Why Should Practitioners Wear Type IIR Face Masks ?

Type IIR Masks

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has updated its guidelines on wearing face masks. It now recommends that face coverings should be worn on public transport and in enclosed work environments. It also advises that healthcare workers should wear medical masks when providing any patient care.  

It has been recommended by WHOPublic Health England and the government that healthcare workers should wear a fluid-resistant Type IIR surgical mask when giving direct patient care.  

What is a Type IIR Face Mask? 

Type IIR face masks are also known as surgical-grade masks. They are required to have an ASTM certification, which proves that the mask offers increased protection compared to a standard mask as they block potentially-infectious droplets from entering the respiratory system. Type IIR face masks are tested in the direction of exhalation (inside to outside) and take into account the efficiency of bacterial filtration. The WHO recommends using them in healthcare settings to reduce the risk of contamination from water droplets. 

Characteristics of Type IIR face masks include: 

  • Pleated style with ear loops or ties 
  • Protective three-layer construction 
  • Splash resistant layer against bodily fluids  

For sale on the European markets, all Type IIR masks are required to hold a CE mark. However, there are a limited number of factories providing Type IIR masks and even fewer factories have the CE certification. Through our global connections, we have secured our own manufacturing procedures to ensure we have our own-brand CE certified fluid-resistant Type IIR surgical masks 

What is the difference between Type IIR Face Masks and other face coverings? 

Type I and Type II masks are also required to have the ASTM certification but have less effective filtration. They are also not fluid-resistant or graded as ‘surgical’ masks.  

Do-it-yourself (DIY) cloth masks or ‘fashion masks’ are even less effective at protecting the wearer because most have gaps near the nose, cheeks, and jaw where tiny droplets can be inhaled. Also, the fabric is often porous and can’t keep out droplets. 

The Phoenix Type IIR masks are specially designed to ensure the ear loops are made from the highest-quality elastane to ensure the masks are as tight to the face as possible. Our masks also include a metal nose-grip along the total width of the face mask so it can be tightly pinched against your nose to ensure the mask keeps its shape against the face and prevents steaming up glasses 

How do you wear a face mask safely? 

  • Practice proper hand hygiene each time you put on, remove, or touch the surface of your face mask. 
  • Put on and take off the mask by holding it by the ear loops, not by touching the front of the mask. 
  • Make sure the face mask fits snugly and the straps fit securely over your ears. 
  • Avoid touching the mask while it is on your face. 
  • Remove and replace the mask after 4 hours of wear.  

For more guidelines on how to wear a face mask safely, please visit the WHO website. 

Due to the current demand, we recommend stocking up on Type IIR face masks whilst stock lasts. We currently offer bulk buy discounts on face masks when you buy 5 or more boxes.  

To shop our full range of PPE, please click here 

If you have any questions regarding this blog post, please contact us at info@phoenixmd.co.uk

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