Breathe through your nose, regardless of whether you are wearing a mask. I think people panic and starting breathing through their mouths, and then they end up with dry mouth and sore throats. The nose is a filtration device.
Bring a second mask for the afternoon. They aren't meant for all day wearing.
If it's a cloth mask, wash it. Ironing it will kill any germs that linger after washing and drying (although washing and drying are quite effective on their own). I can't wrap my head around people who wear the same mask for multiple days without washing. Do they not change their underwear?
I feel for you all who have to go to school in this mess. The problem with optional masks is that cloth and surgical masks protect other people. So the decision of other students to not wear a mask puts you at greater risk.
Unfortunately, cloth masks, even the high ends ones let in between 97-100% (rayon/polyester vs cotton) of particles according to multiple different studies when compared to N95s (44%), or even K95s (67%). There are even studies saying that cloth masks are worse than having no masks, because again trapping of the air, moisture build up, etc. Most people either have cloth or the practically paper surgical masks, which are really only meant to block fluids from hitting a surgeon in the face, not airborne particles.
Even a perfectly fitted N95, does not prevent all transmission and not many regular people are wearing those, especially not school children.
It's also very difficult to remember to breath through your nose when the air flow is hampered. Your body naturally starts gasping for air through your mouth.
Thankfully, all the cases of covid are going down. In the US, we had a spike of Omni in Dec/January, now barely are cases. We all getting our natural immunity, wanted or not.
