What You Need to Know About Face Mask Safety for Oxygen Therapy Users In 2024
Written by Daniel Ray, Life Insurance Expert |
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Fact Checked by
Lisamarie Monaco |
Editorial Disclosure
What You Need to Know About Face mask Safety for Oxygen Therapy Users in 2024! It is crucial information for those who rely on this life-sustaining treatment.
As users of oxygen therapy ourselves, we’re all too aware of the vital role our skin plays in maintaining overall health.
Facemasks, worn correctly, offer a protective barrier against harmful infections. Such as the dreaded MRSA, a bacteria that often clings to masks in hospitals and nursing homes.
However, here’s where we hit a snag. Unfortunately, not all facemasks pass the safety test when it comes to oxygen therapy users.
Hence, it’s crucial to ensure you’re using the right type of mask that meets the safety standards for oxygen therapy.
So, what’s the big issue with traditional masks? And how do you navigate the market to find a mask that checks all safety boxes for oxygen therapy?
Stay with us as we delve deeper into these concerns. Through this blog post, we aim to provide you with all the knowledge you need to use face masks safely while on oxygen therapy in 2024 and beyond.
Table of Contents
When and Why to Wear a Face Mask in Public
Understanding “When and why should I wear a facemask in public?” is vital these days. The CDC recommends wearing a cloth facemask in public, but why? The novel coronavirus primarily spreads through droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. While maintaining a six-foot distance is ideal, wearing a mask offers an extra layer of protection.
So, why wear a mask? Firstly, it prevents you from unknowingly spreading the virus. Secondly, it shields you from others. The most secure scenario? Everyone in the vicinity wears a mask.
The CDC recommends anyone over two years old should wear a mask in public. Especially in places where social distancing is tough. So, if you’re heading out to a grocery store, pharmacy, or any crowded place, it’s time to mask up.
The good news? If worn correctly, facemasks won’t interfere with your breathing or oxygen therapy. Therefore, mask up, stay safe, and keep those around you safe too.
6 Tips for Safely Wearing a Facemask During Oxygen Therapy
When you use oxygen therapy, wearing a facemask may be a little trickier, but it just takes practice. Your facemask should fit securely on your face, without getting in the way of your nasal cannula or your tubing. Below are some tips to help you make sure that your cloth facemask fits properly, stays on and doesn’t interfere with your oxygen therapy.
- Try several kinds of masks. There’s really no such thing as one-size-fits-all. It’s helpful to try different styles of facemasks to see which fits you best and feels most comfortable. There are many designs available, so whether you buy a pre-made facemask or make your own, look for a breathable 100% cotton version that fits you well and feels secure.
- Practice wearing your facemask at home. Wearing a facemask is new to most of us, so it can take some time to get used to it. Practice wearing your facemask at home to get accustomed to putting it on, getting it comfortably secured and taking it off correctly. Practice talking and breathing with a facemask on so you can get used to the sensation. Wearing your facemask with your oxygen therapy while you do things at home will help you feel more comfortable with it once you’re out.
- Your facemask should cover your nose, mouth and chin without disrupting your nasal cannula. Your facemask should fit your face securely, without slipping down or feeling overly tight. It shouldn’t disrupt your breathing or press on your nasal cannula or oxygen tubing. The fit should be close, without gaping at the top, bottom or sides, but there should be enough room for your nasal cannula and tubing to fit inside comfortably.
- Find a mask with a bendable edge at the top.
Many cloth facemasks are made with a bendable wire or other adjustable material to help you fit the mask close to your nose. This helps your facemask stay securely in place. It also help with comfort over your nasal cannula and reduce fogging on glasses. It’s important to get a secure, comfortable fit so you’re not tempted to adjust the mask when you’re out and about. Once you have your mask on, avoid touching it until you’ve thoroughly washed your hands. - Remove your mask safely. Always wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before putting your mask on, adjusting it or taking it off. When you’re ready to remove your facemask. Only touch the straps and remove them from behind your ears so you don’t touch your eyes, nose, mouth or cannula.
- Wash everything.
Fold the outside mask corners in, then drop your facemask directly in the washing machine or hand wash by following the CDC’s instructions.[4][5] Wash your nasal cannula and tubing straightaway, too.
Wearing a facemask during oxygen therapy can take some getting used to, but with practice, you’ll learn how to wear your facemask comfortably and safely.
Author: Jen Coltrin is the Content and Marketing Manager at Inogen. Inogen’s mission is to educate oxygen users on how to navigate life with supplemental oxygen.
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Conclusion
In wrapping up, it’s clear to see that understanding facemask safety is paramount for oxygen therapy users, especially in this current climate.
As we navigate through these uncertain times, remembering to wear a mask becomes a key habit that contributes to our communal well-being.
More importantly, when it comes to using oxygen therapy, wearing a suitable and safe mask is not just a suggestion—it’s a necessity.
Thus, taking the time to learn about the different types of masks, how to wear them properly, and when to use them is indeed a wise investment.
As we strive to protect ourselves, we’re also showing care and respect for those around us.
So, let’s commit to practicing safety, promoting health, and protecting one another. After all, the smallest actions can make the most significant difference. Stay safe!
