Hold your bandana up to a light source and check if you can see any light coming through it. If you notice some light shining through, then the material won’t be effective. [4] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
This ensures that your bandana has 2–3 layers of protection, so particles are less likely to get through the fabric.
Try to keep your bandana as flat as you can, so the folds don’t come undone.
If the bandana doesn’t cover your nose, mouth, and chin completely, move the edge you just folded up a little higher to make the mask taller.
If you have a ponytail, you can choose to tie the bandana above or below it.
Many bandanas have one side with vibrant colors and another side with duller colors. Keep the vibrant side face down when you start so it’s on the exterior of your mask.
This ensures that there are multiple layers of fabric covering your face so you’re less at risk to catch or transmit any viruses.
If you don’t have hair ties, use rubber bands instead.
Avoid leaving your nose uncovered since it will make your mask ineffective. If your bandana fits so tightly that it causes pain or makes it hard to breathe, take it off and unfold the sides. Slide the hair ties closer to the edges before folding them back in and putting your mask back on. However, your masks will be more effective if it fits snugly than if it was loose.
