Wearing a face mask correctly means covering your nose, mouth, and chin completely, with no side gaps, after cleaning your hands.
For the full breakdown, see our best Facial Mask For Hydration guide.
Step-by-Step: How to Put On a Face Mask the Right Way
Start with clean hands—wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Inspect the mask for tears, holes, or a broken nose strip; a damaged mask should not be used.
Identify the top edge by feeling for the metal or stiff strip—that goes over the bridge of your nose. If the mask has a colored side and a white side, the colored side faces outward. Hold the mask by the ear loops or ties, and place it over your mouth, nose, and chin. Secure the ear loops behind each ear, or tie the upper ties first behind your crown and the lower ties at the nape of your neck. Mold the nose strip firmly along the shape of your nose so no air escapes from the top. Adjust the mask to fit snugly at the sides with no gaps.
Common Mistakes That Destroy Protection
Other frequent failures include leaving gaps at the sides, touching the front of the mask while wearing it, and reusing a disposable mask that is wet, dirty, or visibly soiled. WHO advises against using masks with valves because they bypass the filtration when exhaling. A mask is also not a substitute for other sensible precautions—it works as part of a layered approach.
Removing a Mask Without Contaminating Yourself
When you take the mask off, treat the entire front surface as contaminated. Remove it from behind by grasping only the ear loops or ties—never touch the fabric that covered your nose and mouth. If it is a disposable surgical mask, discard it immediately in a trash bin. If it is a reusable cloth mask, place it directly in the laundry or a sealed bag. Clean your hands thoroughly again after removal. CDC guidance says disposable masks should be thrown away after one use or whenever they become wet or dirty; cloth masks should be washed and dried daily and stored in a clean, dry place.
Who Should Not Wear a Mask, and How to Handle Re-Wear
Masks should never be used on children under two years old or on anyone who cannot remove the mask without help or has trouble breathing. The same hand-hygiene rule applies before you put a replacement on.
FAQs
Can I reuse a disposable surgical mask?
No. Disposable surgical masks are designed for a single use. Once removed, they should be thrown away. Reusing a mask that is wet, dirty, or has been worn for several hours defeats its purpose and increases the risk of contamination.
Is it safe to wear a mask while exercising?
Yes, for most people, wearing a well-fitted cloth or disposable mask during moderate exercise is safe. If you experience dizziness, severe shortness of breath, or lightheadedness, stop, move to a safe distance from others, and remove the mask to catch your breath.
Why does my mask fog up my glasses?
Fogging happens when exhaled air escapes from the top of the mask. The fix: mold the nose wire more tightly along the bridge of your nose. An adhesive nose strip or a mask with a built-in foam bar across the top also helps seal the gap.
References & Sources
- WHO. “How to Use a Mask.” Official step-by-step instructions for medical and fabric masks.
- CDC. “Types of Masks and Respirators.” Guidance on disposable and cloth mask use.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.