Surgical Mask

It is essential for the health care workers to use surgical mask for protection against air born hazards. Function of the mask is to filter air for the nose and mouth to protect dual contamination for both health care workers and the patient. Comfort issue with the use of mask is also important to the wearer. Health workers can also face breathing difficulties when using inappropriate mask for longer use period in the operation room. Doctors explained that , most moisture in the breath could evaporate but a small amount might stick in between the upper edge of the mask and the adjacent cheek during a long surgery bringing discomfort to the surgeons. If the temperature in the operating room increases, then the temperature and humidity in the mask area increases significantly leading to decrease of surgeons performance. The effectiveness of the mask in trapping bacteria has become increasingly important together with the challenge of comfort. Mask produced from very thin muslin rated low in protection for microbes but found comfortable due to easy air leakage through the fabrics and sides. Mask fitting with nose, two sides and cheeks area are most important, because air leakage should be protected and comfort should be maintained during use.