Masks can help reduce your risk of catching or spreading respiratory illnesses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. While masking isn’t always necessary, there are times when wearing one can provide extra protection for you and those around you.

Why wearing a mask can protect you and other people

Staying up to date on your vaccines is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself and others from the flu, RSV or COVID-19. But studies have shown that wearing masks can also be an effective tool for protecting your health and the health of your community from these viruses and other airborne illnesses.

If you aren’t sick, a mask can act as a filter that helps keep infectious particles out of your respiratory system. If you’re already sick with a respiratory virus, wearing a mask helps trap germs, reducing the chance that other people will inhale them and get sick. This is particularly important for protecting people who are more likely to develop severe symptoms of respiratory illness.

When it makes sense to wear a mask

Effective vaccines for seasonal respiratory illnesses have reduced the need for masking mandates. It’s rare that you’ll be in a situation where a mask is required, but there are times when it still may make sense for you to wear one.

  • You’re sick or have respiratory symptoms – A mask can help reduce the spread of germs to others.
  • You’re at higher risk of severe illness – Masking can provide additional protection if you’re immunocompromised, have certain chronic health conditions or are older.
  • You’ll be around someone at higher risk – Masking can help protect people who may be more likely to become seriously ill.
  • Respiratory illnesses are increasing in your community – While illnesses can circulate year-round, there are certain times of the year when illness rates rise, particularly during respiratory season in the fall and winter months.
  • You’re in a crowded indoor setting and want additional protection – Spending a lot of time indoors around others can increase the risk of catching or spreading a respiratory illness.
  • You simply feel more comfortable wearing one – You don’t need another reason.

How to wear a face mask properly

Handling your mask safely helps make it even more effective at limiting the spread of germs. Follow these steps to put on your mask the right way:

  • Wash your hands before putting on your mask.
  • Place your mask over your mouth and nose, then secure it under your chin. Masks that don’t cover both your mouth and nose aren’t effective.
  • Try to fit your mask snugly against the sides of your face.
  • Make sure you can breathe easily.
  • Avoid touching your mask, except by the straps.

The best face masks for virus protection

There are a variety of masking choices, including cloth masks, surgical masks, KN95 masks, KF94 masks and N95 respirators. All of these provide more protection than nothing, but cloth masks and surgical masks aren’t as good at filtering germ particles that cause respiratory illnesses.

Choosing between high-quality mask options

While the most effective mask designs are N95, KN95 and KF94, there are still differences between the three that could influence which is best for you.

  • Mask design – Differences in design can make some masks more comfortable than others. N95 masks fit tightly over your nose and mouth which some people find uncomfortable. KN95 masks have a tent-like shape that allows a pocket of air between the mask and your nose, which can make it easier to breathe. KF94 masks have an adjustable nose wire and side flaps that give them a tight fit that’s still comfortable.
  • The amount of filtering – All of these masks filter out a high level of the germs that spread respiratory illnesses. N95 and KN95 filter 95% of particulates, and KF94 masks filter 94% of particulates.
  • Approval by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Only N95 masks have NIOSH approval.

If you decide to wear an N95, KN95 or KF94, watch out for fakes. The CDC has tips to identify approved respirators.

Top three features of the best face masks for virus protection

No matter what type of mask you choose, here are some key things to look for:

1. A mask that fits well

  • Look for a mask with a nose wire.
  • After putting it on, there should be no gaps on the sides of the face or around the nose that would allow air to escape.
  • If the mask doesn’t fit well, consider using a mask fitter or a brace. For example, you may not get a tight seal if you have a lot of facial hair.

2. A mask that is thick enough

  • Disposable surgical masks should be 3-ply.
  • Cloth masks offer the least amount of protection. If used, cloth masks should be made of at least two layers of finely woven fabric and be thick enough to block the light.
  • Some types of masks can be layered for added protection. A recommended option is wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask. However, don’t try combining two disposable masks or wearing an N95 with any additional mask.

3. A mask that’s clean and dry

We provide more details about how to care for your masks below, but here are the highlights:

  • Surgical masks should be thrown away after use.
  • Cloth masks should be cleaned daily, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Some N95, KN95 and KF94 masks can be reused if they remain clean, dry, undamaged and continue to fit properly.
    • Store a reusable mask separately between uses and replace it when it becomes dirty, wet, damaged or difficult to breathe through.

What kind of mask should I NOT wear?

You should avoid wearing:

  • Any mask with a vent or valve – These kinds of masks allow breath particles to escape, so they may be more likely to spread a virus.
  • Masks made from materials that make it hard to breathe – Vinyl is a common mask material that can inhibit your breathing. Choose cotton or polyester instead.
  • Cloth masks that are too thin.

How long can you wear a disposable mask for?

You may be able to reuse an N95, KN95 or KF94 mask a few times, as long as you take care of your mask between uses. But it really depends on where you’re wearing the mask and for how long.

If you’re wearing one of these masks for a few hours a day or less, you might be able to wear the same mask for a week or so. But if you’re in an area with a high rate of respiratory illnesses or spend a long time in your mask around people who might be sick, it’s best to toss your mask at the end of the day.

Taking care of your masks

Keep your masks in tip-top shape by handling, storing and cleaning them properly.

Reusing an N95, KN95 or KF94 mask

If you’re planning on reusing your mask, you’ll want to be more careful about how you take it off and store it. When you’re done wearing it, use clean hands to pull it off by the ear straps so you don’t touch the front. Then store the mask separately so it can’t touch your other items – perhaps in its own paper bag.

When it’s time to use the mask again, pick it up with clean hands and make sure it doesn’t have rips or tears before putting it on again. You’ll also want to be sure that the mask still fits well.

And, of course, any time you touch a mask that’s been used – whether you’re taking it off or putting it on – you should wash your hands to make sure you remove any germs that may have been on the outside of the mask.

How should I clean cloth masks?

Machine or hand-wash cloth masks regularly, according to manufacturer’s instructions.

What are some tips to make wearing a mask easier?

Sometimes it’s hard to know where your day will take you, so keeping a small stash of masks in your car, purse, backpack and office makes it easy to grab one whenever it’s needed.

Wearing a mask is uncomfortable for me. Does that mean I shouldn’t wear one?

Masks aren’t one-size-fits-all – literally.

If you find your mask is uncomfortable, always slipping or too tight against your skin, don’t worry. Most likely, you have a mask that’s too big, too small or not made from the right material. As a result, it’s not feeling right to you.

Effective masks come in many shapes and sizes, and they’re made from many kinds of materials. Look around for another mask to find one that feels better. Eventually, you’ll discover one that’s just right.

Stay safer with masking (and vaccinations)

Wearing a mask can provide added protection against respiratory illnesses while helping reduce the risk of spreading germs to others if you're sick.

However, getting seasonal vaccines when they are available each year (usually in September) is the most effective way to avoid getting sick. It’s also important to ensure you’re current on all other recommended vaccinations, such as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), chickenpox (varicella) and others. Once you’ve been vaccinated, masking can be an even more effective way to help you and your community stay healthy.