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Best in Practice Learning Hub - Personal Protection
Best in Practice Learning Hub
Selecting the appropriate face protection is a critical component of your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocol. But in order to make the right choice, you need to understand the differences between each of the options as well as best practices to ensure you are safe and protected while treating your patients.
Surgical Masks
It’s important to consider the presence of aerosols, amounts of fluid, and the type of procedure when choosing the correct level of mask. Crosstex surgical masks with Secure Fit Technology are made in the USA and are available in 3 levels of protection: ASTM Level 1, ASTM Level 2, and ASTM Level 3. These ASTM performance levels reflect bacterial/particulate filtration efficiency, fluid resistance, breathability, and flammability. This rating system is simple—so you’ll always have the right mask for the task.
Surgical Respirators
N95 Surgical Respirators are indicated for use when treating patients with airborne diseases such as TB. Although the N95 Surgical Respirator closely resembles a surgical mask, it is a respirator and must be used in accordance with all OSHA regulations regarding respiratory protection.
When using an N95 respirator, it’s crucial it forms a tight seal around your nose and mouth. Everyone’s face has a different shape and size, which is why it’s important to find the respirator that works best for you and then perform fit testing to ensure its effectiveness.
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