Last updated on March 6, 2023 at 02:59 PM
Face mask is a common personal protection tool used by surgeons, dentists, doctors and people in public. Using facemask have become a trend adopted by many celebrities and influencers after the COVID pandemic. Wearing a facemask reduces the risk of getting infected with respiratory illness from the surroundings. It creates a barrier between the environment and the mouth and nose, reducing the respiratory particles that might get inhaled. Masks have remained a major SOP for controlling and preventing the recent pandemic COVID. Not only in pandemics, but people with flu and other virus infections also prefer masks. Moreover, surgeons and dentists wear a mask to prevent the transmission of infection particles to and from the patient.
The use of face masks is deeply connected to social practices and health attitudes. Wearing face mask have received a variety of acceptance level across different cultural and governmental environments.
How does a facemask help you?
A facemask can help prevent you from viruses and infections, especially in crowded places like stations and hospitals, since the virus can spread from a person when he sneezes, coughs, or talks by respiratory droplets. These infectious droplets can land on the nose or mouth of people nearby or can be inhaled into the lungs. For this purpose, a barrier is needed to prevent these droplets from affecting your exposed face. A mask should also be worn to protect oneself from viruses and others. A surgical mask protects operating staff from patient-derived infectious material to some extent. This mask is a physical barrier against the blood and fluid splash during surgical processes. A study revealed that facemask prevents these bloody fluid splashes in 24% of the procedures. It is also revealed that diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, or C can occur across any mucous membrane. Surgeons and nurses who perform clean surgery wear disposable facemasks. Firstly to prevent the transmission of germs from the surgeon’s mouth or nose into the patient’s wounds and secondly, to protect the mouth and nose of the surgeon from the sprays and blood fluid splashes from wounds. If the mask is worn incorrectly, it can increase the chances of the wound getting contaminated or the virus spreading to the surgeon.
What to look for when buying a mask?
While searching for a face mask, three things should be considered: fabric, fit, and breathability. If you are looking for a cloth mask, check the sewing instructions and uses from experts like CDC or local hospitals. Choosing a mask with more than a single layer of fabric is preferable. Make sure the stuff is breathable. Secondly, fitting a mask according to your face is also important. Look for a mask that perfectly fits your face and is comfortable. No gap should be between your mask and nose, mouth, or chin.
Do's and don’ts while wearing masks
There are number of mistakes that people do commonly in daily use of facemask. Some of these do’s and don’ts are listed below. You should keep in mind the following.
DO’s
- Secure the elastic bands behind your ears
- If there are ties on masks, secure them at the middle and base of your head.
- If you are a doctor or nurse, leave the patient area before removing the face mask.
- Remove your facemask by touching the loops or straps.
- Dispose mask in plastic bag after using it.
- Do change your mask if it gets wet (from exhalation) since it loses its effectiveness
DON’Ts
- Do not wear your facemask under your nose or chin and on your head.
- Do not let the ties hang down
- Do not touch your face mask repeatedly
- Do not put your mask on your chin while eating.
- Do not touch the Fabric part of the mask.
- Do not reuse a disposable mask.
- Do not share your face mask with your family and friends.
How to properly wear and remove a facemask?
1. Please wash your hands with soap before putting on a face mask and after you remove it.
2. Mostly the white side of mask is placed inwards and the colored side is on the front.
3. Ensure the mask covers your nose, mouth, and under chin properly. Pinch the top of the mask to secure it around your nose.
4. Adjust mask such that you can breathe and talk comfortably.
5. For removing the facemask, keep the outer surface inwards whiles folding it. It prevents the spread of germs.
6. Touch only the band or strips while putting or removing the face mask.
7. Be careful not to touch your mouth or eyes after removing your facemask. Immediately wash your hands or sanitize them.
8. When you remove the mask, please keep it in a plastic bag. If it is a fabric mask, you can wash it. Otherwise, dispose of it.
Features of a good face mask
According to Dr. Cassoobhoy, a good facemask has a high thread count cotton fabric. A piece of cotton fabric makes the mask breathable. A good mask fits your face properly without leaving a snug fit from the nose, cheeks, and chin. Masks having elastic bands are more comfortable as they do not cause irritation and are not tight. Disposable face masks are best because they can be discarded after use.
Should children wear face masks?
According to WHO, children are less likely to get infected with the virus. Still, since they have greater contact with individuals in schools, it is recommended that children with age two or older should wear masks to protect themselves from the virus, especially in places like hospitals or during pandemics. Parents should choose comfortable and high-quality masks that properly fit their faces. An uncomfortable mask can be useless since the child might remove it. Follow the user instructions on facemasks to better assist you with their size. If the child has some medical conditions or has difficulty breathing with a mask, then go for a disposable mask or a cloth mask. Moreover, ask their healthcare provider if they get dizzy after wearing a mask for a long time.
What kind of mask should you wear?
WHO recommends fabric masks and surgical masks. But there are many other kinds of masks available too. Here is a guideline on which mask you should opt for.
Fabric masks:
These act as a barrier between the surrounding area and the face and nose. In pandemic situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained, fabric masks should be used. However, people aged 60 or over or those with medical situations should not wear these masks. Fabric masks can be washed daily and are reusable.
Medical masks:
Medical masks are mostly used in public settings and places like grocery stores or public transport. Medical masks are recommended for people who are taking care of sick people. These are for one-time use only. After use, these masks must be safely discarded.
3D disposable facemasks:
Because of the bendable nose strip, these masks create a tight seal around the nose and mouth. If worn correctly, they can block germs and airborne particles in the surrounding. These types of masks are very effective at protecting the wearer and nearby people. According to Yi Cui, a professor of materials science and engineering at Stanford University, masks having folds are a good choice as they expand and there is more air flowing inside instead of leaking from the gaps of masks. Moreover, masks with flat front designs are less effective.
3-ply face masks:
Several studies have shown that facemasks with more than one layer are more effective in blocking small particles. You can get the three-ply face masks from our website, which has a BFE of 99% that ensures protection from bacteria.
Face shield masks:
Face shield masks are also used by doctors, veterans, and dentists. They protect the facial area and membrane. If you cannot make your child wear the regular mask, you should go for a face shield mask from Zhengxin Group. These facemasks are made of cotton and are comfortable with adjustable ear loops.
Takeaway
That’s all you need to know about face masks. If you have a better point of view, welcome to contact me to add it. Hope this article is helpful to you. thanks for reading
Bibllography:
- Everything you need to know about face masks | UNICEF Sudan.”(accessed Mar. 03, 2023). https://www.unicef.org/sudan/everything-you-need-know-about-face-masks
Blood and body fluid splashes during surgery–the need for eye protection and masks – PubMed.(Apr. 15, 2023). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17999818/
Everything you need to know about face masks | UNICEF Sudan. (Mon, 10 Aug 2020) https://www.unicef.org/sudan/everything-you-need-know-about-face-masks
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