Information for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland members on the different types of face masks / face coverings and use of facemasks in the community.

Click on the link below to download the resource.

Important to know:

• All types of mask should completely cover the nose, mouth and chin. There should be a good seal around all edges of the mask (no gaps).
• Wearing a mask does not replace social distancing or good hand hygiene. Masks should complement these measures as an additional precaution where appropriate.
• Medical masks and Respirator masks are designed to be single use only. Non-medical masks (face coverings) should be washed at minimum 60 degrees after each use.
• Ensure you wash your hands or apply alcohol-based hand sanitiser before putting on your mask. Avoid touching your face when wearing the mask.
• When taking off the face mask, remove it from behind, avoiding to touch the front side. Wash your hands or apply alcohol-based hand sanitiser immediately after removing the face mask.
• Medical masks should be ‘fluid resistant’, so check the description on the box/packaging. Fluid resistant medical masks are sometimes known as a ‘medical mask type 2R’.
• Medical masks should have three material layers.
• When buying medical masks check the productions comply with European Standards (indicated on packaging with EN 14683:2014).
• When buying respirator masks check the productions comply with European Standards (indicated on packaging with EN 149:2001+A1:2009)
• When buying a face covering, check that it complies with the National Standards Authority of Ireland’s barrier mask guidance https://www.nsai.ie/barriermasks/
• Face masks may not be tolerated by young children or people who normally experience difficulty breathing. Whether or not a mask is worn, the most important measures are social distancing, regular hand washing and cough hygiene.
• A face mask may help reduce the spread of infection in the community by minimising the spread of respiratory droplets from infected individuals who may not even know they are infected and before they develop any symptoms (asymptomatic). For this reason, face masks/coverings are recommended for visitors entering the home of someone who is cocooning.