We all know that masks are a relatively scarce type of protective equipment. They are also the most basic protective equipment. Due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus, the demand for masks is also increasing. Many people are If you can’t buy masks, some people will buy fake masks. So do the folds on the outside of the mask face up or down? Let’s take a closer look below! Should the pleats on the outside of the mask be upward or downward?

The direction of the pleats on the outside of the mask is not certain, but the pleats on most masks may be pointing downward.

There are currently two main types of wrinkles on masks. One is that the wrinkles on the same side face in one direction. The other type has the wrinkles on the same side facing in opposite directions. The first type: the wrinkles should be facing downwards on the outside of the mask, while the wrinkles should be facing upwards if they are close to the face. The second type: a mask with wrinkles in opposite directions, divided into two groups of upper and lower wrinkles. The set of folds near the turbinates is facing upwards, and the set of folds near the chin is facing downwards, which is the outside of the mask. Are the folds on the outside of the mask fake?

Not necessarily.

The direction of the folds on the outside of a mask is not a criterion for judging the authenticity of a mask. It does not prove that a mask with upward folds is a domestic mask.

It is impossible to judge the front and back based on the direction of the folds. There is no standard that stipulates that the folds must face downwards, and there are also designs that are symmetrical up and down.

Folds are only found on flat masks, and the pleats of most flat masks are indeed downward. This is because the downward folds make it easier for the wearer to pull down and wrap the chin more conveniently. However, there are currently no standards stipulating the direction of the folds of masks. That is to say, when manufacturers produce masks, they do not necessarily use the folds facing downward as the outer side, because even if the folds are facing upwards, they can be pulled downwards, but they may not necessarily have the folds facing upwards. It's just so convenient to face downwards.

Moreover, there are some masks on the market that are symmetrically designed with fold directions up and down. It is more difficult to distinguish the inside and outside of this type of mask based on the direction of the folds. So this method is not accurate. How to distinguish the front and back of a mask

(1) Look at the color: the outer layer of medical surgical masks is mostly light blue or dark; the inner layer is mostly white or light colored.

(2) Look at the feel: the outer layer is mostly smooth because it has a water-blocking function; while the inner layer has a moisture-absorbing effect, so materials with good breathability are often chosen, which are more delicate and comfortable.

(3) Look at the nose clip: The pressure strips of the nose clip (plastic strip) are generally on the middle and outer layers, and the more protruding side of the plastic strip is usually on the outside.

(4) Look at the folds: the metal strip (nose clip) is on top, the side with downward folds is the outside, and the side with upward folds is the inside.

(5) Look at the trademark: If the product trademark on the mask can be read from the front, that side is the outside. Which mask is more suitable to buy

There are three types of medical masks. The first type of medical surgical mask has a rectangular structure; the second type is a disposable medical mask, which has a similar structure to a surgical mask and is also rectangular; The third type is medical protective masks with a relatively high level of protection. The highest level of medical protective masks is worn by medical staff

In terms of use, medical protective masks are the highest level. On January 26, the National Health Commission issued the guidelines for the use of medical protective products for the prevention and treatment of new coronavirus infections. It has been recommended that it be worn by medical staff in special areas such as isolation wards, isolation intensive care, and fever clinics. It is generally recommended to replace it every 4 hours. If there is contamination, such as splashing on the outer surface or the inner surface being stained or wet during operation by an invasive operator, it will be discarded. Just wear a medical surgical mask in public places

Medical surgical masks are worn by medical staff to prevent blood and body fluid splashes during invasive operations. Its surface is anti-blood and anti-liquid. There are requirements. We recommend that everyone wear medical surgical masks in public places and work scenes. Wear disposable medical masks when the density of people is not high

Disposable medical masks are worn in ordinary diagnosis and treatment environments, and disposable medical masks are worn in scenes where the density of people is not very high.