Everyday wellness2 min
A Well-Fitted Mask on High-Pollution Days
Wearing a snug N95-type mask outdoors on very polluted days and keeping outdoor workouts short. A protective habit, not a treatment; ask a doctor if you have asthma or heart disease.
Important: this remedy is only a supportive home measure. Keep taking any medicine your doctor has prescribed, monitor your readings, and consult your doctor before adding anything new.
Fit matters more than fabric
After Diwali, air quality in many cities drops. A snug N95-type mask filters fine particles far better than a loose cloth or surgical mask, but only if it seals around the nose and cheeks.
Pinch the nose strip, check no air leaks at the edges and keep outdoor exercise short on very bad days. This is a protective habit and not a treatment for lung or heart conditions.
Ingredients
- An N95 or similar mask
- A spare mask
- A small pouch
How to prepare
- Check the air quality app each morning.
- Keep a clean spare.
How to use
- Wear on high-AQI days when outdoors.
- Replace when damp or dirty.
Helpful habits
- Do a seal check by breathing in.
- Keep the rest of the day indoors if possible.
Precautions
- People with asthma, COPD or heart disease should ask a doctor before regular use.
- Children's masks must fit properly.
- A protective habit, not a treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cloth mask enough?
- It reduces dust but filters fine particles poorly.
Can I reuse an N95?
- A few times if clean and dry.
Does it fit kids?
- Use child-sized ones.
