What are surgical masks?

Posted by Ultifresh on December 22nd, 2020

Surgical mask refers to a device worn by the doctor on the mouth and nose during surgery to filter the air at the entrance and exit nose to prevent harmful gases, odors, and droplets from entering and leaving the mouth and nose of the wearer. In particular, it plays an important role in the prevention and control of respiratory diseases. Surgical masks made from non-woven fabrics made of plastics such as polypropylene to filter and protect. They are also available in many different styles and grades depending on the level of protection the user needs.

Surgical masks are designed to keep the operating rooms sterile, preventing the mouth and nose of the wearer from contaminating the patient during surgery. Although there has been an increase in consumer popularity during outbreaks such as coronavirus, surgical masks are not designed to filter out viruses that are smaller than germs.

There are three levels of ASTM certification in which surgical masks are classified, depending on the level of protection they provide to the person wearing them:

Minimum protection face masks are intended for short procedures or tests that do not involve fluid, spray or aerosol.

• Level 1 facial mask often feature ear loops and are the general standard for both surgical and procedural applications, with a fluid resistance of 80 mmHg. They are intended for low-risk situations where there will be no fluid, spray or aerosol.

• Level 2 masks, with a fluid resistance of 120 mmHg, provide a barrier against light or moderate aerosol, fluid and spray.

• Level 3 face masks are suitable for heavy exposure to aerosol, fluid and spray with a fluid resistance of 160 mmHG.

It should be noted that surgical masks are not the same as surgical respiratory masks. Masks are designed to act as barriers to splashes or aerosols (such as sneezing moisture) and fit loosely to the face. Respirators are designed to filter out airborne particles, such as viruses and bacteria, and to create a seal around the mouth and nose. Respirators should be used in cases where viral infections or particles, vapor or gas are present in patients.

Check more details about surgical masks at https://www.ultifresh.net/3-ply-surgical-face-mask