masks can be removed! only during dreamscape events/tdms will characters feel a bit reluctant to remove them (they may, for the record, remove their masks during these events, they will just get a horrid feeling that they should put it back on).

losing the masks may be a difficult feat to accomplish, as vessels will always be to some degree aware of them. the relic is sacred and theirs, so even if for some reason the mask has been misplaced, characters will sense where it is and be able to track it down.

while tied to intent, there definitely is potential to accidentally send something through the network if you wish, whether that be a moment, an image or even oversharing thoughts, especially if one is getting the hang of filtering them.

the only difference between dream world and waking world mask mechanics is that while not nearly as strong as the dreamscape impulse to keep it on, characters will feel the need to at the very least keep masks with them when in the waking world, whether that be in a bag they carry, around their necks, within reaching distance or tied to their hip. so let's say someone hates their mask and wants to throw it away
....... they totally could! just be prepared to regret the decision almost immediately and go right back for it ;)