How to Choose the Right Medical Mask for Different Healthcare Settings

Medical masks are crucial to keeping up with hospital, dental, and doctor’s appointments, and even at home when patients are sick. Selecting the appropriate apparel & medical mask for each setting helps to protect everyone. Here’s a guide to the types of face masks, how to choose the right one for you, and a few of our favorites.

Types of Medical Masks:

There are three main approaches to covering a person’s face with a medical mask: the surgical type, the N95 respirator and the fabric mask. Surgical masks do not fit tightly and are intended to protect you from large droplets, spray, or splatter that might contain germs. N95 respirators provide an airtight seal and filter out small particles in the air. Cloth masks can be laundered and used over and over, providing the most basic protection.

Selection of medical mask for a hospital:

When it comes to hospitals, it is important to wear the proper medical mask to prevent spread of infections. To keep patients and themselves safe from germs, health care workers don a surgical mask. Some procedures that generate minuscule particles require N95 respirators. You’ll want to follow hospital protocols when selecting a medical mask.

Choosing a Mask for a Medical Practice:

Special masks are needed in dental offices to protect patients and staff while treating them. For the most part, surgical masks are more than sufficient for most dental procedures to prevent droplets and sprays. N95 respirators may be required for certain high-risk procedures. When picking a mask, it’s crucial to consider what type of mask it is and how much protection you are interested in.

A Medical Mask for a Clinic- Pluses and Minuses:

Clinics serve many patients with a variety of health care needs, and it’s essential that they have the right medical masks. Surgical masks work well for general care and oral examinations in the physician's office. N95 respirators may be necessary for patients with respiratory issues or in specific areas. It is worth considering the risk, and choosing the correct mask for the clinic.

How to Choose a Medical Mask (Home Mask Tips)

Non-clinical Home use When selecting a Medical Mask, you need to consider comfort, breathability, and the fit. Fabric masks are a good option for the general public, according to the C.D.C., and while they are far from perfect, they are potentially far from useless, especially when used as a physical barrier that prevents the spread of larger respiratory droplets. Caring for sick family members can be considered a higher-risk activity (in which case a surgical mask can be used). Good hygiene, including washing reusable cloth masks and your hands, is another important way to stay healthy.

In short, a proper medical mask in each place is essential to keep yourself and others safe from germs and infection. Talking and thinking about the kinds of masks out there will help you decide which mask is best for which situation. Always adhere to health recommendations on the use of medical masks as a means of preventing the spread of infection in hospitals, dental offices, other health care settings and homes. Get an effective, protective mask now!