Do you know what a level 3 surgical mask is? If not, you’re not alone. A recent study found that most Americans are unaware of the different types of masks and their levels of protection. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different levels of surgical masks and why it’s important to know about them. Stay safe and stay informed!
What are the different levels of surgical masks and what do they protect against?
Surgical masks are divided into three protection levels. The highest level of protection is Level 3, which is used in hospitals. Level 2 offers more protection than Level 1 and are often used in medical settings such as doctor’s offices, laboratories, and clinics. Level 1 masks are the least protective but are still better than nothing.
Level 1: Protects against large droplets, splashes, or sprays of bodily or other hazardous fluids. These masks protect the wearer’s nose and mouth from contact with large droplets, splashes, or sprays of hazardous fluids. They are not intended for use in a surgical setting or where there is significant exposure to liquid, bodily, or other hazardous fluids, including in settings where there is a risk of exposure to blood and/or body fluids.
Level 2: Protects against large droplets, splashes, or sprays of bodily or other hazardous fluids as well as provides protection against small airborne particles. These masks protect the wearer’s nose and mouth from contact with large droplets, splashes, or sprays of hazardous fluids as well as from contact with small airborne particles including dust, pollen, and bacteria. They are not intended for use in a surgical setting or where there is significant exposure to liquid, bodily, or other hazardous fluids, including in settings where there is a risk of exposure to blood and/or body fluids.
Level 3: Protects against large droplets, splashes, or sprays of bodily or other hazardous fluids as well as provides protection against small airborne particles and microrganisms such as bacteria and viruses. These masks protect the wearer’s nose and mouth from contact with large droplets, splashes, or sprays of hazardous fluids as well as from contact with small airborne particles including dust, pollen, and bacteria. They are intended for use in a surgical setting or where there is significant exposure to liquid, bodily, or other hazardous fluids, including in settings where there is a risk of exposure to blood and/or body fluids.
How do you know which level of surgical mask to wear in an outbreak or pandemic situation?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people during an outbreak or pandemic situation wear a mask that is at least level 3. This is because there is a higher risk of exposure to blood and body fluids when you are in close contact with others, such as in a healthcare setting. Wearing a best level 3 surgical masks will help to protect you from contact with large droplets, splashes, or sprays of bodily or other hazardous fluids. In addition, it will also protect you from contact with small airborne particles and microrganisms, such as bacteria and viruses.
Surgical masks are available for purchase online and at many retail stores. You can buy surgical and procedure masks at stockmedicalsupply.com. Masks are also available in larger quantities such as cases of 1000. Prices will vary depending on the type of mask and the quantity that you purchase. It is important to note that surgical masks are not intended for use more than once. After each use, they should be discarded and replaced with a new mask.
