Surgical masks have become a very common thing to use nowadays. They weren’t that common before, but after the pandemic, things have changed significantly. A lot of people now use it for various purposes.
Especially in healthcare settings, you need to buy face mask Australia, to stay protected. While we might wear them daily or on a regular basis, understanding the science behind surgical masks allows us to appreciate their crucial role in preventing the spread of infections.
In this article today, we will be doing exactly that. We will understand how these masks protect us and why. So without any further ado, let’s dive into it!
The Basic Structure of Surgical Masks
Surgical masks are typically made from three layers of material, each serving a specific purpose in safeguarding both the wearer and those around them.
- Outer Layer: This layer is often water-resistant, providing a barrier against large respiratory droplets. It prevents the penetration of liquids and helps to repel potentially infectious particles.
- Middle Layer: Composed of melt-blown fabric, this layer acts as a filter. It captures small airborne particles and microorganisms, effectively preventing them from passing through the mask.
- Inner Layer: Closest to the face, this layer is absorbent and helps to wick away moisture, providing comfort to the wearer during prolonged use.
Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) and Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE)
Two essential factors determine the effectiveness of surgical masks: Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) and Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE). Let’s get an idea of both:
Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE):
PFE measures the ability of the mask to filter out particles of a specific size. Surgical masks are designed to have high PFE, capturing particles as small as 0.1 microns.
Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE):
BFE assesses the mask’s capability to block bacteria from passing through. Surgical masks are crafted to have a high BFE, providing an additional layer of protection against microbial agents.
Protection for the Wearer
While the primary purpose of surgical masks is to protect others from the wearer’s respiratory droplets, it is also true that they offer a degree of protection for the person wearing the mask. The mask’s outer layer provides a barrier against larger particles, reducing the risk of inhaling respiratory secretions from others.
Source Control: Protecting Others
Do you know what the true strength of surgical masks is? Well, its true strength lies in its ability to act as a source control measure. When worn properly and in the right manner the mask captures respiratory droplets expelled by the wearer, preventing the release of potentially infectious particles into the air. This is particularly crucial in healthcare settings, where minimizing the spread of pathogens is considered to be very important.
Fit Matters: Achieving a Proper Seal
The effectiveness of a surgical mask is determined by various things. One of the most common ones is how properly it fits. A snug seal ensures that air passes through the mask and not around it. Achieving a secure fit reduces the likelihood of respiratory droplets escaping from the sides of the mask and enhances overall protection.
The Role of Masks in Pandemic Response
Surgical masks play a very important role in reducing the spread of contagious diseases, especially during pandemics. Their widespread use in public spaces and healthcare settings helps reduce the transmission of respiratory infections, protecting both frontline workers and the general population.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Despite their effectiveness, surgical masks are not foolproof, and misconceptions abound. Understanding that masks, while highly beneficial, work best when complemented by other preventive measures such as hand hygiene and social distancing is crucial.
Along with that, recognizing the importance of proper mask disposal and not touching the mask’s outer surface can further enhance their effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
So, after reading this article, one thing is for sure; the face masks or the surgical masks are designed with extreme care, designed in a way that they help in minimizing the transmission of infectious particles.
Their triple-layer structure, combined with high Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) and Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE), shows how amazing and effective these tend to be in protecting both the wearer as well as those who are in close proximity.