Author: Dr Wendy Burton, Australian GP, MBBS, FRACGP (Hon)
Is there a right way to wear a surgical mask?
Yes!
There is a right way to wear a surgical mask and it is almost always with the coloured side (usually blue) out (facing the world) and the white side in (against your face)
If there are instructions on your package, please follow them in case the manufacturer has their own way of doing things!
Why does it matter?
There are 3 layers within a mask and they have different functions
The one against your face is absorbent, to soak up your spit and sweat and snot and such*
The one facing the world is water repellant, to stop someone else’s spit, sweat and snot from reaching your nose and your mouth*
The in-between layer is there to filter out some (but not all) germs
If you wear it inside out, it will make it harder for you to breathe - it will feel hotter/more stuffy, so for your own sake (and for others) it is important to get this right!
If you wear it upside down, it will slip down your face more readily as you talk and your glasses will fog up quicker
* If you wear the mask under your nose, your mouth or below your chin, it won’t work properly. It won’t protect you and it won’t protect others unless it is on the right way (see WHO visual below)
Is there a top and a bottom?
Yes, there most definitely is!
The top is the bit with extra stiffness, where there usually is a thin piece of wire
My mask is white on both sides, now what?
Darn, that’s tricky
There are other ways to know
The outside is typically more shiny than the inside
Surgical masks have pleats, which allow you to modify it for the size of your face (the distance between your nose and underneath your chin)
the outside pleat faces down when pulled, the inside one faces up
I had to try this a few times with a coloured mask, but it works
Do follow your local health advice