A medical face mask, also referred to as a medical face mask or an emergency face shield, is personal, disposable protective equipment usually worn by healthcare workers during certain medical procedures. It is worn over the entire nose and mouth, to protect the wearer's eyes and mouth from smoke or other particles that may otherwise enter these sensitive areas. This type of face shield is available in different styles and designs. Some are more appropriate for specific job requirements, while others are designed to provide general protection against facial injuries. Here are a few options to choose from.
One type of medical face mask that is used by healthcare providers is the hard plastic nasal mask. These devices are typically full-face but they can be fitted with either a snorkel or a brow lift to modify its shape. The medical device is inserted into the nostrils and gently reshapes them so as to cover the nose and mouth. These are then attached to straps that secure them firmly in place.
Soft plastic nasal and eye masks are another type of medical face masks that are worn in the workplace. These are typically worn as either a preventative method or on very occasional occasions for special functions such as infections. These devices are designed to be worn comfortably and are designed so that air can flow freely through the nose and clear the eyes. They are often worn as a way around eyewear, especially when patients wear glasses.
There are also face masks that are designed with more specific purposes in mind. For example, there are anti-gas masks that provide improved breathing resistance for those who are suffering from asthma. There are oxygenation face masks that increase the user's breathing resistance, as well as anti-fog ones that reduce or eliminate the appearance of fogging. Medical disposable face masks are designed to provide complete airway protection and to address specific needs such as respiratory distress or allergic reactions. These items should always be selected based on the intended use and for a particular function. In general, they should be more comfortable and easier to remove than other products.
Another way to protect the patient while reducing exposure to bacteria is through the use of medical face mask or anti-bacterial face coverings. Some of these items are designed to provide enhanced oxygenation of the respiratory tract. Some are specifically for protecting the eye from airborne bacteria. A common allergen in many workplaces is bacteria, which is most often found in the workplace due to the constant movement of people and constant exposure to cleaning products, such as chlorine and other chemical fumes. A variety of anti-bacterial face coverings have been developed that not only reduce the risk of exposure to bacteria, but also kill it when it is already present.
Medical or personal care products generally fall into one of three categories: non-surgical, surgical or contact. The type of protection purchased depends on what the use is intended to be. The materials used in manufacturing differ for each product, with materials intended for surgical or contact applications being much stronger and having higher levels of particulate filtration efficiency than the material used for filtration of air in a home or office environment. The type of mask most commonly purchased is a full face unit that covers the entire head and neck.