How should it fit? The mask should fit snugly under the chin and over the nose without being uncomfortably tight. The goal is to minimize airflow around the mask, so that the wearer breathes air filtered through the material. A pair of glasses- sunglasses, prescription, safety glasses . . . even joke glasses- will help to fit the material around the nose and protect your eyes from sneezes or coughs.

How should it be worn? While wearing it, avoid touching the mask or your face with your hands. In order to remove the mask, grasp the earpiece behind the ear and lift away from the face. Fold the outer layer to the inside and drop in the wash-basket. Whoever does the wash should not touch the mask until it is in the warm, soapy water.

A last piece of advice: They don't have to be perfect, just functional. You don't need the Victorian standard of sixteen stitches per inch or any perfect seam. As long as the mask fits right and will survive the wash, you have done well.