29 May 2020

Which PPE offers better protection face mask or face shield?

Governments and businesses in the US and several other countries have decided to make face protection such as face masks or face shields a requirement or at least recommendation in many public settings. However, there is still a lot of debate around personal protective equipment especially face masks and shields. 

The need for Personal Protective Equipment has never been higher 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has become a necessity in todays world due to the COVID-19 epidemic and the need has never been higher.  

PPE is not a new invention Suppliers such as Silenta have been manufacturing protective wear for over 50 years. Typically, PPE such as face shields have been utilized merely within the healthcare industry. Since the pandemic, however, masks and face shields are more and more common in the everyday lives of representatives in all industries.  

What are Face Shields and who are they for? 

Personal protective equipment is designed to protect user from injury or infectionFace Shields offer protection against droplets, and some models are designed for rough conditions to shield user from objects that could hit the face. Typically face shields and masks have been designed for healthcare workers and industry workers, however the current situation created by COVID-19 has expanded that need to everyday lives 

Face Shields could benefit front-line workers such as:  
  • healthcare workers 
  • Industry workers 
  • teachers or instructor of any kind 
  • customer service and sales representatives 
  • or any kind of service occupation.  

Using face shields as protective wear has been implemented in various countries for professional and personal use. In Singapore preschool students and teachers are provided with face shields and hand sanitizers. Also, in Philadelphia healthcare specialists are recommending face shields for teachers when schools open.   
 

Face Shields compared to Face Masks 

Face masks have become the most recognizable form on personal protective wear, but there has been a lot of debate around the world of their effectiveness. Some countries, like Austria, have made face masks mandatory in public settings, but it’s not necessarily the best option. Face shields have become an alternative for masks.  

 

Face Mask 


PRO
 


CON
 

  • Disposable 
  • Helps protect others if you are infected 
  • Covers mouth area 
  • Hygienic 
  • Esay to wear in public places like public transport 
  • Conceals only mouth area 
  • Uncomfortable 
  • Not used correctly can result to infections 
  • Need to be changed often 
  • Needs to be removed when eating 
  • Does not necessarily protect wearer from infection 
  • Limited durability 
  • Requires touching your face to put on and adjust 
  • Difficult to breathe in 

Face Shield 

PRO 

  • Comfortable 
  • Hygienic 
  • Covers entire face without hiding it - includes eye protection 
  • Reusable or disposable  
  • Cost-effective 
  • Makes lip reading possible 
  • Reinforce the importance of physical distancing 

CON 

  • Need to be removed while eating 
  • Limited amount of studies 
  • Can provide some possibility for aerosols and small particles to float in if the shield is designed wrongly  

 

 

Both face mask and shield have limitations and neither option stops the need for washing of hands and practicing social distancing. Face shields, however, do offer protection to front-line workers who don’t have the option to stay home.  

Savox has joined the mission to protect front-line employees through producing face shields. Our Silenta Face Visors are produced with the highest attention to detail and quality. Want to learn more about Face Shields and how you could keep your organization safe?  

 

Savox Marketing

Savox Communications Marketing department.