With COVID-19 still a very real threat to our society, we all need to get safer and savvier in our personal lives. Those suffering from medical conditions, incontinence included, also need to be safe. Today we are going to discuss why those of us with incontinence, and our families, need to ensure we utilise disposable face masks.
What Are Disposable Face Masks?
Disposable face masks are respiratory masks that cover the nose and mouth of the wearer. This provides a barrier of protection to help reduce the spread of germs. As a result, masks provide varying degrees of protection for both the wearer and the patient. They provide a filter while still allowing you to breathe normally.
A disposable face mask is an effective way of protecting you and anyone you interact with, from airborne pollutants. Holistic Incontinence has two different ranges of disposable face masks. Our Standard Medical Blue disposable face mask is ultrasonically sealed to create a high degree of protection while maintaining breathability and overall comfort. They also have a full width, adjustable nose piece that can be safely worn by anyone.
Our standard medical blue mask has a three-layer design. The outer and inner layers are made of non-woven fabric, while the middle layer is melt-blown filter material. They offer 95% bacterial filter efficiency and are latex-free to protect those with latex allergies.
We also stock the KN95 Face Mask, a disposable face mask that is certified against the GB2626-2006 standard for filter performance. Which means they filter at 95% and better. Like our standard medical blue masks, they are comfortable and breathable.
What’s the Difference Between Standard Medical and KN95 Face Masks?
A medical standard disposable face mask is not generally considered a respirator but they are recommended to protect against large-particle droplets. They help prevent the spread of illnesses, like COVID-19 by blocking droplets exhaled by the wearer. They have three layers of protection to prevent the inhalation or exhalation of respiratory droplets. They are easy to breathe through, fit comfortably and are made from skin-friendly materials.
KN95 disposable face masks are considered respirators and are similar to the US standard N95. They are approved by the CDC to support the COVID-19 response. They also have three layers of protection to block 95% or more of incoming particles. They have an adjustable nosepiece which creates a secure seal and is easy to breathe through. They have been optimised for long periods of wear.
How Do Disposable Face Masks Help With COVID-19?
Face masks are primarily used by people to prevent sick people spreading infections. COVID-19 is mostly spread by respiratory drops. These are the little secretions we generate when we sneeze or cough. Face masks help catch some of these fluid splashes. Some masks prevent the spread of this fluid by more than 95%. Combined with other preventative measure, like hand washing, sanitiser, and social distancing, face masks can help slow the spread of the virus.
Face masks help protect everyone in the community. Many people can have COVID-19 and not display any symptoms. And they can unwittingly spread the virus to others, especially vulnerable members of the community. In fact, studies have shown that wearing a mask lowers the chance of transmission to 3% when combined with social distancing. With no mask you still have an 80% risk of contracting the virus, even with social distancing. So wearing a mask not only protects you, but also protects those around you.
Why Do Incontinence Patients Need Face Masks?
While incontinence is often seen as a sign of age, unfortunately people of all ages can suffer from incontinence. And many of those with incontinence have it as a symptom of a more serious, underlying health issue. Many autoimmune conditions that affect the muscles, nerves, and connective tissues have a high chance of developing urinary and faecal incontinence. These conditions include:
- Lupus
- Myositis
- Scleroderma
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Colitis
Further, those with cancer (especially prostate cancer) and pregnant women are also at risk of developing incontinence. When you include the elderly into this group, it is clear to see that incontinence affects some of the most vulnerable people in our community. And those who already have health conditions, especially issues with their lungs, are at a higher risk of having more severe COVID-19 symptoms. They are also more at risk of dying from COVID-19. As a result, it is important that those with incontinence, their family members, carers and anyone they interact with all wear masks.
It is also important to dispose of your mask after wearing it, so there is no risk of transferring the infection throughout your home.
Holistic Incontinence now stocks both Standard Medical Blue disposable face masks and KN95 masks to keep you and your family safe. Explore our range today and stay safe!