State of Delaware COVID-19 Information Site

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Two important ways to make sure your mask works the best it can:

Make sure your mask fits snugly against your face. Gaps can let air with respiratory droplets leak in and out around the edges of the mask.

Pick a mask with layers to keep your respiratory droplets in and others’ out. A mask with layers will stop more respiratory droplets getting inside your mask or escaping from your mask if you are sick.

Choose a mask with a Nose Wire.

Use a Mask Fitter or Brace.                                            

• Use a mask fitter or brace over a disposable mask or a cloth mask to prevent air from leaking around the edges of the mask.

Check that it Fits Snugly over your nose, mouth,

and chin.

• Check for gaps by cupping your hands around the outside edges of the mask.
• Make sure no air is flowing from the area near your eyes or from the sides of the mask.
• If the mask has a good fit, you will feel warm air come through the front of the mask and may be able to see the mask material move in and out with each breath.

Add Layers of material - 2 ways to layer:

• Use a cloth mask that has multiple layers of fabric.
• Wear one disposable mask underneath a cloth mask.
• The second mask should push the edges of the inner mask against your face.

Do NOT - Combine two disposable masks.

• Disposable masks are not designed to fit tightly and wearing more than one will not improve fit.