Face And Surgical Masks in South Africa: Types and Qualities

Face masks and surgical masks are the first layer of defense against harmful liquid particle droplets, bacteria, and viruses. They prevent you from directly being exposed to a high-risk environment and manage a low-risk situation. Masks not only protect the wearer but also protect other people from the wearer. 

COVID-19 was a phase that made the world realize the true value of face masks and high-quality surgical masks, and respirators. Today, there are various standards for surgical masks and numerous options for high-quality face masks in South Africa and around the world. With awareness, the market for high-quality surgical masks and face masks has significantly increased and is just an online search away. You can look for various options by searching “surgical masks South Africa” to explore suitable options.

Let’s discuss the various aspects of face masks and surgical masks.

What are face masks?


Face masks or non-surgical masks are general purpose masks for the public aimed at protecting in low-risk environments. They provide minimal protection and are used outside healthcare facilities and non-healthcare related scenarios such as social-distancing.

They are commonly made of cloth or other suitable fabric to offer a protective barrier from harmful particles. They are not subject to any form of regulatory standards and do not offer any guaranteed protection. Face masks are often reusable. 

They are easily available in the South African market and online and can be found by searching, for example, “surgical masks for sale, Johannesburg” or “face masks, South Africa”.

What are surgical masks?

Surgical masks, medical face masks, or procedure masks are personal protection equipment used by professionals. It is used as a protective barrier over their mouth and nose to prevent large droplet particles, bacteria, and viruses from escaping into a sterile environment and minimizing exposure. It is used to protect other people from the wearer but also protects from outside elements. They are breathable and made of multiple layers of finely woven fabrics with filtration layers in the middle and outside. There are many options for surgical masks, and you can look for them by searching “surgical masks for sale, South Africa.” 

Difference between face masks and surgical masks

  • Face masks or non-surgical masks include various types of masks that are self-made or commercially available. They can be reusable masks made out of cloth or other fabrics or could be disposable or single-use. They may or may not be effective in filtering liquid contaminants, bacteria or viruses. Non-surgical masks are not preferred for high-risk settings such as hospitals or contaminated areas due to the high risk of exposure.

  • Surgical masks, on the other hand, are designed to protect other people from the wearer. It blocks large particle droplets resulting from sneezing, coughing, or talking to escape. It also helps the wearer avoid inhaling harmful or infected particles or droplets.

  • Face masks are generally single-layered and do not have a protective layer to filter harmful particles, bacteria, or viruses, as surgical masks often have three layers: an outer layer, an inner layer, and a middle layer. The outer and middle layer is made of Polypropylene to filter most of the harmful particles. 

  • Face masks are not subject to quality control of any kind and can be made out of cloth or other suitable fabric. Surgical masks undergo rigorous and numerous quality checks and are made with standard procedures and materials to be approved for wearing in a high-risk exposure situation.

  • The efficacy of a surgical mask also plays a vital role. Ideally, a surgical mask should have a BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficacy) and PFE (Particle Filtration Efficacy) of 95% or above to be approved, whereas face masks do not have such ratings or criteria. ASTM is an international standard of measuring the efficacy of the masks that are:

  • ASTM Level 1- Low-barrier protection

  • ASTM Level 2- moderate barrier protection

  • ASTM Level 3- maximum barrier protection

Types of face masks and surgical masks 

There are different types of masks based on their efficacy and ability to filter airborne particles, as well as oil resistance. 

  • Surgical N95- approved for high filtration of particles and oil resistance

  • N95- > 95% protection, no oil resistance

  • N99- >99% protection, no oil resistance

  • N100- >99.97% protection and no oil resistance

  • R95- >95% protection and some level of oil resistance

  • P95- >95% protection and oil resistant

  • P99- >99% protection and oil resistant

  • P100- >99.97% protection and oil resistant

How to select a good mask?

Masks or respirators, whatever you choose, should have a better fit to provide adequate protection. Masks should be made of a suitable material that can filter out droplet particles and resistant oils, as well as be breathable. Always opt for a disposable and well-fitting surgical mask for protection when you risk exposure. 

Finely woven Multi-layered cloth masks can provide better protection than loosely woven single-layered masks. Also, masks should be avoided with exhalation vents and openings for breathing; they make them less efficient. Do not touch the inside of your mask with dirty hands, as hands can carry harmful particles, and improper handling of masks can transfer bacteria and viruses from the masks to the body.

Conclusion

After COVID-19, masks have emerged as a form of protection for the general public and have created awareness about the transmission of harmful particles from one person to another. Masks provide a way of not only protecting oneself but also protecting the person in front of them. Surgical masks are similar. 

They are primarily designed to protect the other person rather than the user. However, good surgical masks are difficult to obtain, and one needs some level of knowledge to find a good one. You can also look at different options for surgical masks by looking up “surgical masks for sale, South Africa” to find your preferred choice.
Location: 354 Rivonia Blvd, Rivonia, Johannesburg, 2146, South Africa

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