What can a face mask protect me from?

Face masks can protect you from things in the air, such as viruses and pollutants.

Wearing a face mask, protects you from airborne viruses like COVID-19, influenza (flu) and many viruses that cause the common cold. This can lower the spread of respiratory diseases. But they need to be worn correctly and consistently for this to happen.

P2 and N95 face masks (respirators) can also protect you from bushfire smoke. They help filter out the fine particles in smoke. These respirators can also protect you from:

• asbestos
• ash
• mould spores
• pollens
• wood dust

When should I wear a face mask?

In general, wearing a face mask is advised to prevent the spread of disease when you can't physically distance from other people. You may choose to wear a face mask when you are indoors or in crowded settings, like on public transport. This can help to protect you from airborne diseases.

In some states and territories, you may need to wear a face mask when visiting high-risk places, such as:

• places providing aged care services
• places providing disability services
• hospitals
• a general practice or medical centre
• pharmacies

Wearing a mask in these areas helps protect staff and other people who are more likely to become sick.

Drawbacks to mask wearing

Mask wearing can be difficult for some groups of people, such as people:

• who need to see your full face to communicate with you — such as deaf people
• who are neurodiverse
• with cognitive difficulties
• who have experience of trauma

What type of face mask should I use?

There are many different types of face masks available for use.

Cloth masks

Cloth masks give the least protection from viruses carried in respiratory droplets and aerosols. They are not medical grade masks. But they can still help stop the spread of disease.

Surgical masks

Wearing a surgical mask helps to protect you from infection. They protect better than cloth masks. They also help to stop people who are sick from spreading their illness.

Surgical masks can be medical grade, depending on their intended use.

Respirator masks

Respirators are more effective than surgical or cloth masks at stopping the spread of airborne viruses. Respirators are also called P2 or N95 masks.

Some face masks are designed to prevent disease from spreading between people. These must meet national respirator standards.

People at some workplaces use respirators when they have a high risk of exposure to body fluids, respiratory droplets and aerosols.

This includes people working in:

• healthcare
• aged care services
• disability sectors
• quarantine
• police
• security

You can also buy N95 (P2) masks for non-medical purposes, such as construction. These are not medical grade and are not regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Respirators with an exhalation valve do not filter the air that you breathe out. These types of masks do not protect other people from any viruses that you may have.

Respirators can also be used to protect you from bushfire smoke. Cloth and surgical masks do not protect you from bushfire smoke.

Your respirator must fit properly to work well. It must form a tight seal around your face. A tight seal can be difficult if you have facial hair — even 1-to-2 day-old stubble can stop a good seal.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when putting on your mask.

You should throw your respirator (P2 orN95) mask away:

• after each use
• after wearing it for 4 hours
• once it becomes moist

Other options for covering your face

Scarves or bandanas are not advised for protection from airborne infections or pollution. They do not give the same amount of protection as a well-fitted face mask.

Using a scarf can also be an infection risk. This is because you can reuse them.

Face shields are not a substitute for face masks. But if you can't wear a face mask, you may find it easier to wear a face shield.

How do I wear a face mask correctly?

Wash or sanitise your hands before putting on your face mask.

Make sure that your mask covers your nose and mouth. It should fit snugly:

• under your chin
• over the bridge of your nose
• against the sides of your face

When you take off your mask, do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth. After taking off your mask, wash or sanitise your hands.

Things that you should not do:

• Do not touch the front of your mask while wearing it or taking it off.
• Do not allow the mask to hang around your neck or under your nose.
• Do not use single-use masks more than once.
• Do not use masks with holes or a valve — these allow the spread of infection to other people.

Where can I get face masks?

You can buy face masks from:

• pharmacies
• supermarkets
• hardware stores
• online stores

Resources and support

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has more information on face mask standards.

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.