largely transmitted via respiratory droplets that become airborne when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes.
A significant number of people who are infected with Covid-19 exhibit no symptoms but they are infectious.
Dr Koh says the function of a face mask is to reduce the distance these airborne droplets travel from asymptomatic infected persons, which could be anybody, and thus reduce the risk of spread to others.
FABRIC MASK - USE IT RIGHT
DO
* Clean your hands before putting on the mask.
* Inspect the mask for tears or holes.
* Adjust the mask to cover the mouth, nose, and chin, with no gaps on the sides.
* Avoid touching the mask while wearing it.
* Change the mask if it gets dirty or wet.
* Clean hands before taking off mask.
* Take off the mask by removing it from the ear loops, without touching the front of the mask.
* Clean your hands after removing the mask.
DON'T
*Wear a loose mask.
* Wear a damaged mask.
* Wear the mask under the nose.
* Remove the mask when there are people within one metre.
* Wear a mask that makes it difficult to breathe.
* Wear a dirty or wet mask.
* Share masks.
Source: WHO