Face shields vs. masks: Experts compare effectiveness

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We all know that wearing a face mask in conjunction with social distancing is the your best bet against coronavirus, aside from getting vaccinated, of course. But more and more, face shields have popped up in places such as airports, hospitals and even on the streets &#; which has us wondering, what&#;s all of this about?

If you&#;re curious what the situation with shields is, and more importantly, what the experts think about them, read on for a succinct pros and cons list, what you need to be wearing and when and how to get the best face shields and masks for yourself.

Face shield pros and cons

In this case, you really don&#;t want to throw caution to the wind, as there may be COVID particles in that gust of air. The pro of wearing a face shield is having an extra barrier between your face and the outside world, while also protecting your eyes like goggles can.

&#;It makes sense that using any precaution that shields your face, including your eyes, would be beneficial,&#; Dr. Jake Deutsch, a Manhattan physician and the clinical director and co-founder of Specialty Infusion, told The Post in March  of eye protection helping protect against virus infections.

However, the &#;con&#; of a shield is that is will not protect you by itself, and needs a face mask that covers your nose and mouth that actually provides the bulk of the protection.

&#;CDC does not recommend using face shields or goggles as a substitute for masks. Goggles or other eye protection may be used in addition to a mask,&#; reads the CDC website. &#;Face shields and goggles are primarily used to protect the eyes of the person wearing it. Goggles do not cover the nose and mouth. Face shields are not as effective at protecting you or the people around you from respiratory droplets.&#;

When should I wear a face shield, a mask or both?

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Either, neither or both? We vote the latter and so do the experts, at least for now while the pandemic rages on.

&#;Some people may choose to use a face shield when sustained close contact with other people is expected,&#; reads the CDC site. &#;If face shields are used without a mask, they should wrap around the sides of the wearer&#;s face and extend to below the chin.&#;

However, as stated before, when considering wearing a face shield, it should always be in addition to your trusty (and clean) mask. While the plastic barrier appears to cover the whole face, the shield is really only protecting your eyes and skin on your face, not your nose and mouth from inhaling or spraying droplets into the air around you.

Some instances of prolonged close contact make many wonder if they should add a shield to their supply of PPE, especially when traveling or other unavoidable situations such as going to work outside of the home or caring for a family member.

&#;We&#;ve seen customers use our masks and face shields in tandem when flying, for hospital visits or in service industries,&#; said Shaz Amin, co-founder of WellBefore. &#;In our opinion, extra protection is never a bad thing, even post pandemic there will be a need for masks and face shields for the general public. Hopefully by then only one of them will be needed based on the use case.&#;

The verdict from our experts

The answer: if you&#;ve got it, flaunt it. And by &#;it&#; we mean all the PPE.

It will never hurt to add a shield or goggles to your daily COVID-protection arsenal, so long as that you are also wearing a face mask over your nose and mouth and that all your protective equipment is clean and sanitized regularly.

&#;You have mucosa in the nose, mucosa in the mouth, but you also have mucosa in the eye,&#; said Dr. Anthony Fauci back in July . &#;Theoretically, you should protect all the mucosal surfaces. So if you have goggles or an eye shield you should use it.&#;

If you don&#;t have a shield yet, or are running low on masks, see below for some good options that you can also buy in bulk.

Where to buy face shields

These reusable face shields have extra width and height coverage, wrapping around your face and dropping far below your chin for maximum protection. It&#;s easily adjustable and comes in a ten pack.

One size does not always fit all, especially for your little one&#;s tiny face.

This 10 pack is made of protective plastic and features a band that fits snugly and securely on their foreheads. They are also anti-fog, and the forehead piece is lined with a comfortable foam for all-day wear with little to no irritation.

Where to buy face masks

Adult KN95, $1.99 each

WellBefore

Now for the adult&#;s turn, make sure you also protect yourself once the little ones are squared away.

The regular KN95 masks come in a package of as little as five, but add as many as you need to your cart in denominations of 10 after that. The white masks have standard ear loops as well as a metal nose bridge to keep it safe and secure while also remaining breathable for all-day wear.

They are made with five layers of protection and the sixth layer so-to-speak comes with the individual wrapping of the masks, making sure the only person to touch the mask is you upon opening your package.

RespoKare is the name of the game when it comes to protective surgical-grade PPE.

Each mask in the 24 piece bundle is pre-packaged and individually wrapped for ultimate sanitation and ease of use. The mask is made of four layers and has an adjustable nose bridge to keep it secured to your face and keep particles out.

Kids KN95, $1.99 each

WellBefore

Here is a great KN95 option for the kiddos out there.

Now that many schools are back in person and with the weather warming up, let the kids play outside safely when masked up with a KN95. The masks come individually wrapped, making it easy to put one on their face and one in their backpack before they leave for the day.

The masks have five layers of protection and are sold in quantities as little as 10 masks in assorted colors. Choose between a mix of five blue and five white or a larger order of four white, three blue and three green masks so they have a new one for every day of the week and then some.

Hey, You&#;ve probably come across scenes, either on TV or in real life, where someone&#;s performing CPR. In some, there&#;s a mask involved, in others, a thin piece of plastic. Yep, I&#;m talking about CPR masks and face shields. But what sets them apart? Let&#;s find out.

What is a CPR Mask?

A CPR mask is a vital piece of medical equipment designed to assist during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Crafted from durable material, it snugly fits over the patient&#;s mouth and nose, allowing a rescuer to blow air into the person without direct mouth-to-mouth contact. 

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This not only maintains hygiene but also boosts the efficacy of the breaths given. Its standout feature is a one-way valve, ensuring that the rescuer&#;s breath flows to the patient, but any contaminants or exhaled air from the patient don&#;t flow back, safeguarding both individuals involved.

CPR Mask Description and Features

This mask, typically made of durable material, fits snugly over the mouth and nose. One of its hallmarks is the one-way valve that ensures contaminants don&#;t flow back.

• Material and Build: Made of strong material, the CPR mask is designed to withstand pressure and snugly fits over the patient&#;s mouth and nose.
• The One-Way Valve: Its standout feature, the one-way valve, allows air from the rescuer to flow to the person, but prevents any contaminants from flowing back.
• Portability: Designed for convenience, many masks are foldable or come with cases. Some even attach to keychains for easy access.
• Additional Features: Some masks include an oxygen inlet for added support, providing supplemental oxygen when needed.

Advantages of a CPR Mask

• Creates an efficient seal, ensuring each breath counts.
• Acts as a solid barrier against contaminants.
• Often comes with an oxygen inlet, allowing for supplemental oxygen.

Scenarios Favoring a CPR Mask: Beyond the confines of professional healthcare settings, these masks are gold in emergency situations, especially when you have a bit more prep time.

How to Use a CPR Mask

Check Safety & Response: Before anything, ensure the environment around the person is safe. Gently tap them and shout, asking if they are okay. If there&#;s no response, it&#;s crucial to act quickly.

Position the Person: Lay the individual flat on their back on a firm surface, ideally on the ground. Ensure their head, neck, and body are in a straight line.

Open the Airway: Tilt the person&#;s head back slightly by lifting their chin with one hand and pushing down on their forehead with the other. This opens up the airway.

Image alt text: CPR Mask vs. Face Shield

Author credit: By Rama &#; Photograph by Rama, CeCILL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=

Prepare the Mask:

• Ensure your mask is clean.
• Attach the one-way valve, if it&#;s separate.
• If the mask has an oxygen port and you have access to oxygen, connect it.

Position the Mask:

Place the mask on the person&#;s face, ensuring that it covers both their mouth and nose.

The broader end usually fits over the bridge of the nose, and the narrower end over the chin.

Seal the Mask: Using your hand, press down firmly on the mask, sealing it. This ensures that air doesn&#;t escape, and you maintain a closed system.

Give Breaths: Pinch the person&#;s nose shut. Take a deep breath and place your mouth around the opening of the one-way valve, then blow to make the chest visibly rise. Give 2 initial breaths, ensuring the chest falls between them.

Continue CPR: After giving breaths, perform chest compressions if you&#;re trained to do so. If not, continue giving breaths until professional medical help arrives or the person shows signs of life.

After Care: Once the situation has stabilized, dispose of or clean the mask properly. If it&#;s a reusable mask, follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning.

What is a Face Shield?

A face shield is a simple yet effective protective tool predominantly used during CPR. It&#;s a thin, transparent barrier placed between the rescuer and the person in need, ensuring a level of hygiene and safety during the life-saving procedure without impeding airflow.

Face Shield Description and Features

Face shields are transparent and typically made of a lightweight material. Their prime appeal lies in their simplicity and compact design. Easy to fold, they can comfortably fit in small spaces, like a pocket or a wallet.

Advantages of a Face Shield

• Ultra-light and easy to carry.
• Provides essential barrier protection during CPR.
• Its straightforward design ensures users are not overwhelmed or intimidated.

Situations Favoring a Face Shield: Picture being in the great outdoors, trekking up a hill, far from your usual gear. Suddenly, there&#;s an emergency, and someone needs CPR. This is when the unassuming face shield, possibly tucked away in your wallet, becomes an unsung hero!

Key Differences

Both tools aim to make CPR safer, but they do have distinctions:

• Material: Masks are usually made of sturdy material with a rubbery seal, while face shields are thin and flexible.
• Portability: Masks need their own storage space. Face shields? Just slide them into your wallet or attach them to your keychain.
• Protection: Masks with their one-way valves take the trophy for better protection. Face shields provide basic coverage.
• Cost: Masks, given their features, are pricier. Face shields are more pocket-friendly.

Feature Comparison: CPR Mask vs. Face Shield

FeatureCPR MaskFace ShieldMaterial & BuildDurable; fits snugly over mouth & noseThin, transparent lightweight barrierKey FeaturesOne-way valveSimplicity and compactnessPortabilityFoldable, some with cases/keychainsEasily fits in pocket or walletAdditional FeaturesOxygen inlet for supplemental airBasic barrier protectionBest Suited SituationAny, especially with available kitEmergencies during travel/adventures

Which One Should You Use?

Here&#;s a golden nugget of wisdom: the best tool is the one you have when you need it.

• For frequent responders or those in professional settings, the CPR mask, with its robust features, is ideal.
• For the everyday Joe and Jane, a face shield in the back pocket or purse can be a game-changer in emergencies.

Cleaning and Maintenance

It&#;s not just about having these tools; it&#;s about keeping them ready for action.

• CPR Masks: Can be cleaned with mild soapy water or disinfectant wipes. Make sure to replace the one-way valve after every use.
• Face Shields: They&#;re mainly for single use. If you had to reuse one (not recommended), ensure it&#;s thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Training and Practice

• Investing in these tools? Invest in learning how to use them. Local Red Cross or health departments often offer CPR classes.
• Practice makes perfect. Regularly practicing with your tool ensures you&#;re not fumbling when seconds count.

FAQs

1. Why is a one-way valve important in a CPR mask?

Answer: The one-way valve ensures that air flows from the rescuer to the victim but prevents any contaminants or exhaled air from the victim from reaching the rescuer, maintaining hygiene and safety.

2. Can I reuse my CPR mask?

Answer: Some CPR masks are designed for single use, while others are reusable. If it&#;s reusable, make sure to clean it according to the manufacturer&#;s guidelines after each use.

3. Do I need to be certified to use a CPR mask?

Answer: While anyone can use a CPR mask in an emergency, it&#;s beneficial to have training to ensure you use it effectively and safely. Regular CPR courses include mask usage in their training.

4. How often should I replace my CPR mask?

Answer: If it&#;s a disposable mask, it should be used once. Reusable masks don&#;t typically have an expiration date, but inspect them regularly for wear, tear, or damage and replace if necessary.

5. Is it safe to give CPR without a mask?

Answer: While a CPR mask adds a layer of protection and efficiency, in an emergency without a mask, it&#;s crucial to start CPR immediately. Any CPR is better than none.

Wrapping Up

Life&#;s unpredictable. But with the right tools and knowledge, we can tilt the odds in favor of saving a life. Whether you&#;re team CPR Mask or team Face Shield, remember: it&#;s the readiness to act that truly counts.

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