Masks CHOOSING

Masks
CHOOSING
• A wide range of masks are available: reusable and disposable surgical and FFP3 masks;
masks with visors; masks without visors, etc. Make sure you know what is available in
your place of work, how to wear it and how to use it – always follow the manufacturer’s
guidance on use, make sure each item fits comfortably and check expiry dates.
• If there is any possibility that blood, body fluids, medications or fluids of any type may be
splashed in your face, you should wear a surgical mask.
• If you are caring for someone with an infection that is transmitted via the airborne route,
e.g. influenza, and will be performing an aerosol generating procedure such as intubation,
oro/nasopharyngeal suctioning, tracheostomy care, chest physiotherapy, bronchoscopy/
CPR, etc., you should wear an FFP3 mask.
• Manufacturers’ instructions should be adhered to while donning masks to ensure the
most appropriate fit and optimum protection.
USING The purpose of wearing a mask is to prevent splashes from going in your mouth
or up your nose. Specialist masks also filter the air you breathe. Torn or damaged masks
should not be worn as they may not provide the desired level of protection.
SURGICAL MASKS These provide a physical barrier against splashes to the mouth and
nose. They do not filter the air you inhale and are not an effective barrier for fine aerosol
droplets that float through the air and are inhaled. Care should be taken to ensure that
surgical masks fit snugly around the nose and chin.
Surgical masks are single-use, disposable items and should be removed when no longer
required. They should not be worn around the neck and should be changed when moist/
wet/contaminated.
F I LT E R I N G FA C E P I E C E M A S K S ( F F P M A S K S ) These provide a physical barrier
against splashes to the mouth and nose and also filter the air you inhale. They are capable
of filtering fine aerosols. FFP3 masks are the mask of choice, providing a higher level of
filtration than FFP2 masks.
FFP3 masks should be worn when aerosolising procedures are underway with patients
with infections transmitted via the airborne route, e.g. influenza, tuberculosis, etc. They
must be fitted to ensure the best possible fit on to your face. A ‘fit test’ should be carried
out to check how well the mask fits (Box 1).
Box 1 Fit test for masks
FFP3 mask fit testing
• Fit testing is a one-off test but should be repeated if facial shape changes/following
significant weight gain/loss.
• FFP3 fit testing is a legal requirement.
• The wearer must achieve an adequate fit with each specific model of FFP3.
Factors affecting face seal
• Jewellery – may need to be removed.
• Facial markings, e.g. scar/mole.
• Safety or prescription glasses (should be worn during fit test).
• Facial hair. A small goatee or beard than will be covered by the mask may be okay,
otherwise staff must be clean shaven for a proper fit and face seal. Otherwise,
those with facial hair should shave/do not perform aerosolising procedures/use a
hood with powered extraction.
Carry out a fit check before the fit test
• Cover the mask surface with flat hands. For valved masks inhale sharply and for
unvalved masks exhale sharply. If leaks around the seal are detected, correctly fit
the mask before entering a hazardous area