Your Guide To Masks

CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people. Effective February 2, 2021, masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

How to Select

When selecting a mask, there are many choices. Here are some do’s and don’ts.

DO choose masks that	DO NOT choose masks that
Have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric	Are made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe, for example, vinyl
Completely cover your nose and mouth	Have exhalation valves or vents which allow virus particles to escape
Fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps	Are intended for healthcare workers, including N95 respirators
Have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask

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Special Considerations

Gaiters & face shields

Wear a gaiter with two layers, or fold it to make two layers

Not recommended: Evaluation of face shields is ongoing, but effectiveness is unknown at this time.

Children

Find a mask that is made for children to help ensure proper fit

Check to be sure the mask fits snugly over the nose and mouth and under the chin and that there are no gaps around the sides

Do NOT put on children younger than 2 years old

Cold weather gear

Wear your scarf, ski mask or balaclava over your mask

Scarves, ski masks and balaclavas are not substitutes for masks

For more information on evidence for effectiveness of masks, other types of face protection, and mask alternatives, see Considerations for Wearing Masks

How to Wear

Wear a mask correctly and consistently for the best protection.

Be sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before putting on a mask.
Do NOT touch the mask when wearing it. If you have to often touch/adjust your mask, it doesn’t fit you properly, and you may need to find a different mask or make adjustments.

For more information, visit our How to Wear Masks web page.

Do wear a mask that

Covers your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
Fits snugly against the sides of your face.

How NOT to wear a mask

Around your neck	On your forehead	Under your nose
Only on your nose	On your chin	Dangling from one ear
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How to take off a mask

1. Carefully, untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops	2. Handle only by the ear loops or ties
3. Fold the outside corners together	4. Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing

How to Clean

Reusable masks should be washed regularly. Always remove masks correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used mask.

Include your mask with your regular laundry
Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask
Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry

For more information, visit our How to Wash Masks web page.

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This post was previously published on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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