maseczki A medical mask, also referred to as an oral or facial mask, is supposed to be worn by medical professionals in health care settings. It's designed to prevent inhalation of bacteria and droplets from the air by capturing airborne bacteria which are shed in the mouth and nostrils of the wearer and catching them in a protective covering. There are lots of unique types of medical masks available and are used by many different medical professionals. Some of the common uses for medical masks include providing protection to the respiratory system and eyes from infectious disease and minimizing exposure to contaminated equipment. Other uses include protecting the respiratory system from chemical irritants and contaminants, reducing exposure to harmful agents, preventing damage to the eyes, skin, and nasal cavities and helping to protect the skin from burns and abrasions. The many different materials used to create medical masks vary from latex to silicon. However, while they are resistant to infections and contaminants, latex masks can deteriorate and may not provide adequate ventilation or are too thin. While they are stronger than many other types of medical mask materials, they are not ideal for extended periods of usage. Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam or High-Density Silicon, is a fairly new type of medical mask material. This type of mask is similar to a plastic container, which is generally produced from a high density foam that has an airtight seal when filled with medical waste and placed inside the hospital. Styrofoam is normally thick enough to prevent bacteria from entering the individual 's respiratory system and is designed in such a way that air can be pumped through the mask quickly. Because it is not thick, it's also able to move around freely, keeping the nose clean and the mouth dry and avoiding contamination from the individual 's sneezing, coughing or breathing heavily. They are more expensive than other medical mask materials but have shown to be an effective option for hospital employees. Silicone is a natural product and so won't degrade over time like other materials. It's a water-resistant covering and can be easily molded into any shape or form, making it very versatile. However, it is much less easily cleaned as other materials and requires frequent replacement or specialist cleaning. Since these masks are designed for use by healthcare workers, they should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis to help keep the patient and staff shielded. This should be done by a trained professional using antibacterial solutions, which is usually included in any equipment purchased by the hospital or medical facility. Cleaning is simple since the substances are nonporous and there are no chemicals used to wash them. They require only a simple wipe down with a damp cloth or wet wash cloth to remove excess moisture and bacteria. In cases of excessive wear, like in the case of prolonged hospital work hours, it's important to wash the mask often to prevent contamination and ensure a new infection-free atmosphere. The solution should be allowed to sit for 30 minutes, so it doesn't soak into the mask but instead into the skin beneath. After the sanitizer has been implemented, it's important to rinse the mask off completely with clean water to remove any remaining sanitizer. Cleaning masks at the hospital can be a pain for the staff members, but if done correctly can prevent infections and reduce costs by protecting the staff and patients from contaminants that could infect them. Even a very simple solution of one cup of bleach diluted in 2 quarts of water is sufficient to effectively disinfect and sterilize the mask, preventing it from spreading bacteria and possibly causing a severe infection. Although sanitizing is quite important besides the obvious reason of avoiding contamination, the mask itself may also need sanitizing to eliminate food, drink or other substance which may get into the air during use. For instance, if there are individuals who are in and out of the space during the course of the day, the mask can often become contaminated during their use. Cleaning this region of the mask using a bleach solution provides a clean-air area that prevents contamination and allows the air to flow freely. Bleach solutions can also be used to sanitize tools and instruments in the room, in addition to clean up droppings from staff and patients.