We know face masks offer essential protection, but who exactly are they protecting? As it turns out, many types of masks, including surgical face masks and respirator masks, offer dual protection, shielding both the wearer and others from potential exposure to hazardous particles.
Read on to learn more about how face masks protect you and others.
How face masks protect you
Face masks act as a physical barrier, filtering out airborne particles, including viruses and bacteria. That said, it’s important to understand that different types of face masks offer differing levels of protection. For example, surgical face masks are designed to protect the wearer against splashes and sprays, like sneezes and coughs, from other people. It’s for this reason that surgical face masks are often recommended for use in healthcare and customer service settings.
Alternatively, respirator masks, like N95 surgical respirators, are designed for use in healthcare environments where the wearer is at risk of blood or fluid splash. Further, N95 respirators offer higher filtration efficiency compared to surgical masks, filtering out at least 95% of airborne particles, including large respiratory droplets and smaller aerosols.
To provide the intended level of protection, face masks and respirators must be worn correctly. While face masks are designed to be worn over your nose and mouth with minimal gaps, respirators are designed to sit snug against the face, creating a tight seal to minimise the chance of contaminated air leaking around the mask.
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How face masks protect others
While many people wear face masks and respirators as a means of protecting themselves against airborne pathogens, several types of face masks can also be used to protect others from infection. By blocking respiratory droplets from an infected person, surgical face masks and surgical respirators act as a form of source control. Even if you’re asymptomatic, wearing a surgical mask or respirator can help protect others, especially in crowded settings where physical distancing isn’t possible.
The inner layers of surgical masks and surgical respirator masks are designed to capture the wearer’s respiratory droplets, minimising the risk of transmitting illness and infections to others.
What type of mask should you wear?
When it comes to protecting yourself and others from viruses and illness, it’s important to make sure you choose the right type of mask or respirator.
At Detmold Medical, we carry several different masks and respirators that also offer source control capabilities, including:
- Surgical face masks: Made from multiple layers of lightweight materials, the innermost layer absorbs the wearer’s respiratory droplets.
- N95 surgical respirator masks: Designed to filter out non-oil-based airborne particulates and bacteria, this respirator creates a tight seal on the wearer’s face, trapping contaminated droplets.
- Tri-panel respirator masks: These boat-shaped respirators offer a comfortable fit, protecting against a range of hazardous particles while also preventing the spread of germs at their source.
All of our masks are designed in line with a cross-section of international standards and global performance requirements. They are all TGA-approved, making them a trusted option for protecting yourself and others against the spread of infection.
Other key factors that affect protection
Face masks and respirators are only effective when they’re used correctly. With this in mind, here are a few factors that could impact the effectiveness of your respiratory protection:
- Mask fit: Face masks and respirators must be worn correctly to provide protection. Be sure to follow the instructions for use and complete a fit test if you’re wearing a respirator mask.
- Mask condition: Damaged, wet or soiled masks and respirators often lose their filtration properties, meaning they’re not likely to offer the same level of protection as a fresh mask.
- Length of use: Most face masks and respirators are designed to be used for up to four hours, so it’s important to make sure you’re changing your mask within this timeframe or when it becomes soiled or damaged.
- Mask storage: The way you store your face mask or respirator can impact the efficacy of your mask. Store your masks and respirators in a clean, dry place out of direct sunlight and away from hazardous chemicals.
Combining face masks with other measures
Face masks and respirators are most effective when combined with other infection control measures, including:
- Practising hand hygiene,
- Maintaining physical distancing,
- Avoiding contact with sick people,
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and
- Staying home when you feel unwell.
Ultimately, face masks and respirators should be used as part of a multi-layered defence.
The right type of face mask or respirator, when worn properly, is an effective way to protect both yourself and those around you from the spread of infections and diseases. At Detmold Medical, we’ve created a range of high-quality, TGA-approved face masks and respirators designed to protect you and others. Explore the full range of face masks and respirators or use our selection guide to help you choose the best mask for your needs.
