Along with physically distancing and good hand washing, cloth face masks are effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Some parents may have questions and concerns about cloth face masks, and we're here to help.
There have been concerns that cloth face masks can reduce oxygen intake and lead to low blood oxygen levels, known as hypoxemia. However, Smart Pro Mask cloth face masks are made from breathable materials that will not block the oxygen your child needs. Masks do not affect your child's ability to focus or learn in school. The vast majority of children aged 2 or older can safely wear a cloth face covering for extended periods of time, such as the school day or childcare. This includes children with many medical conditions.
No, wearing a cloth face mask will not affect your child's lungs from developing normally. This is because oxygen flows through and around the mask while blocking respiratory droplets that may contain the virus. We know that keeping your child's lungs healthy is important, which includes preventing infections like COVID-19.
When masks partly hide faces, kids can't see the friendly smile or familiar look that usually puts them at ease. When kids can't see the person's whole face, it's harder to feel safe. But gradually, parents can help kids feel more comfortable. Even very young kids can learn that something that seemed frightening at first isn't anything to be afraid of after all.
No. There have been false reports that face coverings can lead to carbon dioxide poisoning from re-breathing the air we normally breathe out. But this is not true. Carbon dioxide molecules are very tiny, even smaller than respiratory droplets. Smart Pro Mask and other cloth face masks are made of breathable materials that cannot trap them. In fact, surgeons wear tight-fitting masks all day as part of their jobs, without any harm.
However, children under 2 years of age should not wear masks since they cannot remove them without help. Children with severe breathing problems or cognitive impairments may also have difficulty tolerating a face mask, and extra precautions may be needed.
No. Wearing a cloth face mask does not weaken your immune system or increase your chances of getting sick if exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Wearing a fabric face mask, even if you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, helps prevent the virus from spreading.
Cloth face masks on adults and kids over 2 years old can help slow the virus's spread. Here are some ways to help kids wear masks when you go out:
When worn correctly, fabric face masks create a barrier that reduces the spray of respiratory droplets. These droplets are a large factor in the spread of COVID-19 because they can carry the virus. Masks also can protect you from others who may have coronavirus but are asymptomatic.
Some toddlers and young children may feel uneasy about masks and may need extra support and comfort from their parents. Parents can help kids understand why they might need to wear a mask and make them more comfortable and even fun to wear.