Medical Face Masks: Types and Usage

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Is a face mask a medical device?

The manufacturer's intended purpose is a key consideration when deciding if a face mask is a medical device. A face mask may still be a medical device even if it is labelled as 'not for medical use' as the manufacturer may intend it to be used for the prevention of the transmission of disease between people but in a non-surgical setting.

What is a surgical mask?

Surgical masks help prevent infectious people from spreading the COVID-19 virus and provide greater protection from infection for the wearer. P2/N95 respirator masks that are designed for medical use must comply with the relevant national standards (or equivalent).

What is a clear medical mask?

Clear masks or cloth masks with a clear plastic panel are an alternative type of mask that may be helpful when interacting with certain groups of people, such as: People who need to see the proper shape of the mouth for making appropriate vowel sounds The FDA cleared for marketing a transparent medical mask.

Why should you wear a face mask?

Face masks help stop viruses from spreading through the air so you are less likely to catch or spread them. When you wear a face mask, you protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and flu. COVID 19 community transmission remains at moderate levels across NSW. Please stay home if you have any cold or flu symptoms.

Which face mask is best?

if you are visiting or working in a sensitive setting such as hospitals and aged care facilities. High-quality and well-fitted face masks can stop or slow viruses spreading. Respirator masks (N95 and P2), KN95 masks and KF94 masks help protect against airborne or aerosol transmission. They are more effective than surgical masks.

What Is Medical Face Masks

1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-face-masks-what-you-need-to-know
2. https://covid19.swa.gov.au/comparison-mask-types-covid-19
3. https://www.tga.gov.au/products/covid-19/covid-19-personal-protection-products/face-masks-and-respirators-are-regulated-tga

Medical Face Masks Information

1. https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/protecting-yourself/guidance-on-wearing-face-masks
2. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/covid-19-and-face-masks-information-consumers