Classification of medical masks

Classification of medical masks

A medical mask is a special product that is used to protect the respiratory tract from polluted air and airborne infections. In addition to being worn at medical facilities, they are used in crowded places during epidemics and pandemics in order to reduce the risk of spreading the pathogen, in cities with a high level of air pollution, when performing cosmetic procedures (most often manicure and pedicure, to avoid getting into the respiratory tract removed particles).
A bit of history
The first medical mask can be considered a leather anti-plague mask with a peculiar beak, which was worn by doctors during plague epidemics in the Middle Ages. The product received a more or less modern look at the beginning of the last century, when the Spanish flu pandemic swept the whole world. Doctors began to wear cloth masks without fail since the 20s of the 20th century, and at the end of the last century, products made from non-woven materials came into use, which are still in mass use today.

Types of masks

The industry produces medical masks of the following types:
children (14x8 cm) and adults (17x9.5 cm);
  sterile and non-sterile;
  procedural (everyday) and specialized surgical (the first type is the usual three-layer masks made of non-woven material, the second type additionally contains a layer to protect against the penetration of drops of biological fluids).

The main types of masks

Fabric or gauze.
It is made from 3-4 layers of fabric, elementary design makes it easy to sew such a product at home. It can be washed, boiled, ironed, treated with disinfectants. It does not protect against infections very effectively, therefore it is recommended for use in crowded places of supposedly healthy people in an unfavorable epidemiological situation. When in contact with an infected person, it is better to use products with a higher degree of protection.
Made from single use nonwovens.
It is made of special polymer fibers, consists of 2-4 layers, has a nasal fixator, is held on the face by elastic loops worn over the ears.

Surgical mask.

It has 4 layers, including a special anti-liquid layer to protect against biological substances that can get on the faces of surgeons and assistants during the operation.

Coal mask.

Contains a special filter layer that traps any microparticles. Excellent protection against dust and chemical aerosols. Applied multiple times.

Respiratory type.

Equipped with filters of three categories: FFP1, FFP2, FFP3. The latter is considered the most reliable, it is able to capture 99% of solid and liquid particles. It can be used not only to protect against viruses, but also when working with especially hazardous materials. FFP2 filters retain 94% of particles, including viruses, while FFP1 filters only protect against dust, they do not provide virus protection.

In a situation of increased bacterial and viral threat, masks can be equipped with special transparent shields to protect the eyes and face as a whole. Each type of product has a certain degree of protection, and they must be selected taking into account the level of danger. In everyday life, even the simplest cloth mask can prevent the penetration of viruses and bacteria, but if you have contact with a sick person, it is better to use more effective types of products.