MEDICAL MASKS & EVERYDAY SETTINGS

While mask mandates are being lifted and people are thinking "normal times" are close, 6.2% of U.S. adults aged 18-64 are still living with a weakened immune system that puts them at risk, even when there's not a pandemic. Relying on a mask to stay safe is nothing to be ashamed of.

If You Rely On A Mask To Keep You Healthy At All Times, Here's What You Need To Know!

Disposable masks vary in protection levels, styles, colors, patterns, fit, comfort, purpose and price. So do respirator masks.  Are you using the correct facial protection in your day-to-day activities?

WHAT IS A SURGICAL MASK?

In the United States surgical masks are cleared for marketing and sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and they must be labeled as surgical, laser, isolation, dental or medical procedure masks. Their three primary purposes are:

1.) Worn by healthcare workers to guard against contact with splashes and sprays
2.) Worn by healthcare workers to protect patients from exposure to infectious agents carried in a HCW's mouth or nose
3.) Worn by patients to limit potential spreading of infectious respiratory secretions from the patient to others

WHAT IS ASTM?

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), one of the world’s largest organizations for developing consensus standards have defined mask levels and when dental and healthcare professionals should be using which level mask throughout different procedures. Their performance standards include Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE), Particulate Filtration Efficiency (PFE), Fluid Resistance, Differential Pressure / Delta P (Breathability, and Flammability.

WHY DO YOU NEED A FLUID-RESISTANT MASK?

If your mask is not fluid resistant, you are not adequately protected in situations where splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions are generated. Wearing a fluid-resistant mask helps to protect the wearer from mucosal contact and inhalation of these potentially infectious splashes and sprays.

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