The n95 mask and surgical faces are designed to protect against the contamination of airborne particles and drops. The Therapeutic Goods Administration, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and US Food and Drug Administration regulate them. You should be aware that it is possible to prevent airborne transmission by using all controls, not just personal protective equipment (PPE).
Surgical Face Masks
Health care professionals use single-use disposable surgical masks to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and particulate matter. In the event of an outbreak of disease, health departments may recommend that the public use surgical Masks. Large drops of bodily fluids that could contain viruses or germs can be stopped from reaching the nose and mouth by surgical masks. Researchers looked at how masks could help seasonal flu patients reduce the spread of the virus through preventing them exhaling small amounts. Researchers discovered that masks reduced the virus transmission by three times.
Although surgical masks can be made in many styles, the majority are rectangular or flat. The mask may have pleats or folds. The top of the mask can have a metal strip attached so it can be shaped to fit your nose. Straight ties or elastic bands can hold a surgical mask in place. These can be tied behind the head or looped behind your ears. These masks usually cover the mouth and nose.
Infection Control Strategies
Procedure Masks can only be used on one patient and can only be made from single-use PPE.
Once the patient interaction has been completed, the masks must be taken out and taken outside.
To dispose of masks, only use the loops or ties.
If they have been exposed to blood or other bodily fluids it is best to dispose them off immediately and to replace them with newer version.
Note: A surgical mask can be very useful in public places. You must have one if you have COVID-19, or care for someone who has it. The mask’s edges do not seal the nose and mouth.
N95 Respirators
Since the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak, there has been a lot more interest in surgical masks and respirators as infection control measures. Although they may look the same, respirators serve different purposes. There are some differences between surgical masks and respirators in terms of the exposure reduction they offer. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) recommend that healthcare workers come in direct contact H1N1 patients.
Healthcare professionals need to have a N95 or KN95 mask respirator. This mask can block 95% of microscopic particles below 0.3 microns. They are protected from the spread of airborne infectious diseases like anthrax or tuberculosis. To prevent airborne viruses entering, the N95 Mask respirators must seal your nose and mouth tightly. They fit more comfortably than surgical masks. N95 respirators are not recommended for children and those with facial hair.
N95 respirators include an exhalation device. This device is designed to reduce condensation buildup and improve breathing. In situations that require a sterile zone, the exhalation valve allows air to escape from the mask unfiltered. The manufacturer should provide detailed instructions on how to use each type of N95 respirator.
