Types of face masks

Face masks protect you and those around you

Wearing a face mask helps keep you and others safe. They are particularly useful when physical distancing is not possible.

To be effective, a face mask should:

• go over your nose, mouth and chin
• be well-fitting so there are no gaps above, below or on the sides
• be used correctly and consistently
• not be damp.

A mask that is not fitted correctly may become ineffective. It may not offer enough protection for you or those around you against COVID-19 spreading.

How to wear a face mask safely

Choosing a face mask

Different types of face masks can provide different levels of protection, depending on the type of mask and how they are used. You should find a face mask that best fits you.

There are several things you should think about when selecting the right face mask for you. This includes:

• your level of infection risk
• how well the face mask fits you
• the filtration ability of the material
• comfort.

However, any face mask is better than no face mask.

Fabric, reusable face masks

You can use a fabric face mask. But the effectiveness of fabric face masks can vary depending on the style and materials used.

You should look for reusable fabric face masks that have at least 3 layers and are made of tightly woven fabric, such as cotton.

Ideally face masks should also use 2 different types of fabric that still allow easy breathing but provide filtration and a good fit. Face masks with more than one layer will help contain any respiratory droplets.

You can increase protection of your fabric face mask by adding a ‘filter layer’ and a nose bridge wire to mould the face mask to your face. A filter layer could be a specific face mask filter or a cut down disposable face mask to add to a face mask pocket.

Fabric face masks can still be effective for short periods of time in well-ventilated areas.

Cleaning your fabric face mask

Taking care of your face mask is important. You should wash fabric face masks daily using soap and hot water, and completely dry them before using again.

You should have enough face masks to at least wash one and wear one. Check for wear and tear to make sure there are no holes and they are still in good condition.

Many stores and online retailers offer these types of face masks. You can also make your own but make sure it has at least 3 layers.

How to make a face covering

Disposable face masks

Disposable face masks with ear loops can offer better protection for a longer period than fabric face masks, especially in higher-risk indoor settings.

These are the widely available ‘blue’ medical masks. They are often called ‘medical’, ‘surgical’ and ‘procedural’ masks.

For use in healthcare, they must comply to a certain standard. Many disposable masks may not be certified to medical standards, but still provide effective protection.

You can find these at many retail stores, supermarkets or pharmacies. Some relevant social services agencies or organisations may also be able to provide some.

To make these masks fit better and get a snug fit:

• pinch the nose wire
• try layering them with a fabric mask over top
• knot the ear loops where they attach to the mask, then fold and tuck excess material under the edges
• try pulling the ear loops back and securing together with a hair tie or clip.

How to wear a face mask safely

Try to avoid twisting the ear loop into a figure 8, as this will likely cause a side gap that could let virus particles in.

Double masking or layering can provide greater protection as the other layer, preferably a fabric mask can help to stop any leaks around the top and sides of the bottom mask.

Cleaning a disposable face mask

To reuse these masks, you can submerge them in boiling water for a few minutes and hang them out to dry. You can do this up to 10 times.

When they start to show wear, dispose of them.

Disposable P2/N95 particulate respirators

Disposable high-filtration face masks or particulate respirators offer the highest level of protection, when used correctly.

These face masks work best when a person is ‘fit tested’ so that there is a tight seal against the wearer’s face. It is important to follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to mold these face masks to your face so there are no gaps.

These face masks can offer hours of protection when in high-risk indoor settings where there is no or little ventilation. But they need to have a very tight seal around the face. If there is not a tight seal around the face, these face masks do not provide any better protection than a well-fitting medical mask.

You can reuse these face masks several times if you leave them for 5 to 7 days between each use. If they no longer provide a tight fit around your face, then you should dispose of them.

Particulate respirator face masks come in a variety of models, prices, availability and suitability. Demand for these masks has been high. They are often identified by which international regulatory standard they meet.

• P2 is the Australia/New Zealand respiratory standard.
• N95 is the United States respiratory standard.
• KN95 is the Chinese respiratory standard.
• FFP2 is the European respiratory standard.

Currently frontline staff at the border and in healthcare settings who are at greater risk of exposure to COVID-19 need these face masks.

Face masks for children

Choose a face mask for children that fits them best, is comfortable to wear and can be worn consistently. The face mask should cover their nose, mouth, and chin without gaps above, below or on the sides.

This can be a reusable fabric mask with 3 layers or a medical disposable mask. Many fabric masks (either purchased or made) come in child sizes.

For commonly available medical masks, you can use the knot and tuck technique to improve the fit to a child's face.

How to make a face mask fit tightly

What face masks to avoid

These types of face masks or coverings provide very little protection against transmission of COVID-19.

• A face shield is not recommended as it will provide very little protection against droplets or aerosol spray.
• Dust masks are not recommended, as they have a one-way valve which can allow droplets to spread.
• Masks that are showing wear and tear. If there is any thinning of the material, holes, or the ties or elastic loops can no longer keep the mask in place, you should replace it.
• Scarves, bandannas, buffs or t-shirts are no longer acceptable as face coverings.