In today’s climate, it’s almost unacceptable to step out of the house without wearing a mask. But is that protective layer of equipment you’re donning across your face real or just a counterfeit? Here’s how you can tell.
1. Test 1: The Fire Test
One easy way to tell if your mask is real or fake is by lighting it on fire (that’s if you have additional to spare). Unassemble your mask and light the innermost layer of it — if the mask is real, that layer should just disintegrate and not catch fire. However, if it does, it means that your mask is most likely a counterfeit and made of paper.
2. Test 2: The Water Test
Another easy way to test if your mask is a dupe is by loading it with water. If the mask is real, water should not be able to seep through. This is important especially for infected individuals, because once the user sneezes, the mask will not be able to absorb any moisture, thus preventing droplet transmission from one person to another.
3. Test 3: The Light Transmission Test
A good mask should be made of melt-blown fabric, which is an extremely fine mesh of synthetic polymer fibers that forms the critical inner layer of a mask. This allows the wearer to breath while reducing the inflow of possible infectious particles. Apparently, a way to test if your mask is real is to hold it over light. Only minimal light should be able to pass through.
4. Test 4: Blow Out a Lighter
This is as straightforward as it can get; if you can blow out a lighter or candle while wearing a mask, chances are, your mask is definitely fake.
Full demonstrations here:
In addition, If you have a real mask, it is best to store it in a dry and cool place away from sunlight and moisture to avoid the breeding of fungus.
