Surgical face masks are typically used by surgeons to protect their patients from their mouth-borne germs — but “those masks don't work to prevent inhaling diseases.The masks, which cover the nose and mouth, are often made from a flimsy material and aren’t fitted to the face. In other words, spaces and gaps can form around the cheeks and edges of the mouth, making it easy for air to move in and out.
Surgical face masks normally comprise three layers - a barrier layer (such as polypropylene) usually separates the inner and outer layer. The most common European design is flat and pleated with horizontal ties and a metal strip shaped over the nasal bridge.
Masks do not filter all particulates from the air inhaled and exhaled by the wearer. Much of the air is drawn in and escapes where there is least resistance to flow, usually around the sides of the mask (venting). The masks do not form a complete seal against the face and are therefore not classed as respirators or personal protective equipment (Stull, 1998).
In practice other equipment may be used instead of face masks depending upon the circumstances. For example, respirators are recommended to reduce the risk of exposure by the wearer to harmful substances. The respirator may be ‘valved’ providing protection to the wearer, or ‘non-valved’ providing protection to both the wearer and the patient. Various standards of respirator provide appropriate protection in specific circumstances.
Face shields are thin plastic sheets that either cover the whole of the face in place of a face mask, or are fitted to the top of the face mask with an antifogging device between them to reduce moisture exhalation. Approved goggles or eye protectors may also be worn to supplement the mask to avoid eye splashes.
