As a nurse, you face various risks of exposure to infectious agents every day. One of the most important ways to protect yourself and your patients is to wear the right mask for the right situation. But how do you know which mask materials to use? In this article, we will explain the different types of masks, their effectiveness, and their advantages and disadvantages.
Surgical masks are disposable, loose-fitting masks that cover your nose, mouth, and chin. They are made of non-woven polypropylene fabric that blocks large droplets and splashes. They also prevent you from spreading your own respiratory secretions to others. Surgical masks are good for general use, such as when you are in contact with patients who are not suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19. However, they do not filter out small particles, such as aerosols, and they do not fit tightly to your face, leaving gaps where air can leak.
As a nurse, choosing the right mask materials is crucial for ensuring proper protection against respiratory hazards. The choice of materials depends on the specific requirements of the situation as different masks serve different purposes. Make sure to follow guidelines from health organizations, your workplace, or local authorities regarding the recommended mask types and materials and to regularly assess the condition of your masks and replace them as needed to maintain optimal protection.
Na minha experiência, com 19 anos atuando no segmento prote??o respiratória, respiradores para linha de ar comprimido com capuz e respiradores motorizados filtrantes do ar com capuz, s?o a op??o mais segura, mais confortável e que unifica, prote??o mecanica: óculos, viseiras, cobertura de toda a cabe?a e as vezes até tronco, com prote??o respiratória: inala??o e exposi??o dos olhos e cutanea. N?o somente em um cenário / ambiente cirúrgico, mas nos cenários pandêmicos e ou cenários onde a saúde pública requer solu??o mais eficiente.
Surgical masks or simple face masks can be utilized in many different settings. It is specifically used to protect against patients with communicable diseases that are spread via droplets.
N95 respirators are tight-fitting masks that filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including bacteria and viruses. They are made of multiple layers of synthetic material that create a seal around your nose and mouth. They also have a metal strip that molds to your nose bridge. N95 respirators are recommended for situations where you are exposed to aerosol-generating procedures, such as intubation, bronchoscopy, or nebulization, or when you are caring for patients with COVID-19 or other airborne diseases. However, they are more expensive, harder to breathe through, and require fit testing and training to use properly.
N95 respirators are special masks that are fitted to the face of the healthcare professional utilizing them. They are effective in filtering out at least 95% of the particles in the air which includes pathogens.
Cloth masks are reusable, washable masks that cover your nose, mouth, and chin. They are made of various materials, such as cotton, silk, or polyester, that can trap some droplets and particles. They also reduce the amount of respiratory secretions that you release into the environment. Cloth masks are suitable for situations where you are not in direct contact with patients, such as when you are commuting, shopping, or socializing. However, they are less effective than surgical masks or N95 respirators, and they vary widely in quality and design. They also need to be cleaned and replaced regularly.
Face shields are transparent, plastic visors that cover your entire face, from your forehead to your chin. They are attached to a headband or a helmet that holds them in place. They are designed to protect your eyes, nose, and mouth from splashes, sprays, and droplets. They also prevent you from touching your face with your hands. Face shields are often used in combination with surgical masks or N95 respirators, especially when you are performing aerosol-generating procedures or when you are dealing with high-risk patients. However, they do not filter out airborne particles, and they can fog up or reflect light.
Face shields typically utilize plastic visors or material that cover the eyes, face and mouth. They can be used in combination with surgical masks or N95 masks as an additional layer of protection.
When choosing a mask, several factors should be taken into account, such as the level of risk, resources available, and personal preference. It is important to adhere to workplace and local health authority guidelines. Additionally, it is beneficial to ask yourself questions regarding the likelihood of encountering infectious agents in your setting, the mask's effectiveness in blocking or filtering out those agents, comfortability of wearing the mask for long periods of time, ease of putting on, taking off, and disposing/cleaning the mask, and cost/frequency of replacement. By answering these questions, you can make an informed decision about which mask materials are best for your safety and the safety of your patients.
A escolha da máscara certa depende do ambiente de trabalho e do tipo de exposi??o do profissional. A N95 é recomendada para risco de exposi??o a aerossóis infecciosos, como em procedimentos que geram aerossóis e atendimento a pacientes com tuberculose e COVID-19. As máscaras com filtro de carv?o ativado s?o usadas na manipula??o de quimioterapia para prote??o contra vapores químicos. A máscara cirúrgica é indicada para procedimentos cirúrgicos, consultas médicas e situa??es sem risco de exposi??o a aerossóis infecciosos, protegendo o paciente de gotículas respiratórias. Para profissionais de saúde n?o considero o uso de máscaras de pano dentro do contexto profissional.
é importante n?o só saber qual a máscara adequada para cada ambiente/situa??o, mas também como colocá-la e retirá-la com a técnica correta a fim de evitar contamina??o. Você pode obter tal informa??o no setor de edua??o continuada da institui??o ou consultando o manual/site do fabricante.