on May 23, 2020
As Corona Virus continues to jeopardize many lives, It is important to acknowledge the proper use of protective equipment for infection control in our everyday life. The government suggested that everyone sick or healthy must wear a face mask when it’s difficult to stay 6 feet away from others. Everyone started using face masks right after the declaration, but it created a false trust in people that face masks will prevent viruses from entering their body.
A triple layer medical mask is a disposable mask, fluid-resistant, provide protection to the wearer
from droplets of infectious material emitted during coughing/sneezing/talking.
An N-95 respirator mask is a respiratory protective device with high filtration efficiency to airborne
particles. To provide the requisite air seal to the wearer, such masks are designed to achieve a very close facial fit.
Extended use of a mask may increase risk of contamination of the mask with bacteria. Wearing a mask for a long period of time can cause damage or reaction to face skin tissues. As we sneeze the mask gets moist and increases the chances of transferring bacteria and microorganism. WHO has suggested to change a mask every 6 hours to avoid contamination.
On the other hand face shields provide complete coverage of the face, preventing the entire face from direct contamination. Many experts are suggesting that soon face shields will replace face masks As Face Shields are comfortable and reusable. One can easily clean face shields using water and soap or any disinfectant. Face shield may be cleaned immediately after appropriate doffing and hand hygiene is performed.
There are different types of face shields available in the market, a face shield must cover the entire face including the side and must have a length below the chin.
Face shields without cushion headband can cause damage to face tissues after extended use. To avoid this issue many health workers are using face shields with cushion headband . The use of a face shield restricts the person from touching the face. Many people adjust the mask and sometimes pull it down for comfort, in case of a face shield it provides free space to breathe and causes no discomfort to the wearer’s face.
No research has been conducted to prove the efficiency of face shield or face mask, medical professionals are using face shield and face mask both, as face shield provides a shield to protect mask from direct contamination. It is suggested to wear a face mask along with the face shield for better protection.