Surgical Disposable Masks

Face masks

The most common types of face masks are:

• Standard Face Masks
• Surgical Masks

A Standard Face mask:

• Mask comes with or without a face shield.
• Covers the user’s nose and mouth and may or may not meet fluid barrier or filtration efficiency levels.
• Not considered medical devices.
• May be used by the general public and health care personnel.

A Surgical mask:

• Mask covers the user’s nose and mouth and provides a physical barrier to fluids and particulate materials.
• Intended for medical purposes.
• Considered medical devices.
• Mask meets certain fluid barrier protection standards and Class I or Class II flammability tests.
• Considered personal protective equipment (PPE).

While a surgical mask may be effective in blocking splashes and large-particle droplets, they do not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface of the mask and your face.

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