Use of Face Masks in India during COVID-19: Common Problems Faced during Mask Use and Solutions

Present study was conducted with the aim of documenting the problems faced while wearing face masks regularly due to COVID-19 pandemic. Data obtained by online survey were statistically analyzed by percentage, mean, standard deviation and one way ANOVA. Findings from 267 respondents suggest that most mask wearers were troubled by pressure ulcers due to continuous use, pain around the ears/nose due to constant pressure by the mask, skin irritation and steaming up of eyeglasses. Appropriate solutions for reducing the problems have been suggested. More than fifty percent of the subjects expressed a positive overall mask experience. A majority (84%) of the respondents were ready to make mask a part of their daily ensemble. The effect of profile characteristics i.e. gender, age, education, employment sector and profession on the overall experience of wearer regarding mandatory mask usage has been reported. The study was instrumental in gathering valuable data pertaining to mask use during the first wave of corona and the common problems faced by the respondents.