Mouthguard

Of the Mouthguard is used in medicine to prevent the transmission of pathogens. Some of these emerge with the respiratory flow and cannot spread through such a hygiene mask. Such a mask can also prevent infection from breathing in outside air.

What is a mouthguard?

The face mask is an aid in medicine. He is also called Surgical mask, surgical mask, medical face mask or Mouth and nose protection designated. Usually the mouth and nose protection is worn and tied at the back of the head. It is fixed over the ears. Less sealing masks are attached behind the ears. Like that of the dentists.

Pathogens that get into the environment with secretion droplets from breathing cannot spread in this way. The inhalation of droplets from the environment is also prevented.

It is mainly used in hospitals to protect patients, doctors and nursing staff in the operating theater and intensive care area, but also in wards for premature babies. Even private individuals can better protect themselves against infections with a face mask, for example in large crowds or when they come into contact with sick people.

Shapes, types & types

A medical face mask is usually designed as a surgical half mask and should comply with the European standard DIN EN 149. There are liquid-resistant models and variants with face protection. Modelable nose clips for a better fit are also common.

The degree of permeability of the filter material against particles the size of viruses and bacteria is central to the protective effect. There must be a protective effect both in the inhalation and in the exhalation direction. Protective masks are divided into the three protection categories FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. The abbreviation FFP stands for the "particle filtering half mask" (English filtering face piece). Simple face masks made of paper, for example, do not belong in the protection categories.

Depending on the design and classification, the masks protect against inhalation of particles and oily or watery aerosols. Protection class FFP1 guarantees protection against non-toxic dusts and aerosols with an effectiveness of at least 80 percent. A face mask belongs to category FFP2 if it has a protective effect of at least 94 percent against mist, dust, smoking, liquid and solid particles. The highest protection category FFP3 protects against fungi, bacteria and viruses and filters them out of the air we breathe. The protective effect for this category must be 99 percent.

There are special versions of the medical face mask for people who wear glasses, as the standard models with their nosepieces often do not match the glasses. This in turn leads to a reduced protective effect. The conventional mouthguard models are often too big for children, which is why there are also special children's models available for them. These are smaller and accordingly close off the area around the mouth and nose better, so that no leaks occur on the sides. This means that no air can enter or exit and reduce the protective effect. The children's masks are also often printed with colorful motifs.

Structure & functionality

The FFP masks consist of at least three layers of filter material. This is a non-woven fabric and electrostatic material that binds fine particles through electrostatic forces. Nevertheless, this material allows you to breathe in and out while wearing it. The masks of the categories FFP2 and FFP3 are also available with a plastic exhalation valve. This ensures easier exhalation and prevents the build-up of heat without secretion drops getting into the ambient air. The masks are designed to provide protection for approximately eight hours, which is the same as most working days.

For allergy sufferers, the various types of mouthguards are also available without latex or fiberglass in the nonwoven. These are then also called "hypoallergenic". Some models are also available in different colors or printed with motifs, such as the versions for children.

Medical & health benefits

In the medical field, the Robert Koch Institute and the Committee for Biological Agents now have precise guidelines on which mouthguards should be worn in which medical situation. In the event of a viral infection such as influenza with a high risk of spreading, medical staff should wear class FFP2 protective masks in outpatient care and care. It is also recommended that patients wear a face mask if circumstances permit. This also applies to activities in the patient room and to activities in which coughing fits may occur. When coughing, the escape of pathogens with secretion droplets is particularly strong (droplet infection).

FFP1 masks and surgical masks are not effective protection against infection with pathogens that are transmitted through the air. Nevertheless, they are an effective hygiene measure in medical work. The use of hygiene masks in the medical field has once again become significantly more important in recent years due to the increasing spread of multi-resistant germs.

Even if new pathogens such as the SARS virus or new types of the flu virus appear, medical mouthguards are essential to prevent infections and the spread of germs. Correct application is very important for protection. If the mouthguard does not fit properly, leaks often occur, through which air can enter or exit unfiltered. The protective effect is then no longer given. The mouthguards must also be able to be attached correctly and must not slip when moving. When wearing a mouthguard for a long time, it should be changed regularly. A wearing time of around eight hours is a guideline here.