Surgical mask or respiratory mask - how do I make the right choice?

A mask can either be a single-use medical device (surgical mask) or individual protective equipment (“Kn95 mask”) worn by the nursing staff and / or the infectious patient. Depending on the type, it protects against the transmission of infectious agents via droplets or air. Depending on the standard and protection class, it prevents contamination by viruses such as coronavirus, SAAS, H1N1.

Select respiratory masks correctly

When choosing a respirator, several criteria such as the application, the type of mask, the required level of protection etc. must be taken into account.

The application: Depending on the profession, area of ​​application and the presence or absence of contagious diseases, patients and nursing staff use a certain type of mask with a certain level of protection.

The type of mask: The two main types of mask are the so-called "surgical" masks and face masks. They have different functions, standards and objectives. The most important point to note is that surgical masks only protect against infectious droplet agents, while protective masks also protect against the inhalation of infectious agents that can be airborne.

The required level of protection: all mask models are subject to different standards and legislation depending on the country. Within these standards there are different classes of devices for determining the degree of protection. Follow the law in your geographic area.

Disposable or reusable model: Surgical masks are only disposable medical products. Respirators can also be reusable. With protective masks that filter, it is possible to replace the filter as soon as it is saturated.

Duration of effectiveness: It varies depending on the application and can last three to eight hours. An inexpensive mask can only have a short duration of action. This is specified systematically by the manufacturer.

Comfort: There are masks in different sizes that can be adapted to the morphology of the wearer. Protective masks can also have an exhalation valve to improve user comfort. There are still models with eye cover when eye protection is required. They are called integral or full face masks.

Why should you use a surgical mask?

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Surgical mask from DACH protective clothing

A care or "surgical" mask is a disposable medical tool. It protects against infectious agents transmitted by droplets. However, it does not protect against aerogenically transmitted pathogens. Such a mask will therefore not prevent the wearer from possibly being contaminated by a virus.

A surgical mask allows two things:

Avoiding contact with droplets of saliva or secretions from the upper airways when the wearer exhales. If the mask is worn by the nursing staff, it protects the patient and his environment (air, surfaces, devices, operating field). If carried by an infectious patient, it prevents the patient from contaminating his surroundings.

Protection of the wearer against droplet infections or splashing biological fluids. In the latter case, the surgical mask must have an impervious layer. It can also have a visor to protect the eyes.

So-called "surgical" masks can be used in many different areas:

surgery

Dentistry

Other medical procedures

In the case of insulation