THE FACEMASK

8/7/2019 THE FACEMASK

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MANU, DE-GRAFT

KWASI

CLASS OF 2011

4TH FEB, 2O11

TOPIC: THE

FACEMASK


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THE FACE MASK

Cross-infection is the transmission of infectious agents between patients and staff within theclinical environment. Potential risks include not only hepatitis and human immunodeficiencyvirus, but also other viruses such as herpes and bacteria; Streptococcus pyogenes.Transmission can occur by inoculation or inhalation by direct or indirect contact. The oralenvironment in which dentists work exposes them to body fluids such as saliva, crevicularfluid and even blood. It is therefore a viable ground for transmission of infection. Since it isunethical to refuse dental care on the grounds that it could expose the dentist to personal risk,it is imperative that the dentist is well armed. Disposable gloves protect the hands in theworking site. Because of the close proximity of the face to the working field, two majororifices of the body namely the mouth and nostrils become a major entry and exit points forexchange of infectious agents between patients and dentists. These may occur throughaerosols or saliva. The skin overlying the face if left unprotected may also serve as an entry

point. When there is a splatter the eyes are not spared either. The face must therefore beadequately protected during all dental procedures in the clinic. The material for the provisionof this protection is the face mask. Face masks are not reserved for only dentists but othermedical professionals such as physicians, surgeons, nurses, laboratory technicians, etc. Theseinclude products labeled as surgical, dental, medical procedure, isolation, and laser masks.

There are different types of facemasks designed and used for different purposes. For instance

there are masks for delivering oxygen to patients. A football face mask that protects the

face and eyes from fingers, elbows, and other potentially damaging impacts areavailable. Facemasks impregnated chemicals for cosmetic purposes also exist.But this write up covers the disposable face mask used by clinicians.

A disposable face mask includes a mask body covering substantially a nose, mouth, and chinof a wearer, and an extension provided with the mask body. The extension is configured toencircle a back of a wearer's head and to substantially cover a wearer's cheeks, jaw, and ears.A substantial portion of the extension is formed from a resilient material treated with arepellant agent to prevent contaminants from entering or exiting such treated portion of theextension. A disposable face mask is made up of molded fibrous sheet material which isformed to define a generally cup-shaped main body having two spaced, generally parallel,

integral, interior nose Facemasks help stop droplets from being spread by the person wearingthem. They also keep splashes or sprays from reaching the mouth and nose of the personwearing the facemask. They are not designed to protect you against breathing in very small

particles. Face masks should be used once and then thrown away in the trash. A face maskhas an oral and nasal portions filter-seals which are strategically located to engage opposedsides of the nose of the wearer. The mask body also desirably has an elongated, integralinterior chin portion filter-seal which is positioned to engage the face underneath the wearer'schin. The nose and chin filter-seals cooperate to prevent passage of contaminated air beneaththe peripheral edge of the mask and the user's face. The elongated nose filter-seals areespecially effective in preventing passage of contaminated air along paths of travel whichextend from the nose bridge encompassing part of the mask to the user's nostrils of mouth.

The same is true of the chin filter-seal. The nose and chin portions preferably interconnect toform a continuous filter-seal around the periphery of the mask. In one embodiment, a groove


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comprised of crushed fibrous material delineates the elongated nose filter-seals from theremaining interior surface areas of the mask and assists in maintaining the generally cupshape of the mask. Face masks are one tool utilized for preventing the spread of disease.They may also be called dental, isolation, laser, medical, procedure, or surgical masks. Facemasks are loose-fitting masks that cover the nose and mouth, and have ear loops or ties or

bands at the back of the head. There are many different brands and they come in differentcolors. It is important to use a face mask approved by the FDA. Consider wearing a facemask when you are sick with a cough or sneezing illness (with or without fever) and youexpect to be around other people. The face mask will help protect them from catching yourillness. Healthcare settings have specific rules for when people should wear face masks. Facemasks are made mainly from polypropylene.

Face masks come in different forms depending on their intended purpose. The degree of

protection differs from one face mask to another. So a particular mask chosen will depend on

the procedure and the properties of the mask. Below are some of the face masks available on

the market.

Top of Form

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Bottom of Form

3 PLY Facemask

Specification

Material: Non-Woven Polypropylene Type: elastic earloop

Gram: 18g+20g+20g or as requirement

Size: 17.5 x 9 cm/14.5 x 9 cm /21 x 9 cm

Color: White, Blue, Green, pink

Feature: lightweight, odorless, fiberglass free, non-irritating to the skin, fluid resistant

Application: Ideal for contamination control and seriousinfections including AIDS and other communicable

diseases High-quality with CE approved

Customer's requirements are available

Packing

50 pieces per box

40 box per carton

2000 pieces per carton

box can be printed as customer require
http://www.facemaskfactory.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/3_PLY_Surgical_F_4c5266f2b665a.jpg


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Top of Form

47

47

B

ACTIVECARBON

FACEMASKTop of Form

47

47

Bottom of Form

SPECIFICATION

Material: Non-Woven Polypropylene, Active Carbon

Type: elastic earloop


Size: 17.5 x 9 cm



Application: Ideal for contamination control and serious infections including AIDS andother communicable diseases

High-quality with CE approved Customer's requirements are available
http://www.facemaskfactory.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/Active_Carbon_Fa_4c4c50da5b2da.jpg


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Kid Facemask

Specification

Material: Non-Woven Polypropylene

Type: elastic earloop

2ply & 3ply are available


Size: 14.5 x 9 cm



Application: Ideal for contamination control and serious infections including AIDS andother communicable diseases

High-quality with CE approved


Packing

50 pieces per box

40 box per carton


http://www.facemaskfactory.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/Kid_Facemask_4c4b1ebcf3e3c.jpg


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Surgical Facemask

Specification

Material: Non-Woven Polypropylene

Type: tie-on bands , 3ply


Size: 17.5 x 9 cm



Application: Ideal for contamination control and serious infections including AIDS and

other communicable diseases High-quality with CE approved


Packing

50 pieces per box

40 box per carton



other requirement available

Making a face mask

A process for making a mask comprises: providing a plurality of layers of plastic fabric materials in overlying relationship to

each other; slitting and sealing said plurality of plastic materials to form two sandwiched portions

thereof; feeding said two sandwiched portions of material in overlying relationship to each

other; welding the two sandwiched portions together to form an upper and lower portion of

the mask by means of an ultrasonic welding horn overlying a cylinder having cuttingscoring lines and welding lines thereon; and,
http://www.facemaskfactory.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/Surgical_Faemask_4c579a2041b1a.jpg


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providing a layer of plastic material between said welding horn and said sandwichedportions, which is not welded to said upper and lower portions.

How to put on and remove a face mask

Disposable face masks should be used once and then thrown in the trash. You shouldalso remove and replace masks when they become moist.

Always follow product instructions on use and storage of the mask, and procedures for howto put on and remove a mask. If instructions for putting on and removing the mask are notavailable, then follow the steps below.

How to put on a face mask

1 Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before touching themask.

2Remove a mask from the box and make sure there are no obvious tears or

holes in either side of the mask.

3Determine which side of the mask is the top. The side of the mask that has a

stiff bendable edge is the top and is meant to mold to the shape of your nose.

4

Determine which side of the mask is the front. The colored side of the mask is

usually the front and should face away from you, while the white side touches

your face.

5

Follow the instructions below for the type of mask you are using.

Face Mask with Ear loops: Hold the mask by the ear loops. Place a looparound each ear.

Face Mask with Ties: Bring the mask to your nose level and place the tiesover the crown of your head and secure with a bow.

Face Mask with Bands: Hold the mask in your hand with the nosepiece ortop of the mask at fingertips, allowing the headbands to hang freelybelow hands. Bring the mask to your nose level and pull the top strapover your head so that it rests over the crown of your head. Pull thebottom strap over your head so that it rests at the nape of your neck.

6 Mold or pinch the stiff edge to the shape of your nose.

7If using a face mask with ties: Then take the bottom ties, one in each hand, and

secure with a bow at the nape of your neck.

8 Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin.

How to remove a face mask
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1 Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before touching the

mask. 2 Avoid touching the front of the mask. The front of the

mask is contaminated. Only touch the ear loops/ties/band.

3Follow the instructions below for the type of mask you are using.

Face Mask with Ear loops: Hold both of the ear loops and gently lift andremove the mask.

Face Mask with Ties: Untie the bottom bow first then untie the top bowand pull the mask away from you as the ties are loosened.

Face Mask with Bands: Lift the bottom strap over your head first then pullthe top strap over your head.

4 Throw the mask in the trash.

5 Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.

FUNCTIONS OF THE FACE MASK

Face masks, especially disposable face masks, serve many purposes and are

widely used in today's healthcare, medical, scientific, mining, industrial, farming

and environmental workplaces. In order to effectively filter air and/or prevent the

spread of germs, face masks typically include multiple layers, such as one or

more outer facing layer, one or more intermediate filter media layers and one or

more inner facing layers. During use, the masks fit quite closely with most of the

inner surface being in contact with the face of the user.

1. A face mask formed by a blank piece of material composed of a plurality of fibers having asubstantially constant thickness throughout and di-molded into a generally cup-shapedconfiguration to fit over the mouth and nose of a wearer and for filtering the air passingthrough the fibers, including,

a nose bridge portion,

nose pad portions to either side of the nose bridge portion to fit against the sides of the noseand against the cheekbones of the wearer, and

a central portion of the face mask below the nose bridge portion and the nose pad portionsand with the fibers of the nose pad portions more lightly compacted during molding andthereby having a greater thickness than the fibers in at least the central portion of the face

mask to have the nose pad portions thicker and more flexible than at least the central portionof the face mask for providing a seal against the sides of the nose and the cheekbones for

preventing the passage of air between the mask and the face of the wearer.

2. The inner facing layer may be coated by an impregnating of the layer with a solution ofAloe Vera, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Grape Seed Extract and Peppermint by methods preferablysuch as dip coating, spray coating, roll coating and rod coating. The Aloe Vera, Vitamin E,Vitamin C, Grape Seed Extract and Peppermint may be applied onto the fibers and fibrousmaterials used to form the fabrics above before or during the forming of a series ofcontinuous webs forming the fabrics. The solution of Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Vitamin C,Grape Seed Extract and Peppermint may be applied on a series of continuous webs formingthe layer before the web is cut to define individual mask bodies. These medications provide

nourishment for the facial skin making it healthier.
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3. A face mask also protects the wearer's nose and mouth from splashes or sprays of bodyfluids.

4. It prevents the surgeon from touching his or her mouth and nose whilst working.

Problems associated with face mask useDespite the numerous advantages of using a face mask it has some shortfalls.

For example;

Face masks are frequently found to be warm and uncomfortable during use,

especially when they are used over an extended period of time for example, in

prolonged surgical procedures. An ever present problem associated with face

masks is moisture, due to warm, moist air exhaled by the wearer, perspiration

and also the contacting between mouth and the innermost facing layer. Such

moisture can result in the buildup of dampness on the face and the masks,

especially the inner facing layer. The face mask often becomes wet and abraded.When this happens, the abraded material from the inner surface may irritate the

wearer, and the face mask becomes uncomfortable to wear.

Further, the moist environment on the face and the inner layer of the mask may also allowbacteria and viruses to grow and multiply.

Another problem is caused by the fluffed fibers on the surface of the inner facing layer andchemicals used in the manufacturing process of fabrics may also irritate the wearers withsensitive skin.

A facemask can be used only once.

The oral/nasal masks which are made of rubber or an elastomer, and have cartridges,generally are formulated so that they provide for the removal and replacement of thecartridges as they become either clogged or no longer provide a sufficient filtration function.Such cartridges have been found to be expensive and the use and comfort of the user has beena detriment to their overall effectiveness in non-industrial, medical and lightweight uses.

Various intentions have been made to resolve these problems. In order to provide for areadily used lightweight mask, certain disposable mask designs have been used lately. Suchmasks are generally formed from a significantly highly concentrated woven and/or non-woven material. Such materials can form the basis of providing interwoven passages andinterstices for the passage of air to a user. The masks and media within the masks have

sufficient air passage capability such that ease of breath is accommodated while at the sametime a significant entrapment of various airborne deleterious substances takes place. This isusually based on entrapment within a labyrinth of non-woven and/or woven fabric or scrimtype fabrics with a non-woven material having multiple interstices. The interstices arecalculated to allow for the passage of air while at the same time trapping deleterious airbornesubstances.

Such masks have incorporated an upper and lower portion which respectively fit over thenose and mouth area and/or can tuck under a person's chin or reside on a person's chin. It is

preferable to have the masks easily secured by means of an elastomeric strap. Theelastomeric straps are attached to the mask so that they are drawn backwardly to effectuate atight seal over a user's nose and oral area. Such straps have been known to be used so thatthey pull up on the bottom portion and backwardly on the top portion to make a seal.


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Also, in order to effectuate a tighter seal within the nasal area, a malleable metal piece orstrip such as an aluminum strip is emplaced within the mask to allow it to be bent over auser's nose. This sealing capability of bending the mask over a user's nose creates a sealwithin the nasal area to help prevent the passage of undesirable airborne substances into thenasal area.

It has been known that in the usage of such masks, that they tend to collapse within the nasalarea and do not hold their form over a user's oral/nasal passages. This invention isspecifically directed toward providing for reinforcing or support ribs in order to allow themask to conform in an open and expanded manner over a user's oral and nasal area. Thishelps to accommodate the breathing of a user while at the same time creating a volumetricspace in the oral/nasal area for the maintenance of easy breathing.

Reusable facemasks are now available on the market. However, current disposable facemaskshave a limited effective lifespan; only once can it be used.

Nano masks that use a different mechanism to filter have also been developed. NanoMaskisthe first face maskin the world to utilize nanotechnology enhanced filter media to

effectively isolate and destroy viral and bacterial contaminants. A molecularly enhancedparticle coating is put on the masks filter; the nanoparticles in the coating have a tendencyto cluster together enough to prevent contaminants from reaching the skin.

In summary a face mask is a personal protective equipment for prevention of cross-infection.They come in many forms and sizes. They are made mainly of polypropylene. Current onesavailable have some shortcomings which newer inventions are trying to overcome but stillremain an indispensable arsenal in fighting cross-infection.

REFERENCES

Anderson, D.J(1981)Pocket Etymology of Medical Terms. Bristol, Bristol ClassicalPress

BDA Advice Sheet, Health and Safety Law for Dental Practice. Feb.2008.

BDA Advice Sheet, Infection Control in Dentistry

birdfluprotection.com/nanomasks/buy_nanomask.

Field, E.(1998) Infection Control Methods, BDJ pg 185.

Health technical memorandum 01-05. DH Publications.

Huber et al.(2OO1). Disposable facemask. San Francisco. University press.


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Liloia et al.(1965). Face mask. LA Magidson press.

Mitchell, A. And Mitchell, L.(2OO9) Handbook of Clinical Dentistry. 5th ed. Oxford.

Oxford University Press.

nanogloss.com/nanoparticles/nanoparticle-masks-and-goggle

Reese et al. Face mask with enhanced seal and method

- September, 1996 5553608, BDJ.

Sidhu, K.(1995) Dental Update BDJ 10 42

ultimate-cosmetics.com. (2OO3-2010)

www.fumehoodreviews.com/nano-mask-filter.

www.amazon.com/NanoMask-Protective-Replacement-Filters.

www. Sports Unlimited Inc. com
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