No, this post is not about whether you're wearing the mask right or not. As for me, it doesn't really matter how as long as you ensure that your mouth and your nose are covered when you go outdoors.
But have you come to a point where you question yourself why you're what you're doing right in the middle of doing it? Stay with me. This is really a post about realization.
I have been making earsavers/facemask extenders since I heard about the need for such on facebook. And I'm actually glad to be able to help our frontliners. I mean that's the least I could do.
But when the doubter in me tries to mess with my head, I suddenly asked myself. Is what I'm doing really helping? I mean looking at the pictures that the nurses sent me, using the earsavers I made them, I was looking carefully if their ears were really freed from the garter straps of the facemasks. As I'm writing this, there's a voice in my head that says "Boo hoo! Big deal!"
Then I remembered I found a video on facebook demonstrating how to properly wear a face mask. Of course, you can predict that the skeptic in me did not really believe that was necessary. Well, I though there's only one way to see if that's true. I tried it myself.
Let me break down the steps. First, you get a fresh facemask.
Then, you fold it horizontally. Still very easy. I was able to follow it, so can you. I believe in you.
Next, tie the straps as shown in the picture. Just be gentle with the strap. They're garterized but I think they're not meant to be pulled too hard.
Then, you push the folded art on the side to the inside of the mask.
Your facemask should have a boat-like shape by now. If you're not getting that, I suggest you just watch the video. I'm usually goot at confusing myself and other people. My friends adore that about me.
Now, you can go ahead and wear the mask, ensure that the part with the metallic end is facing your nose. You'll need to adjust that to match the shape of your nose bridge.
And here's the juicy part. It now makes sense to me why our nurses' ears get irritated and hurt by the mask. If you are wearing the mask as it should be worn, it would inevitably scratch against the skin on your ears.
And that's where the facemask extenders come in very helpful. Now it makes sense to me. Now I am empowered to do more and to do it better. I am indeed helping them, easing them from the pain while they are saving the world one (or more) patient at a time.
We also can help save the world. By staying at home, not giving the virus any chance to transfer anymore.