Types of Medical Face Masking
A medical face mask, also called a medical face shield, is designed to be worn during medical care procedures by medical professionals. Medical face masks are designed to prevent infections from spreading in medical staff and preventing accidental exposure of patients to germs by capturing airborne bacteria and droplets from the mouth and nose of the wearer. They are often used to protect the eyes and mouth of surgical patients. During surgery, they prevent unwanted contamination by preventing the touch of surfaces. They are also used during emergency procedures to maintain sterility and cleanliness in the operating room.
The use of surgical masks like N95 1860 has increased in the last few decades due to the growth in healthcare practices. This is especially true in emergency medicine, where hospital staff need to stay away from the patient's hands to avoid contamination. The importance of wearing sterile or reusable medical face shields during medical procedures became evident when the MRSA virus was discovered in hospitals and healthcare settings. This infection has become one of the most difficult to treat and prevent because it is associated with death. Research into ways of preventing MRSA infections and in turn the transmission and infection of other strains of this dangerous disease have led to the development of medical face masks and other equipment that are worn either in the hospital or in clinics and medical centers around the country.
The different types of medical face mask that are used during healthcare procedures are pneumatic, plastic, silicon gel, foam and latex. Pneumatic medical face masks use compressed air to blow out unwanted facial fluid and mucus that can contain infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses. They are the most commonly used mask in emergency room settings due to their ease of use. However, these masks can be very uncomfortable and can contribute to nasal congestion and breathing difficulties. Plastic medical face masks, also called nasal cannulae, are lightweight and can be worn while making a phone call or simply while eating lunch. These are typically used to combat nosebleeds, although some doctors prefer to use them for patients who suffer from post nasal drip.
The next type of medical face mask may best be suited to the work environment of healthcare workers. Silicon gel and foam cloth face coverings offer a degree of comfort that is missing from a disposable mask. Since these cloth face coverings are made of synthetic polypropylene they do not contain bacteria that could be harmful to patients. Because they are washable, healthcare workers can take them off after work and store them in their bathroom for use the next time they are at the job.
While there are no special rules regarding the type of medical masks a healthcare worker may wear during his or her profession, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulates the use of prescribed medications by patients in hospitals. In general, doctors and nurses may not prescribe medications without first consulting with their patients. HIPAA guidelines detail the types of devices that can be prescribed by healthcare workers. A mask that will slip down over the nose and over the mouth is not appropriate, but a simple bandage or splint may be sufficient for the procedure. The guidelines also say that if a physician has personally ordered a device for a patient, then he or she may be able to personally give out those devices.
Since almost any type of facial covering can easily be disposable, medical workers may not need very many face masks throughout the course of a typical shift. Those needed will probably be kept in stock in the bathroom. Some masks may be washed, but most are not. When a new patient arrives at a clinic, staff members can just transfer their face mask to the newly arrive patient without worrying about whether the old one is still in good condition. This makes for an easy transition for staff members and patients alike. Check out FDA approved kn95 masks online.
Learn more at https://www.britannica.com/story/how-do-face-masks-control-the-spread-of-disease
