You're a nurse and need to wear a mask for long hours. What's the best way to stay comfortable?

1 Choose the right mask

Not all masks are created equal. Some are more breathable, fit better, or filter more effectively than others. As a nurse, you should follow the guidelines and recommendations of your workplace and health authorities on what type of mask to wear and how to use it properly. Generally, you should look for a mask that covers your nose and mouth snugly, has multiple layers of fabric or filters, and has adjustable straps or ties. Avoid masks that are too loose, too tight, or have gaps or holes.

2 Prepare your skin

Wearing a mask for long hours can cause friction, pressure, and sweat on your skin, which can lead to irritation, redness, or acne. To prevent or reduce these issues, you should take good care of your skin before and after wearing a mask. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and moisturize with a fragrance-free lotion. Avoid wearing makeup or other products that can clog your pores or cause allergic reactions. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or barrier cream on the areas where the mask touches your skin.

3 Protect your ears

If you wear a mask with ear loops, you may experience some discomfort or pain on your ears after a while. To avoid this, you can try some alternatives, such as using a mask extender, a headband, or a clip to attach the loops behind your head. You can also switch to a mask with ties or elastic bands that go around your head instead of your ears. Another option is to wear a soft headband or a cap with buttons or hooks on the sides to hold the loops.

4 Clear your glasses

If you wear glasses, you may have noticed that they tend to fog up when you wear a mask. This can impair your vision and make your work more difficult. To prevent this, you can try some tricks, such as adjusting the fit of your mask to make sure it seals around your nose and cheeks, using a metal nose wire or a strip of tape to secure the mask on your nose bridge, or cleaning your glasses with soap and water or an anti-fog spray or wipe.

5 Stay hydrated

Wearing a mask can make you feel hot and thirsty, especially if you work in a warm or humid environment. It's important to stay hydrated and drink enough water throughout the day. However, you should also be careful not to touch your mask or your face when you drink. You should remove your mask only when you are in a safe area where you can maintain physical distancing from others. You should also wash or sanitize your hands before and after removing your mask, and store it in a clean and dry place.

6 Take breaks

Wearing a mask for long hours can be exhausting and stressful, both physically and mentally. You should take regular breaks to rest and breathe freely, as long as you follow the safety protocols and precautions of your workplace. You should also monitor your health and well-being, and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms or signs of infection, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Remember that wearing a mask is not only for your own protection, but also for the protection of your patients and colleagues.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?