Practical How To: MEDICOM SafeMask – Procedure Earloop Face Masks
This post was developed in collaboration with Medicom
On an experimental basis, we have asked a number of companies to provide us with practical “How To” answers to clinical questions. We were prompted to conduct this experiment when dental team members told us that they visit company websites and consult company representatives for practical clinical information. These posts do not constitute the CDA’s endorsement or marketing of any product showcased in these posts. The information is presented exclusively for educational purposes.
Webinar Session: Personal Protective Equipment: Minimizing Risk
Highlights
There are several routes of cross-contamination and infection in healthcare settings.
- Direct contact with body fluids
- Indirect contact with sharps, instruments and other contaminated treatment items
- Exposure to airborne infectious particles
There is an extensive history of diseases transmitted by airborne bacteria and viruses. Masks are an important and effective barrier in protecting HCPs and patients from the potential of acquiring these infections.
The generation of airborne material occurs during the majority of dental procedures. Spatter, containing large particulate matter and aerosols with visible fluid, is often clearly seen during procedures. Droplets from spatter are propelled from intraoral operative sites and remain airborne briefly due to their large size. However, aerosols stay airborne for longer intervals and have the potential to enter unprotected bronchioles and alveoli of the lungs. airborne bacterial or viral infections.
Proper Use of Masks
- Mask must cover the nostrils.
- Masks should appropriately conform to the shape of the users’ face. Gaps along the side of the mask should be eliminated to prevent entry of airborne microbes.
- Wet masks should be changed every 20 minutes during procedures that generate heavy levels of spatter and aerosols, and after 60 minutes in non-aerosol environments.
SafeMask Best Practices (8.40")
Features of Medicom SafeMask
| Non-woven spunbond outer layer material | Maximum protection against fluids penetration that will not lint, tear or shred |
| Highest quality filter media |
Optimal filtration & breathability ASTM Level 1-3 performance requirements |
| Inner Layer | Will not lint, tear or shred Non-woven spunbond inner layer made of white dye-free fluid-resistant material |
| Earloops |
Soft, strong, sonically-sealed ample-length - eliminates pulling Attached to outside of mask- eliminates irritation |
| Nose piece |
Adjustable, extra-long, enclosed aluminum Forms strong seal for maximum protection and comfort |
| Shingle pleat design | Fluid pooling & cross-contamination is prevented |
| Soft bond ultrasonics | Ensures strongest construction |
What’s the difference between the different levels of masks?
The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) establishes the criteria and testing methods to identify performance specifications for face masks in healthcare. Masks are generally classified into 3 types as shown in the table below. Approved test information is described as bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) and particle filtration efficiency (PFE). BFE is measured using viable particles (e.g. bacteria) ranging in size from 1-5 μ and PFE is determined using fixed-size, non-viable particles measuring 0.1-1.0
| ASTM Level 1 |
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| ASTM Level 2 |
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| ASTM Level 3 |
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