Rochester Regional Health Logo
COVID-19 UpdatesFind a DoctorPay My Bill Donate icon Give
Health Hive logo
  1. Topics
    • COVID-19
    • Primary Care
    • Parents & Kids
    • Women's Health
    • Cancer Care
    • Brain & Spine
    • Surgery
    • Bone & Joint
    • View All Topics
  2. Patient Stories
  3. News
  4. About
Rochester Regional Health Logo
COVID-19 UpdatesFind a DoctorPay My Bill Donate icon Give
COVID-19
  1. How not to wear a mask

Avoid these Wrong Mask-Wearing Techniques

Here are some incorrect mask-wearing techniques to stay clear of.

Jul. 14, 2020 • 2   min read

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges people to wear a face mask or face covering when in public, especially when social distancing is not possible. According to a study by medical journal Health Affairs, wearing a face mask in public helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. The study compared the growth rate of COVID-19 in 15 U.S. states before and after masks were mandated. Researchers found that wearing masks led to a slowdown in the daily COVID-19 growth rate.

A mask should completely cover the nose and mouth and should be tight around the ears or head for a snug fit. However, wearing a face mask or face covering incorrectly can do more harm than good. As businesses and schools begin to reopen, it’s important to understand how to properly wear your mask to help you and those around you stay protected from COVID-19.

Below are some incorrect mask-wearing techniques to avoid.

How to properly wear a mask

 

The Escape Hatch

When there’s a hole in the mask - Leaving a hole in the mask eliminates the protection that a mask offers. It allows particles to escape and enter the nose and mouth. Guidelines say you can remove your masks once you sit at a table at a restaurant, so there is no need to wear a mask with a hole in it at any time.

The Earring 

When the mask hangs off one ear - The earring fails to cover the mouth or the nose—the two areas on your face where COVID-19 droplets can enter your body. Wearing a mask and hanging it off one ear is very ineffective. A person wearing a mask like this puts themselves and others at risk.

The Sniffer

When the mask leaves the nose exposed - Leaving the nose exposed allows the mask-wearer to spread potentially contagious particles when sneezing, coughing, or talking. They are also increasing their own risk of infection by not covering their nose.

The 'Stache 

When you wear your mask like a mustache - Similar to other incorrect mask-wearing techniques, “the stache” exposes the nose and mouth, rendering the mask useless. Be sure to properly cover up your face with a mask or face covering to provide a safeguard against infection or infecting others with COVID-19.

The Nose Plug 

When the mask leaves the mouth exposed - The inverse of “the sniffer,” this technique is just as ineffective. If the nose and mouth are not both fully covered, the mask is not protecting you or others to its full potential.

The Neckbeard 

When the mask is resting under the chin - Sometimes in public, people periodically lower the mask to their chin. This renders the mask useless and reduces all of its benefits. The mask should not be moved off of the nose or mouth for any time when unable to social distance.

The Mullet 

When the mask is behind the head like a backward baseball cap - Just because a mask is visible on someone’s face, does not mean they’re following protocol and staying protected. A mask worn behind the head is 100% ineffective in protecting you and those around you. 

More Safety Tips

Be cautious about creating a false sense of security when wearing a mask. Just because you are wearing a mask doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take other safety measures like frequent hand-washing and social distancing.

As our community continues to adapt to the new normal, do your best to protect yourself and those in your community from becoming ill. The more everyone follows guidelines, the safer everyone will be.

NEXT STEPS Coronavirus in Our Community

Stay up-to-date on the spread of COVID-19 with information on symptoms, prevention, vaccine updates, testing, and how you can help.

Learn More
face mask icon
location illustration Find a Location Near You
Recent News
SLH
McMillan Completes CPH Pharmacy Residency Program

Dr. McMillan noted he has always wanted to work in a hospital pharmacy, and he believes that completing a residency is the best way to continue on that path.

SLH
Additional Cottage Street Closure Dates

The Canton-Potsdam Hospital-owned portion of Cottage Street, Potsdam, will be undergoing construction work between Monday, August 15 and Wednesday, August 17, 2022.

COVID-19
COVID-19 in the Rochester Region

COVID-19 information for the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region, including current COVID cases, positivity and hospitalization rates, and guidance about COVID vaccines and boosters

News
Rochester General Hospital Named #1 Hospital in the Region

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Rochester General Hospital as the top hospital in Rochester, as well as high-performing in 4 specialties and 12 procedures and conditions.

Get Email Updates

Sign up for our Health Hive newsletter to receive our top stories and tips to help you live a longer, healthier life.

Thanks! We've added you to our Health Hive newsletter
Enhancing Lives. Preserving Health.
Contact Us

Your Care

  • Closings & Cancellationss
  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Billing & Insurance
  • Classes & Events
  • Health Hive - News Hub
  • Our Services
  • Closings & Cancellations

Company

  • Careers
  • About Us
  • ACM Global Laboratories
  • Contact Us
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • ElderONE
  • Volunteer
  • GRIPA
  • Media and Public Relations
  • Quality and Safety
  • Sustainability

Resources

  • Workday
  • Employees
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Make a Gift
  • Medical Education & Research
  • MyCare
  • Sponsorships
Rochester Regional Health Logo
© 2022 Rochester Regional Health. All Rights Reserved.
  • Non Discrimination
  • Disclaimer
  • Language Assistance
  • Privacy Policy