On May 4, we entered the heart of the so-called Phase 2, or that of coexistence with the coronavirus . Gradually the meshes of possible displacements have widened, but the need to prevent future infections by using personal protective equipment such as masks has remained unchanged .

On the market are available:

> surgical masks that protect the wearer;

> FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 masks , which differ from each other in their filtering power. If equipped with a valve, they are more comfortable but allow air and droplets of saliva to escape to the outside. Without a valve, on the other hand, they have a double defensive function, both towards the wearer and towards others.

In addition to this, it is also possible to make a DIY mask . In this case, however, it is essential to strictly follow the guidelines defined by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità .

The importance of using masks

Covering your nose and mouth , as well as maintaining a distance of at least one meter from other people, is essential to protect ourselves and others from the virus. To avoid a possible contagion, in fact, it is necessary to avoid coming into contact with the droplet , or with the droplets of saliva that are emitted with the breath or cough .

These protective devices must be worn indoors but also outdoors , especially when it is difficult to maintain a safe distance. In fact, Covid-19 can also be transmitted by asymptomatic subjects . 

In Italy, only children under the age of six, individuals with breathing difficulties and those unable to remove them independently  are exempted from the obligation to wear a mask .

What characteristics should a mask have

Any type of mask must adapt perfectly to the shape of the face ; self-produced ones are no exception. Specifically, it must be fixed behind the ears, include multiple layers of tissue and allow for free breathing , without restrictions that could harm health in the long run. After each use , the mask must be washed in the washing machine at at least 60 ° C.

It is also good to keep in mind that community masks (therefore also self-produced ones) are not medical devices, nor are they for individual protection. 

How to wear the mask correctly

The mask has an internal part that comes into contact with the face and therefore must not be touched directly with the hands, nor placed on potentially infected surfaces. 

The first step, therefore, is to wash your hands thoroughly , and then wear the device making it adhere perfectly to the face. Nose, mouth and chin must be covered.  

How to remove the bezel

The mask is removed by grasping it by the special rubber bands , being careful not to touch your eyes , nose or mouth . After handling it, you need to wash your hands thoroughly. The self-made masks are not disposable, but must be washed at 60 ° C after each use.

How to make a DIY mask

To make a DIY mask you can use two rectangles  (25 cm x 15 cm) of cotton or another tightly woven material and two elastic bands of 15 cm length. 

Specifically, the two rectangles must be overlapped and sewn as if they were a single piece of fabric . Then fold the two long sides making a hem of about half a centimeter and then the two short sides, leaving a space of about 2 centimeters to allow the insertion of the elastic.

Once the latter has been inserted, proceed to tie the knot at both ends and pull slightly, so as to make the mask more comfortable and precise. Once you have taken the measurement on your face, you can sew the elastic again to prevent it from shifting.