The year 2020 has come enormously unusual as it gave us a pandemic to face. This global crisis has not just taken a toll on the economy but has also taken away hundreds of thousands of lives from the world’s different corners. That said, experts have one common advice to reduce the likelihood of getting infected with the covid-19 virus that people must at all times wear face masks especially when in public places and treat it as an essential part of the new normal.
The majority of health officers in the United States have likewise uttered that using a non-surgical face mask is still okay against the virus and to address the demand-and-supply problem for surgical and medical face masks that medical front liners need the most. This has been reinforced in different states, where residents are encouraged to wear cloth masks or facial coverings in public settings.
The use of facemask is also encouraged when working out or doing yoga. As some cities downgrade to a lenient lockdown restriction, adding a yoga face mask to your yoga wardrobe is something you should consider. If you are planning to buy or make your own, continue reading on the guide below.
How many yoga face masks should I buy?
Although it is ideal to have seven yoga face mask to use throughout the week, the rule of thumb is to have one face mask per class day, i.e. if you have yoga classes 5 days a week, then you should have at least five yoga face masks on hand and if you do not find face mask-washing onerous, there will not be a need to buy some spares.
Never settle with a single yoga face mask; not only this is inefficient, but it can also fast track the wear and tear of your mask, impacting your protection against the virus.
Consider the best fabric for your yoga face mask.
As per the experts, the best yoga face mask would be made of cotton with a thread count that is at least 80%. This helps improve the mask’s capacity to filter out microorganisms compared to cotton fabrics with low thread counts. In other words, the higher the thread count in cotton fabric is, the smaller its pore size becomes, improving the particle filtration especially that from the Covid-19 virus.
Meanwhile, when it comes to the efficacy of using a multiple-layered yoga face mask, new shreds of evidence have been found that confirm it as very effective in preventing the covid-19 virus transmission. Studies have further shown that cotton-made yoga face masks are affordable but far superior in quality compared to chiffon and natural silk.
According to the recommendations for the health officers, non-surgical face masks like fabric yoga face masks must comprise of two layers of tightly-woven fabric at the least. If it is only single-layered, there will not be that much protection against the virus. If it is two-layered, there will be a quite significant difference, preventing more of the virus particles from passing through. Moreover, the health experts have also emphasized the use of disposable coffee filters or paper towel sheets as inserts in yoga face masks to enhance the protection. Using other filters like vacuum and mechanical air filters is highly discouraged because of their chemical content that can be hazardous to inhale.
Find a well-fit yoga face mask.
As per the health experts, non-surgical face masks for yoga may be less breathable but they should allow wearers to breathe with ease if they are well-fit and have secure ear loops or ties. These masks must cover not only the mouth but the nose as well without being very tight. A snug fit yoga face mask plays a vital role in reducing the spread of infectious respiratory droplets as wearers will no longer have to readjust and touch their face masks from time to time.
Given that the right fabric is used for the yoga faith mask, it should not in any way end up impairing the vision or causing mild eye irritation especially in the midst of a yoga class. But aside from this, health experts also recommend that the yoga face mask should have an adjustable metal strip surrounding the nose to give a strong grip and prevent repetitive slip-off during a yoga routine. The loops must also be appropriately sized.
As a yoga practitioner, one of the ways you can ensure that your yoga face mask is snug-fit is by moving the different parts of your face and moving your head as well. See to it that the yoga face mask can stay as-is regardless.
The Proper Way to Remove a Yoga Face Mask
The majority of people across the globe have been removing their face masks the wrong way and you could be too; that is good as putting all your Covid-19 preventive efforts to waste. As per the experts, here is how you should remove your yoga face mask:
Step #1: Untie the strings from your head’s back if there is any.
Step #2: Remove the string tied around your ears. One ear at a time.
Step #3: Do not touch the mask’s front. Consider it infected.
Presence of mind is vital in doing this. And another fundamental rule is, never touch your face while doing those three steps. Above all things, your face has to remain uninfected. Otherwise, you are doomed.
Step #4: After removing the face mask, wash your hands and arms with soap and water then head on to the bathroom to take a bath. Never touch anything or anyone in your house unless you have taken a bath.
Preventing covid-19 while doing Yoga does not require extraordinary efforts. What it needs is consistency in complying with the new normal and making these preventive measures a habit. It may be uncomfortable and suffocating at some point but every compliance and good deed will not only save you but the people around you as well. That should pay off all the efforts.
Buying a Yoga Face Mask
You will find a number of yoga face mask suppliers across the United States but most of the decent ones are sold from $15 to $50 apiece. Quality over quantity should be your mantra in shopping for a yoga face mask. Just because it is cheap, it does not mean it can protect you as good against the virus. Choose well and be guided as you do so.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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