Your Guide to Masks
CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, like on public and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people.
How to Select
When selecting a mask, there are many choices. Here are some do’s and don’ts.
![do-choose-masks_1 DO choose masks that have 2 or more layers of washable, breathable fabric graphic.](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/do-choose-masks_1-medium.png)
Have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric
![do-choose-masks-2 DO choose masks that completely cover your nose and mouth;](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/do-choose-masks-2-medium.png)
Completely cover your nose and mouth
![do-choose-masks-3 DO choose masks that fit snugly against the sides of your face and don't have gaps.](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/do-choose-masks-3-medium.png)
Fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps
![do-NOT-choose-masks-1 DO NOT choose masks that are made of fabric that makes it hard to breath, for example, vinyl](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/do-NOT-choose-masks-1-medium.png)
Are made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe, for example, vinyl
![do-NOT-choose-masks-2 DO NOT choose masks that have exhalation valves or vents which allow virus particles to escape](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/do-NOT-choose-masks-2-medium.png)
Have exhalation valves or vents which allow virus particles to escape
![do-NOT-choose-masks-3 DO NOT choose masks that are intended for healthcare workers, including N95 respirators or surgical masks](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/do-NOT-choose-masks-3-medium.png)
Are intended for healthcare workers, including N95 respirators or surgical masks
Special Considerations
![caution-gaiters graphic of a man wearing a gaiter](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/caution-gaiters-face-shields-1.png)
Wear a gaiter with two layers, or fold it to make two layers
![face-shield graphic of a woman with a face shield](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/face-shield.jpg)
Not recommended: Evaluation of face shields is ongoing, but effectiveness is unknown at this time.
![glasses Graphic of a woman with black framed glasses and red mask](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/glasses.png)
If you wear glasses, find a mask that fits closely over your nose or one that has a nose wire to limit fogging.
![children-1 graphic of girl wearing a pink mask](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/children-1.png)
Find a mask that is made for children to help ensure proper fit
![children-2 graphic of a boy wearing a blue mask](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/children-2.png)
Check to be sure the mask fits snugly over the nose and mouth and under the chin and that there are no gaps around the sides
![children-3 graphic of a girl wearing a blue mask](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/children-3.png)
Do NOT put on children younger than 2 years old
![do-scarf girl sitting on bench with scarf and mask on](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/do-scarf.jpg)
Wear your scarf, ski mask or balaclava over your mask
![girl sitting on bench with scarf girl sitting on bench with scarf](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/dont-scarf.jpg)
Scarves, ski masks and balaclavas are not substitutes for masks
How to Wear
Wear a mask correctly and consistently for the best protection.
- Be sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before putting on a mask.
- Do NOT touch the mask when wearing it. If you have to often touch/adjust your mask, it doesn’t fit you properly, and you may need to find a different mask or make adjustments.
For more information, visit our How to Wear Masks web page.
![How to wear a mask Do wear a mask that: Covers your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin; Fits snugly against the sides of your face.](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/prevent-getting-sick/do-wear-mask.jpg)
- Covers your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
- Fits snugly against the sides of your face.
![how-not-wear-mask-1 elderly woman with mask around her neck](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/how-not-wear-mask-1.png)
Around your neck
![how-not-wear-mask-2 man with mask on forehead](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/how-not-wear-mask-2.png)
On Your forehead
![how-not-wear-mask-3 man with mask under nose](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/how-not-wear-mask-3.png)
Under your nose
![how-not-wear-mask-4 man with mask on face but without his mouth covered](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/how-not-wear-mask-4.png)
Only on your nose
![how-not-wear-mask-5 man with mask on chin](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/how-not-wear-mask-5.png)
On your chin
![how-not-wear-mask-6 woman with mask hanging from ear](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/how-not-wear-mask-6.png)
Dangling from one ear
![how-not-wear-mask-7 man with mask hanging on arm](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/how-not-wear-mask-7.png)
On your arm
![mask-1.jpg graphic of a man wearing an orange mask](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/mask-1.jpg.png)
Carefully, untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops
![mask-2.jpg graphic of hands holding an orange mask](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/mask-2.jpg.png)
Handle only by the earloops or ties
![mask-3 graphic of the inside of an orange mask](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/mask-3.png)
Fold the outside corners together
![mask-4 graphic of a person cleaning their hands](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/your-health/masks/mask-4.png)
Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing
![how to clean mask Washer and dryer - dryer has regular laundry including face masks](/congress116th/20210116014714im_/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-clean-mask-medium.jpg)
Reusable masks should be washed regularly. Always remove masks correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used mask.
- Include your mask with your regular laundry
- Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask
- Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry
For more information, visit our How to Wash Masks web page.
For more information, see our Masks web site. For information on the sources for our mask guidance, see Recent Studies.