What Are Medical Face Masks Used For?

Face masks can be found in the medical, dental, surgical, laser, and isolation settings. These masks are used as a preventive measure against germs, airborne pathogens, allergens, body fluids and sprays. There are a few different kinds of medical face masks from which to choose; you can find masks that have ear loops, ties or elastic bands to keep them in place over the mouth and nose.

Bodily Fluids

• Medical masks are used as a protective measure against penetration of blood and bodily fluids. These masks act as a barrier against any splashes or sprays that would otherwise reach the nose or mouth of the wearer. Masks are often worn for this purpose in the operating room, dentist office, infectious disease areas, and any other scenario where protection from bodily fluids could be an issue.

Contamination Control

• Medical masks can be worn by people who have a disease or infection that can be transmitted through the air by means of breathing or coughing. These masks will keep the germs or bacteria behind the mask and prevent them from being released into the air. Masks worn for this purpose should be used in situations such as emergency infectious situations or high-risk flu season.

Bacterial Filtration

• Medical masks can be worn to keep bacteria from entering the lungs. This a preventive measure against a sprayed airborne pathogen. The mask will act as a barrier so the pathogen doesn't reach the mouth and nose of the wearer. These are worn in infectious disease areas, hospital and dental settings, and by people with lower immune system functioning.

Allergen Protection

• There are times that medical face masks are worn to protect the wearer from breathing in allergens. This can be the case if the wearer is doing yard work or cleaning very dusty areas. These masks will also prevent pollen, mold, and soot from reaching the mouth and nose area. These are also a very good if you are prone to asthma attacks caused by these types of airborne items.