Face Mask Types and Care

Type and Intended Use of Face Coverings/Masks

Type Cloth Face Covering (1) Disposable Masks (1) Medical-Grade Surgical Masks (2) N95 Respirator (2)
Description Home-made or commercially manufactured face coverings that are washable and help contain wearer’s respiratory emissions Commercially manufactured masks help contain wearer’s respiratory emissions FDA-approved masks to protect the wearer from large droplets and splashes; helps contains wearer’s respiratory emissions Provide effective respiratory protection from airborne particles and aerosols; helps contain wearer’s respiratory emissions
Intended use Recommended for campus community use in all settings (common workspaces, public spaces, hallways, stairwells, elevators, meeting rooms, classrooms, break rooms, campus outdoor spaces, in restrooms, etc.). These masks are reserved for healthcare workers and other approved areas with task-specific hazards.

Use and Care of Face Masks/Coverings

Putting on the face mask/covering (1) (2)

  • Wash hands or use hand sanitizer prior to handling the face mask/covering.
  • Ensure the face mask/covering fits over the nose and under the chin.
  • Situate the face mask/covering properly with nose wire snug against the nose (where applicable).
  • Tie straps behind the head and neck or loop around the ears.
  • Throughout the process: Avoid touching the front of the face mask/covering.

Taking off the face mask/covering (1) (2)

  • Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing the face mask/covering.
  • When taking off the face mask/covering, loop your finger into the strap and pull the strap away from the ear, or untie the straps.
  • Wash hands immediately after removing.

Disposal of face masks (1)

  • Keep face mask stored in a paper bag when not in use.
  • Disposable face masks must not be used for more than one day and should be placed in a trash receptacle.
  • Dispose of a face mask if it is visibly damaged (e.g., stretched ear loops, torn or punctured materials), dirty or visibly contaminated.

Care, storage and laundering of cloth face coverings (2)

  • Keep face covering stored in a paper bag when not in use.
  • Cloth face coverings may not be used longer than one day at a time and must be washed after use.
  • Disinfecting method: Launder cloth face coverings with regular laundry detergent before first use and after each shift. (Disposable masks are not washable.)

Chat