There are a lot of 2 and 3 ply face masks sold online, but be sure you are using one that protects you more as a barrier. Here are a couple of tests to see how resilient it is:
- Water Test – If you put a few drops on the outside of the face mask does it repel water? If you put some drops on the inside of the mask does it absorb the water? If the mask passes these tests your mask serves as a decent barrier to fluids and large droplets permeating through. Here’s another test, cup the mask and put a tablespoon of water on the inside of the mask – it should not leak through.
- Flame Test – Put a candle a few inches from your face with the mask on and blow, if you can blow out the candle the mask is not protecting you.
- See Through Test – Now cut the end off of the face mask and pull the layers apart. Can you see through the outside layer? The inside layer? The middle layer? You should have some difficulty seeing through the inner and outer layer. This should indicate the thread count of the face mask, the more woven it is, the more of a barrier you have.
- Tear Test – can you tear the layers easily? If you can, the face mask may be too flimsy and thin and is not protecting you.
Stride Strong Physical Therapy is ensuring all patients that we are following Oregon Governor’s orders and donning on face masks in our clinics to protect the health of our patients and help prevent spread of disease. In addition to this, we are also regularly cleaning and sanitizing our clinics.
