After living through the COVID pandemic, all of us are familiar with face masks, face shields, etc. But after the pandemic, it may seem that the use of such products is not necessary anymore. However, on the contrary, studies have shown that the use of face shields can prevent almost 68 to 96% of airborne diseases. Why is it important? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 3.8 million people in the US visit the emergency department every year because of an infectious disease. Many of these conditions are avoidable if face shields are employed.
Face shields keep healthcare providers protected against splashes and respiratory droplets
In this article, let us learn what face shields are, what their uses are, and what benefits we can achieve by using them.
What is a Face Shield?
A face shield is a personal protective equipment (PPE) that fully covers the wearer’s face and protects against any body fluids, dust, debris, sprays, splashes, etc. Most face shields have a visor which is the transparent screen covering that protects the face, an adjustable elastic strap that holds the face shield in place, as well as a foam forehead cushion to maintain a distance between the face and the shield.
Construction Material
The construction material of the face shields is important as it ensures the clarity and longevity of the product. Good-quality visors or screens not only last for longer but are also anti-fog and anti-scratch. Moreover, being lightweight is also a requirement. Keeping these in view, some of the following construction materials are considered suitable for face shields:
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG)
Types of Face Shields
Based on their construction as well as their employment, face shields can be categorized into the following groups:
1. Head Bands
Headbands are the types of face shields that provide a strong fitting around the forehead. These ensure that the eyes, nose, and mouth are completely covered to prevent any kind of transmission.
2. Food-Grade Face Shields
Food-grade face shields are often used in bakeries where the staff has to handle food items. These are often made up of food-grade clear plastic and have a ventilated design to reduce fog.
The use of face shields significantly reduces the incidence of infections
3. Wide Face Shields
Wide face shields are larger and wider in size as compared to the usual face shields. This way, the product can provide more coverage.
4. Disposable Face Shields
Disposable face shields are single-use products that are designed for one application. These are used in medical facilities where healthcare providers have to deal with patients infected by life-threatening microbial infections.
These face shields are to be disposed of as the respiratory droplets of the patients on the shield can spread the infection. The product is made up of a polycarbonate (PC) clear plastic visor that is transparent and impact-resistant.
5. Pivot Face Shields
As the name suggests, pivot face shields can pivoted on the head. These are adjustable products that find application in jobs that involve mechanical risks.
6. Face Shields with Built-in Glasses
Some face shields also come with added eye protection as these have built-in goggles. The product is particularly helpful for construction workers and welders.
Uses of Face Shields
Face shields are important as they have the following uses:
- Face shields protect the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth against microbes. Moreover, the conjunctiva of the eye also remains protected from the splashes, sprays, or spatter of the body fluids.
- The product is also highly effective against airborne microbes and thus protects from infections like COVID-19.
- Some face shields also protect against heat, chemical splashes, and flying debris on a construction site.
- Face shields are also effective against IR or UV radiations.
Face shields are for both doctors and patients
Benefits of Using a Face Shield
The use of face shields provides several benefits to the wearers. Some of these include the following:
1. Ease of Usage
Personal protective equipment protects the infectious agents when worn correctly. In case of an incorrect donning, PPE does not remain as effective as claimed. However, wearing a face shield in the wrong way is highly unlikely. It is an easy-to-wear product and does not require people to learn how to use it.
2. Provision of Full Face Coverage
A face shield, unlike a face mask, ensures the coverage of the entire face. This includes shielding the nose, eyes, and mouth which can become the gateway for the entry of pathogens into the body.
3. Prevention of Self-Acquired Infections
Face shields also reduce the risk of contracting an infection from your own hands. This is because we usually touch surfaces that could have microbes on them followed by touching our face or rubbing our eyes. This way, the infectious agents enter the body and result in diseases.
4. Double Protection
When used with a cloth-based face mask, face shields ensure double protection. This is because the shield protects the mask from getting dirty and contaminated.
Face shields can be worn daily for added protection against microbes
Face Shields at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Face shields are personal protective equipment that adds a cover over the face and thus prevents the entry of pathogens into the respiratory tract. It is a plastic-based product that is transparent and has an anti-fog feature so that the wearer remains comfortable throughout the wearing period.
Considering their high demand especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, many brands manufacture and market face shields. Some of the top-quality and affordable 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 face shield one size fits most face shields have an anti-fog design that ensures that the user does not experience blurred vision while wearing the product. Moreover, these face shields are single-use items and should be disposed of after one employment. This eliminates the need to clean the shield after every use.
Moreover, these full-length Halyard 41204 face shields are non-sterile. The products also have a foam band as well as a headband to fit it properly on the head. The length of the shield restricts the inhalation of splashes of blood as well as other body fluids during medical procedures.
Furthermore, the lightweight and comfortable design of the product eases long-term wearing. The visor or the screen of these face shields is clear and made up of hypoallergenic as well as latex-free material.
EYESHIELD Face Shields with Glasses, Pack of 2
EYESHIELD Faceshield with Glasses
US$2.88
Product Details
EYESHIELD face shields with glasses are one of the most affordable options in the market. These products come with a clear and highly transparent visor. The frame of the product is strong and fits well around the ears. This particular design enhances the user’s comfort and eliminates the need to wear the face shield and eye protection separately.
Moreover, these EYESHIELD face shields are also highly flexible and can also be worn over prescription glasses. The use of these products is common among healthcare providers, workers who require facial protection, as well as the general public.
Skil-Care Reusable Face Shield (914332)
Skil-Care Reusable Face Shield (914332)
US$11.88
Product Details
Skil-Care reusable face shields are one of the personal protective equipment that protects the wearer from bodily fluids, chemical agents, as well as certain contaminants. The product provides a comfortable fit as it has a soft foam headband that does not irritate the user.
Moreover, these Skil-Care face shields can be donned over the prescription or protective eyewear. As the product is reusable, these face shields can be cleaned multiple times to make them microbe-free before wearing them again.
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 product that has been designed on the principle of one size fits most. The product has a full-length visor or screen that is clear and transparent with a clear tint. Moreover, the product keeps the wearer ventilated which makes it easy to wear during hot summer days.
Furthermore, these Wraparound Better Shield™ face shields are reusable and can be employed again and again after cleaning and wiping. The product is also non-sterile. The length of the visor is up to 11 inches and it comes with an elastic strap that ensures a strong fitting around the head.
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 2-in-1 product that has a facemask with a built-in shield. The IIR filtration indicates that the product has a high level of bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) with a value of at least 98%. This means that the facemask and the shield are capable of restricting the entry of bacteria and other pathogenic entities into the lungs.
Furthermore, the Medline Type IIR procedural facemask with a shield also has an anti-fogging foam strip that does not allow the screen to become blurred. For easy identification, the product also has a distinctive purple external layer. In addition, the packaging of the product is also innovative in a way that it is color-coded and contains icons along with perforations for easy opening as well as dispensing.
These Medline Type IIR procedural facemasks with shields are ideal for use within hospitals, clinics, as well as dental care facilities. Moreover, these face shields can also be worn by the general public when living in a high-risk area.
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 budget-friendly product that ensures a healthy breathing process along with protection against infectious diseases. The product is comfortable to wear, especially for longer hours, and thus enhances user comfort. Moreover, these 3Ply facemasks with face shields are highly effective against airborne germs.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Face shields with goggles ensure a snug fit of the product
The 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
As soon as the weather starts to change, there is a sharp rise in infectious diseases. As a result, a huge number of patients visit healthcare facilities which poses a risk of transmission of the infections from one patient to another as well as from patients to the healthcare staff.
In such cases, wearing PPE like face masks and face shields becomes necessary as these things help reduce the risk of microbial transmission. Face shields are not only useful for healthcare providers but are also suitable for people in many other jobs due to their ability to protect them against possible injuries.
Due to a surge in their demand, face shields should be bought and kept in storage for future use whenever the need be. For purchasing face shields of different brands, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/infectious-disease.htm
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.
