Surgical mask

From ArticleWorld

A surgical mask is a protective device worn on the face of health professionals during surgery or whenever the possibility of transmission of infection to a patient or from a patient exists. Surgical masks were once made of cloth and were sterilized for re-use; however, masks used today are disposable and come in various styles.

Types

Disposable masks used today are made of fibers of paper and come in several varieties. There are dome-shaped masks that are semi-rigid and allow for airspace between the mask and the wearer. This type of mask is held on by an elastic band. A flat paper mask is made of woven paper fibers that is form-fitted to a wearer’s face and is tied by strings in the back. These kinds of masks can be worn with special hoods that cover the lower aspect of the face of a bearded man so that the entire beard is covered.

Newer masks are available that take into account the possibility of droplets of blood or sputum getting into the eyes of the wearer. The mask has an attached plastic eye shield that effectively shields the entire face of the wearer. These masks have been developed in response to the possibility of transmission of HIV during surgery or routine suturing of an infected patient.

Effectiveness

The average surgical mask does not protect one from the influx of very small virus particles in the air unless the particles are trapped in droplets which can be absorbed by the mask. Special NIOSH N95 standard masks are designed to be impermeable to viruses in cases where special protection is necessary.