Even when the worst part of the COVID-19 pandemic is over, it has become evident that the infectious agent is not going anywhere anytime soon. Rather, the virus is mutating to generate other variants which, in the worst-case scenario, could be more fatal than its parent venom. Therefore, it is always a good idea to stay protected by wearing face masks, disposable or reusable face shields, etc. Among these, reusable face shields are often talked about in terms of their effectiveness.
Reusable face shields protect while working in healthcare facilities
In this article, let us discuss the pros and cons of reusable face shields and see if are they worth buying.
What are Face Shields?
Face shields are the coverings that are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE). These are worn over the face and prevent the entry of airborne particles, droplets, microbes, dirt, dust, etc. into the wearer’s respiratory tract. In addition, the protection of the eyes also ensures the prevention of many infectious conditions.
Reusable Face Shields
Face shields are available in both reusable as well as disposable options. Where the disposable products are not so long-lasting and must be disposed of after a single use, reusable face shields can be cleaned again and again for multiple wears.
Therefore, reusable face shields sound a better option as they can be a budget-friendly option. However, like every other medical product, these reusable face shields also have their pros and cons that have been summarized in the following section:
Wearing face shields with a mask is a preferred way to protect against airborne particles
Pros
Reusable face shields have several benefits and advantages that add to their importance. Some of these are given below:
Long-Lasting Products
Reusable face shields ensure that the user has a product that is long-lasting and can be used multiple times over several months to even years. This reduces the overall cost of the personal protective equipment.
High User-Comfort
Face shields, in general, are more comfortable than face masks. This is because face masks often provide a snug fitting around the nasal and the oral cavity that makes some wearers uncomfortable as people often complain about hindrance in breathing. The use of reusable face shields solves this problem because the shield remains away from the mouth and nose and thus does not impact respiration.
Reduced Risk of Infections
The employment of reusable face shields also restricts people from frequently touching their faces. This is significant because several infections get transferred when a person touches a surface carrying microbes followed by touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. This provides a gateway to the germs that can then easily enter the body.
Easy to Maintain
Reusable face shields can be easily washed and cleaned after every use. For this purpose, the use of soap and water is recommended. Once reusable face shields have been thoroughly cleaned, these can be employed multiple times before finally replacing them.
How to Clean a Reusable Face Shield?
To clean reusable face shields, the given method should be followed:
· Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if there are any particular recommendations regarding the cleaning of reusable face shields.
· Wear gloves before handling the used face shield and the disinfectant solution.
· Using a mild soap and water, the face shield should be wiped thoroughly. Apart from this, non-bleach-based, EPA-registered hospital disinfectant solutions can also be employed.
· Always start from the side which faces the user. Apply the disinfectant solution and clear any cloudiness or streaks on the face shield.
· After a few minutes of application, wash the shield with water and let it air dry.
· Your reusable face shield is ready for next use once it has completely dried.
· Never use an abrasive or harsh material, like bleach, for cleaning the shield as it can scratch the visor or the screen and thus reduce transparency.
· If your face shield has been damaged, it may not remain as effective as it should be. Therefore, replace the old face shield with a new one.
Face shields are worn by professionals dealing with any kind of harmful chemical agents
Cons
Despite their several benefits, reusable face shields have been associated with several cons as well. Some of these have been enlisted below:
Comparatively Lesser Protection
When it comes to using a face shield, one limitation that is often talked about is the escaping of respiratory droplets from the sides of the shield. This is not an issue with face masks as they provide a snug fitting around the mouth and nose and thus restrict the entry or escape of droplets.
However, as face shields are open from the sides, the droplets released from coughing and sneezing can indeed escape and affect another person nearby. Moreover, the droplets could also easily disperse in all directions and become a cause of infection for others. A way to control this is to use reusable face shields with face masks. People can also wear cloth masks along with the shield.
Relatively Higher Cost
Reusable face shields are usually a bit more expensive as compared to disposable ones. This is simply because of the multiple applications these can offer while the single-use ones are to be thrown away after one application.
Glare Effect
As the face shields are constructed using transparent plastic, the user can experience a glare effect that can impact vision. This is not an issue with face masks.
The visor of the face shields is transparent and lightweight
Disposable and Reusable Face Shields at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
A face shield is a cover that protects the mouth, nose, and eyes from getting affected by airborne particles. The two versions of the product i.e. disposable vs reusable face shields are both available in the market. The reusable ones are often considered better than the single-use products.
Considering their ever-growing market, disposable and reusable face shields are manufactured by many brands. Some of the top-quality and affordable disposable and reusable face shields are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
Halyard 41204 Face Shield One Size Fits Most Full-Length Anti-fog Disposable Non-Sterile
Halyard 41204 Face Shield One Size Fits Most Full Length Anti-fog Disposable NonSterile
US$119.88
Product Details
Halyard 41204 one-size-fits-most face shields are one of the best products in the market. These face shields are single-use and therefore must be disposed of after one application. The product has a strong construction. The material employed for the manufacturing of these disposable face shields is free from natural rubber latex as well as other allergenic agents.
Moreover, these Halyard 41204 one-size-fits-most face shields are lighter in weight and have a comfortable design that does not irritate the wearer. In addition, the anti-fog design of these face shields ensures that the product does not blur the wearer’s vision.
Being single-use, the full-length Halyard 41204 face shields can be discarded after one use. This eliminates the need of cleaning and washing the visor. Furthermore, the product is non-sterile and protects the wearer from dirt, microbes, blood droplets other body fluids, etc.
EYESHIELD Face Shields with Glasses, Pack of 2
EYESHIELD Faceshield with Glasses
US$2.88
Product Details
EYESHIELD face shields with glasses are a 2-in-1 product that covers the eyes as well as the face. The frame of the face shield allows the user to employ the product with ease. The headband is absent which irritates some users. This way, the transparent and sturdy visor remains in place without causing trouble to the wearer.
Moreover, with the use of these EYESHIELD face shields, the need for wearing extra eye protection is eliminated. The product is also flexible and allows the users to wear their prescription glasses as well. Due to their ease of usage, these face shields can be used by healthcare providers as well as by the general public, especially among people who reside in polluted or high-risk areas.
Skil-Care Reusable Face Shield (914332)
Skil-Care Reusable Face Shield (914332)
US$11.88
Product Details
Skil-Care reusable face shields are personal protective equipment that is effective against the transmission of chemical contaminants, blood droplets, bodily fluids, airborne particles, etc. The product has a forehead band that fits the shield in place without causing skin irritation.
Moreover, these Skil-Care face shields also allow the users to wear their prescription glasses as well. These products are reusable and can be used again and again after cleaning and washing.
Wraparound Face Shield Better Shield™ One Size Fits Most Full Length Ventilated Reusable Non-Sterile
Wraparound Face Shield Better Shield™ One Size Fits Most Full Length Ventilated Reusable Non-Sterile
US$79.88
Product Details
Wraparound face shield Better Shield™ is a personal protective item that has a long visor or screen for providing complete protection against respiratory droplets. The shield also has a ventilation mechanism that keeps the wearer comfortable when the product is donned during summertime. Moreover, the transparency and clarity of the screen ensure that the vision is not hindered.
Furthermore, these Wraparound Better Shield™ face shields are reusable items and can be employed again and again once they are washed using mild soap and water. These non-sterile items are long enough to cover the whole face as their visor is 11 inches in length. To hold the shield in place, a plastic headband has been affixed to the screen.
Medline Type IIR Procedural Facemask with Shield (ON27710EL)
Medline Type IIR Procedural Facemask with Shield (ON27710EL)
US$131.88
Product Details
Medline Type IIR procedural facemask with shield (ON27710EL) is a product that offers 2-in-1 benefits. These products are highly effective against microbial agents because of the 98% bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) they have. This feature ensures that the item does not allow the entry of pathogens into the wearers’ respiratory tract.
Furthermore, these Medline Type IIR procedural facemasks with shields also have an anti-fog feature that prevents blurring of the screen. Moreover, the product can be employed in all healthcare facilities where the risk of exposure is high including hospitals dental facilities, as well as clinics.
3Ply Facemask with Face Shield (100 per box)
3Ply Facemask with Face Shield (100 per box)
US$39.00
Product Details
3Ply facemask with face shield is a product that is comfortable to wear, especially for healthcare providers who need to don it for several hours. These face shields provide significant protection against airborne particles and thus reduce the risk of infectious diseases. Moreover, the inhalation of dirt, dust, chemical agents, etc. is also reduced. Overall, these 3Ply facemasks with face shields are effective and budget-friendly items.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Wearing reusable face shields in pharmacies protects the pharmacist from accidentally inhaling drug substances
The reusable face shields, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check different kinds of PPE.
Conclusion
Most infections are transferred from one person to another by inhaling the airborne particles. As a preventive measure, the use of face masks and face shields is recommended by the healthcare authorities. As some people are not comfortable wearing a face mask, the employment of reusable face shields is another way of staying protected.
Reusable face shields are considered superior to the single-use, disposable ones and are thus worth buying. This is because these products can be washed and cleaned after every use. Once cleaned and air dried, the product can be worn again and again until it gets damaged and needs replacement.
The reusable face shields offer the advantage of being budget-friendly as the product needs to be purchased once and serve the patient for a long time. Owing to their importance, it is always a good idea to buy reusable face shields for home as well as healthcare facilities.
Additionally, if you’re unsure how to choose the right face shield for your needs, check out our comprehensive guide on selecting the right face shield.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
