Face coverings help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by filtering out virus as we breathe. With the emergence of the highly infectious Omicron variant, some public health officials recommend we use something more substantial than cloth and paper masks.
Free Masks for University Community
Mason will offer a free N-95 mask to any student, faculty, or staff at Mason's COVID test sites and information kiosks on the Fairfax, Arlington, and SciTech Campuses.
Until you get one, you'll still need to wear a face covering of some type.
Use and Care of Masks
Before and after wearing all types of face coverings, you should wash your hands and inspect the mask for any damage that might prevent it from being effective.
Disposable Medical / Surgical Masks
Proper Fit
It should fit tightly, covering your nose and chin, with a clip secured firmly around nose.
Limitations
Be aware that facial hair impairs performance.
Care
Only use masks that come from the original packaging.
Damaged
Don't use masks that are soiled, torn or punctured, have a broken strap, or no longer fit snugly.
Replace
Disposable masks should not be used more than once.
Two-Ply Cloth Masks
Proper Fit
It should fit tightly, covering your nose and chin, with a clip secured firmly around nose.
Limitations
Be aware that facial hair impairs performance.
Care
Wash at least daily, more often if soiled.
Damaged
Don't use masks that are torn, have a broken strap, are threadbare, or no longer fit snugly.
Replace
If your mask is torn or damaged, discard it and get a new one.
KN95 Masks
Proper Fit
It should fit tightly, covering your nose and chin, with a clip secured firmly around nose.
Limitations
Facial hair significantly decreases performance.
Care
Store at room temperature on a clean, dry surface, or in a labeled, open paper bag for several days between reuse
Damaged
Don't use masks that are soiled, torn or punctured, have a broken strap, or no longer fit snugly.
Replace
If your mask is torn or damaged, discard it and get a new one.
N95 Respirator
Proper Fit
It should fit tightly, covering your nose and chin, with a clip secured firmly around nose.
Limitations
Facial hair significantly decreases performance. Pre-existing health conditions could also have an impact.
Care
Store at room temperature in a labeled open paper bag for five days before reuse.
Damaged
Don't use masks that are soiled, torn, have a broken strap, or no longer passes a fit check (PDF).
Replace
If your mask is torn or damaged, discard it and get a new one.
Replace your face covering after five days of use.
KN95 Compared with N95
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not consider a KN95 mask a negative-pressure respirator since it has not been certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Therefore, OSHA does not require a person be “fit tested” to wear a KN95. Since a person is not fit tested for a KN95, they should not use a KN95 in situations in which a fit-tested N95 mask is required for work activities.
If N95 respirator use is not required to meet OSHA regulations, medical clearance and fit testing is not required.
Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, wearing a mask might make breathing more difficult because you must pull air through the mask as you inhale.
People with known or suspected breathing problems, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or cardio/pulmonary problems should consult with their physician before using one.
When wearing a mask, if you experience headache, nausea, dizziness or have difficulty breathing, immediately leave the area, remove the mask, get fresh air, and seek medical attention if needed.